Wireless Security Through OpenVPN

arjan · 02-18-2006, 12:53 PM

I am trying to secure my wireless connection and give my laptop access to my home network whereever I am.
I started playing with OpenVPN ( http://openvpn.net/ ) and managed te create a routed ip tunnel (ip tunnel has its own sub net). I can ping through the tunnel, but cannot access other computers on the other side of the tunnel as of now.
My problem is (I think) that my VPN server & client are on the same subnet, so the routing wants to go directly to the VPN server without bothering to go through the tunnel.
That's why I bought a second router on Ebay (should get here this week) and I will put my wireless laptops on their own subnet. The extra router will naturally block request for the windows network so I should be able to route it through the tunnel.
I'll forward the tunnels its port through both routers to the VPN Server (External router --> internal router --> VPN Server
For the IP Tunnel I will set it to my external (WAN) ip address so where ever the laptop is, it should connect.
The windows networking on my regular network adapters will be turned off, and the virtual software adapter will have windows networking turned on. (OpenVNP creates a virtual network adapter under the network setup)

I added a pic of how I had it in mind. I would appreciate your thoughts on this setup, and see if we can get an intelligent discussion going

.

If my post is unclear, feel free to ask clarification.

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amusement · 02-22-2006, 06:46 AM

Excellent VPN security plan.

A 'keep it simple' plan would have been to use a Linksys WRT54G model 2 or 4 router with
DD-WRT v23 or higher firmware. This would have saved you one router.

WRT54G is an embedded linux device with memory to spare. You can google DD-WRT, Seattle Wireless WRT54G for more information.

Again, excellent use of security.

arjan · 02-22-2006, 07:43 AM

That's a good solution to keep in mind. As I was bugging around I realized it would work better with an extra subnet. The cheapest solution for me was to visit ebay for an extra router. I already have the wireless one.
I paid about $25 shipped for this one and it has a print server (parallel) build in. Those are not that common anymore, they all seem to offer usb print servers now.

I like how you can telnet into the linksys router, I am not sure what my SMC routers are running for OS.

02-22-2006, 07:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
arjan Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mission, British Columbia Posts: 1,558	That's a good solution to keep in mind. As I was bugging around I realized it would work better with an extra subnet. The cheapest solution for me was to visit ebay for an extra router. I already have the wireless one. I paid about $25 shipped for this one and it has a print server (parallel) build in. Those are not that common anymore, they all seem to offer usb print servers now. I like how you can telnet into the linksys router, I am not sure what my SMC routers are running for OS. __________________ 2006 4Runner V8 Sports Edition Red 1997 4Runner 3.4L Bushwacker Flares, 5spd, E locker

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02-22-2006, 06:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
amusement Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,509	Excellent VPN security plan. A 'keep it simple' plan would have been to use a Linksys WRT54G model 2 or 4 router with DD-WRT v23 or higher firmware. This would have saved you one router. WRT54G is an embedded linux device with memory to spare. You can google DD-WRT, Seattle Wireless WRT54G for more information. Again, excellent use of security.