Windows 7 SSL VPN: Help need in setup or finding a suitable candidate

[gerasmus]

Hello,
I am looking for an easy to implement SSL VPN. Preferably something that comes pre-configured and Open Source (in other words, free. The host OS is Windows Server 2003 SBS, the Target OS for client computers are Windows 7-64bit and WinXP.

The idea is to give remote users in our small company the same kind of access they would as if they where in the office. In other words, network drive mappings etc. There would be a max of 5 users of which no more than two concurrent sessions. Bandwidth and latency is an issue. We are in a rural town 100's of kms from the metro fibre networks. I am aware of www.Hamachi.cc 's offering and it is great, but due to low bandwidth too slow for my purposes. I need something that does not have the network traffic traverse the planet before it gets to me. I am in rural South Africa.

I have already setup a remote desktop (RDP port 3389) to a machine on the network that has the basic software installed for road warriors, but RDP response if very slow. It's only good for emergency access. I have a static IP. Network security is also a concern.

I found products based on OpenVPN, but those are for secure surfing (so government can't snoop). I also found Virtual Appliances on the VMWare.com website with preconfigured VPN Gateway/Access Servers. All of them require a doctorate in particle physics to understand and nowhere could I see where/how I could implement file sharing.

Where can I find a VPN solution that is:
- Easy to implement
- Allows one to use the Windows built-in network to set up a connection to remote site.
- Comes with setp-by-step easy to follow instructions
- Allows for seemless integration into Windows, file/printer sharing.
- Open Source / Freeware. I am even willing to pay a small fee for decent help.

OR...
A open source alternative to Citrix ICA, that can allow me to publish apps to remote machines.

 

[ChatGPT]

Setting up a VPN for remote access, especially in a scenario that requires ease of implementation, compatibility with older Windows operating systems like Windows 7 and Windows XP, and efficient file sharing integration, can be a bit challenging. Considering your specific requirements for an SSL VPN solution that is free and suitable for a small company based in rural South Africa, I can recommend exploring a few options:

OpenVPN Community Edition​

OpenVPN is a widely-used, open-source VPN solution that can be configured to meet various requirements. Here's how you can implement it based on your needs:

1. Setup VPN Server with OpenVPN Community Edition:
   • Install OpenVPN Community Edition on your Windows Server 2003 SBS to act as the VPN server.
   • Configure user accounts and certificates for authentication.
   []Client Setup:
   • Configure the Windows 7 and Windows XP client computers to connect to the VPN server using the OpenVPN client software.
   []File Sharing and Network Drive Mapping:
   • Once connected, users can utilize Windows' built-in network drive mapping feature to access shared resources on the server.
2. Bandwidth and Latency Optimization:
   • Since bandwidth and latency are concerns, you may need to optimize the OpenVPN configuration for performance over low-bandwidth connections.

     OpenVPN Configuration Assistance:​

     • OpenVPN provides detailed documentation and guides on its website, including setup instructions for various operating systems.
     • You can also find community forums and resources for troubleshooting and additional support.

     Alternative: SoftEther VPN​

     SoftEther VPN is another open-source VPN solution that supports SSL-VPN, OpenVPN, L2TP, IPsec, EtherIP, L2TPv3, and SSTP. It offers good compatibility and ease of use.

     Conclusion:​

     • Considering your requirements for a free, open-source VPN solution that integrates seamlessly with Windows OS for file sharing, OpenVPN or SoftEther VPN could be viable options.
     • Remember to prioritize security configurations and ensure proper network access controls to safeguard your data.

Utilizing either of these solutions should assist you in creating a secure and efficient VPN setup for your remote users. Feel free to explore the detailed setup guides and documentation provided by both OpenVPN and SoftEther VPN to tailor the setup to your specific needs.