---

V.P.N. =  Virtual Private Network

If you connect to your office from over the Internet, you are probably using a VPN. A VPN allows secure communication between computers or networks over a public network like the Internet. Loads of routers claim VPN support, but the support varies.

VPN PASSTHROUGH

Most routers will support some kind of VPN pass through. That means that you can make VPN connections through your network, out the router, and to a VPN endpoint like your workplace. Almost all the routers support the two primary VPN protocols, PPTP and IPSec to varying degrees.

Some questions you need to keep in mind if you use VPN software are:

How many VPN connections can the router handle at one? Some routers handle only 1 VPN connection, others 4, others 32.

Does your computer need to be in the DMZ to use your VPN software or does the router support true VPN passthrough? Forcing your computer into your DMZ to engage a VPN is a bad situation that you do not want to get into. It leaves your computer exposed to the Internet.

VPN ENDPOINT

A VPN endpoint is a device or program that people running VPN Client software can connect to. A VPN endpoint is also called a VPN Server. Windows 2000 Server and the Server versions of XP have VPN servers that use the PPTP built in. Running a VPN endpoint would allow you to connect to your LAN from anywhere in the world securely.

VPN Endpoint Software If you plan to run VPN software, find out if your computer needs to be placed in the DMZ to run a VPN server. Most often, the answer is YES. Some routers don't support running a VPN endpoint at all.

VPN Endpoint in the router? A few routers exist that contain VPN endpoints right in the router itself. This is a VERY cool feature and will become more prevalent in 2002. In 2001, it is only present in some business class routers.

Why is having a VPN endpoint in your router cool? First off, none of your computers need to be exposed to the internet NOR do they have to run expensive VPN server software. If you and your friend want to connect your networks together across the internet, you would simply point your router VPN software at one another and BANG - you are connected to the same VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK. Perfect for sharing files, playing games, etc etc...

What kind of warranty does the router have? If it breaks, how long will you be without one? What if you don't like it?

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between routers and router companies. A few of them try to differentiate themselves by offering 30day money back guarantees and I have even seen a 48 hour turnaround for broken equipment. These options of course come at a premium but it is nice to have the option sometimes.