Cannot browse

[poflynn]

I am trying to establish a VPN between two machines over an ADSL connection using Wingate VPN on both a laptop (client, win xp) and a desktop (server, win 2k). Each machine resides on its own local network which has different IP schemes as the ADSL modems act as both a NAT and a DHCP server. Each network hosts other machines. The wingate VPN server however has a static IP address behind one Modem and the laptop is configured as DHCP client as it is used on either network. A connection can be established but i cannot browse the server let alone the server's network. In viewing the properties for each machine, using the gatekeeper software in the remote network section, the two machines have different IP addresses which is correct for each local network. The DHCP facilities in wingate (at both ends) have been disabled to stop conflicts with the modems.

How can i browse the server? and once connected will the server, how will the server appear to the laptop? can i just browse to it using windows explorer

[Pascal]

Yes, you should be able to just browse using Explorer. However, you have both endpoints for the VPN behind a NAT device. If that is the case, you must make sure that you have appropriate pinholes setup for the TCP control channel and for the UDP data channel. (Port 809 default)

[poflynn]

I have both the data and control ports set to 809. I will check the other end later today but i am certain that it is correct as this is the default setting. However the software registers an connection between the machines but i just can't browse. Should the DHCP be enabled on the server? Does additional IP addresses need to be assigned to the VPN connections at each end?

[Pascal]

No, you do not need additional IP addresses. It's not about the port numbers you use. Your NAT device inbetween the VPN endpoint and the Internet must send the packets from itself to the correct port numbers on the vpn endpoint. For example:

ADSL Router
Internet IP: 202.180.xxx.xxx
Local IP: 192.168.0.1

VPN Server
Local IP: 192.168.0.2

The ADSL router must send all TCP and UDP traffic on port 809 that comes in on it's Internet IP to the VPN Server.

You don't need DHCP if you have static IPs assigned.

The last thing is, your clients behind the VPN endpoint needs to be configured so they will route all traffic through to the correct place. There are three ways to do that, but let's first get your server talking to the client.