BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Fellow Cocooners:
I want to (finally) setup a home VPN so I don't have to open (via port forwarding in the firewall/router) ports to access my cameras, home security, and home automation systems here at my house.
I know a LOT of forum members would like to do this, but (like me) have no idea where to start or the best methodology (while trying to keep costs reasonable for a homeowner) to deploy.
I determined I would like to do this with an appliance (non-PC/software) method using either a SonicWAll TZ105 or Linksys LRT214 product. I'm not stating this is the 'best' product, just the ones I selected during my research.
The main feature I'm looking for is connectivity for my Android devices, and access via work computers. I know I'm probably going to have to install Open VPN on the Android phones, but I'm not sure about access via Windows 7 computers at work. Hopefully, I don't have to 'add' any software, though that's not an impossibility.
I've also tried to investigate Open VPN clients, and found out that there is a plethora of options that is a bit mind boggling.
So, I know we have a LOT of experts in this area, and I would like to tap on their experience and get some good advice rather than just blindly order one of these devices, then find I'm going down the wrong path!
Here is what I plan on doing.
I currently have your typical home setup with a cable modem, then Linksys firewall/router, then separate Ubiquiti wireless unit (for extended wireless range) at my home. I have various appliances (Elk, Axis Cameras, etc...) plus a HomeSeer computer that I would like remote access to.
Presently these ports are port forwarded via the Linksys firewall/router. I use DNS.ORG that updates via my Linksys firewall/router to point to my home IP (since I don't have a hard IP).
I am thinking that the best way to do this with one of the VPN products mentioned above is to place it behind my present firewall/router (on the LAN side), then connect the switches, appliances, etc to that VPN box's LAN ports.
I am also thinking the best methodology to deploy is to create SSL connections for the VPN box.
My questions are:
Is this VPN hardware box method the best strategy to deploy? I would like to keep the costs under $250.
Is the connectivity of the VPN box described above the best method to use?
Assuming the VPN box method is a good one, is the SSL feature the practice of choice for my needs?
Where/what do I download for the best VPN client (both for the Android phones and a client PC running Windows 7)?
Am I going down the wrong path all-together? Is so, what other 'path' should I start out on?
I do plan on doing a How-To on my journey so other members can benefit from my stumbling on the best VPN to deploy for the home, as I know there are members that are in my exact same situation.
I tried to be detailed in my description of my quest, but please let me know if more information is needed. Thanks also for the great advice that I know I can count on in this forum (which is what makes CocoonTech the number one forum out there)!!!
Best regards,
BSR
I want to (finally) setup a home VPN so I don't have to open (via port forwarding in the firewall/router) ports to access my cameras, home security, and home automation systems here at my house.
I know a LOT of forum members would like to do this, but (like me) have no idea where to start or the best methodology (while trying to keep costs reasonable for a homeowner) to deploy.
I determined I would like to do this with an appliance (non-PC/software) method using either a SonicWAll TZ105 or Linksys LRT214 product. I'm not stating this is the 'best' product, just the ones I selected during my research.
The main feature I'm looking for is connectivity for my Android devices, and access via work computers. I know I'm probably going to have to install Open VPN on the Android phones, but I'm not sure about access via Windows 7 computers at work. Hopefully, I don't have to 'add' any software, though that's not an impossibility.
I've also tried to investigate Open VPN clients, and found out that there is a plethora of options that is a bit mind boggling.
So, I know we have a LOT of experts in this area, and I would like to tap on their experience and get some good advice rather than just blindly order one of these devices, then find I'm going down the wrong path!
Here is what I plan on doing.
I currently have your typical home setup with a cable modem, then Linksys firewall/router, then separate Ubiquiti wireless unit (for extended wireless range) at my home. I have various appliances (Elk, Axis Cameras, etc...) plus a HomeSeer computer that I would like remote access to.
Presently these ports are port forwarded via the Linksys firewall/router. I use DNS.ORG that updates via my Linksys firewall/router to point to my home IP (since I don't have a hard IP).
I am thinking that the best way to do this with one of the VPN products mentioned above is to place it behind my present firewall/router (on the LAN side), then connect the switches, appliances, etc to that VPN box's LAN ports.
I am also thinking the best methodology to deploy is to create SSL connections for the VPN box.
My questions are:
Is this VPN hardware box method the best strategy to deploy? I would like to keep the costs under $250.
Is the connectivity of the VPN box described above the best method to use?
Assuming the VPN box method is a good one, is the SSL feature the practice of choice for my needs?
Where/what do I download for the best VPN client (both for the Android phones and a client PC running Windows 7)?
Am I going down the wrong path all-together? Is so, what other 'path' should I start out on?
I do plan on doing a How-To on my journey so other members can benefit from my stumbling on the best VPN to deploy for the home, as I know there are members that are in my exact same situation.
I tried to be detailed in my description of my quest, but please let me know if more information is needed. Thanks also for the great advice that I know I can count on in this forum (which is what makes CocoonTech the number one forum out there)!!!
Best regards,
BSR