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Slide 1: VPN: An Easy Software / Appliance Solution for Remote Access Robert Gulick, EdD Instructional Technology Integration Manager Parma City School District gulickb@parmacityschools.org
Slide 2: This is not about…  Heavy-duty tech topics • layer 2 frames over MPLS • BGP ("layer 3 VPNs") • PKI in IPsec • IKEv2 Mobility • Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) • Online file storage services (www.xdrive.com or www.filesanywhere.com)
Slide 3: This is about how to…  Access files on your school / office computer Remotely run software on your school computer Remotely maintain your school computer / server  
Slide 4: Topics        What is VPN What is Remote Access Software Solutions Subscription Solutions Hardware Solutions Questions to Consider Our Results
Slide 5: What is VPN?   Virtual Private Network Technology that enables two computers to communicate privately using a public network Encrypted messages sent between computers via the Internet 
Slide 6: What is Remote Access?  Accessing network resources (data) from outside the network • May or may not be via a VPN (could use RAS / modem)  While at a conference you can access a file on your building server.
Slide 7: Vocabulary  Host • The target computer; the computer you wish to access or control  Client • The computer you are using to access the host  Thin v. Rich Client
Slide 8: Software – Free  Remote Desktop Connection • WindowsXP Pro to • • WindowsXP Pro / Windows Server 2000+ Need to configure the host computer to accept connections (security) Many options • Sound, speed, remote printing
Slide 9: Software – Free  Remote Desktop Connection • Pros • Cons • Good speed • Easy to setup • External access requires external IP Address (each computer) • Only 1 client per host at a time
Slide 10: Software – Free  TightVNC (OpenSource) • www.tightvnc.com • Works on multiple platforms and between • • multiple platforms Install VNC Server on host and VNC Viewer on client Handles file transfers
Slide 11: Software – Free  TightVNC (OpenSource) • Pros • Cons • Very good speed • Great for older or non Microsoft systems • External access requires external IP Address • Support is limited www.vnc.com • user groups and pay support versions available
Slide 12: Software – Free Demonstration Time
Slide 13: Software - $  Typically • Need 1 license on each host and 1 license on each client • User / password settings are maintained on each host • Have more support options
Slide 14: Software - $  PCAnywhere • http://www.pcanywhere.com/ (Symantec) • http://www.laplink.com/ • http://www.anyplace-control.com/ • http://www.netopia.com/ (now with Skype)  LapLink Gold  Anyplace Control Timbuktu 
Slide 15: Software - $  Pros • More security option • Additional features • Can be expensive for wide installation • Require rich client to use • External access requires external IP Address  Cons
Slide 16: Software – Subscription  Typically • Pay by host + user combination • Install an agent on each host machine • Thin client (Web access java applet) • Maintain user / passwords at service Web site
Slide 17: Software – Subscription  GoToMyPC • http://www.GoToMyPC.com • http://www.logmein.com • http://pcnow.webex.com/  LogMeIn  PCNow (WebEx)
Slide 18: Software – Subscription  Pros • • • External access WITHOUT external IP Address Many security options Integrated updates Can get expensive  Cons • • • Monthly / yearly rates • Heartbeat Constantly generates outbound network traffic
Slide 19: Hardware – VPN  Typically • 1U Linux server • Needs 1 external IP address for up • • • • to 25+ concurrent users SSL provided through vendor under service agreement (including DNS) Web Interface for everything Clientless access (java) LDAP/Active Directory enabled
Slide 20: Hardware  www.Aventail.com www.sonicwall.com http://www.safenet-inc.com www.aepnetworks.com   
Slide 21: Hardware  Pros • Simple to install • Thin VPN client means no user installs • No local firewall issues (typically) • Not every solution works on all hardware / • software Another server to maintain  Cons
Slide 22: Our Results  VPN Appliance (Hardware) by Enkoo • recently purchased by SonicWall • 17 named users • Access 20+ desktops and 30+ servers • Only problem is reset password (not using LDAP)  Standard VPN Server (for teacher grades) • 500+ users (using LDAP group) • On average 5% - 10% have problems due to home computer configuration (typically firewall)
Slide 23: Hardware Demonstration
Slide 24: Questions to Consider   What OS? (host / client) Is external access needed? • Can you get one or more external IP Addresses?     How many computers? How many users? How much use? What levels of security / support do you need?
Slide 25: Web Resources  Search Terms • SSL VPN Appliance • VNC • Remote Desktop Control • VPN
Slide 26: The End gulickb@parmacityschools.org Copy of presentation at: www.parmacityschools.org/presentations