[AccessD] OT: WAN/VPN network over Broadband

Hi Rich:

It all depends on what the two offices want to share. I have to assume as
you are asking within an Access forum that you are looking database
solution. The simplest database sharing method, as they have broadband,
would be two Access versions, one for each site and a replication between
them. If a secure connection is needed there are many VPN clients and hosts
that can connect remote sites together. (One recent client used a free Linux
type solution assembled from a couple of old discards and another client has
a Windows based version but I have never seen the BE, as they are in Texas
somewhere.) 

HTH
Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Lavsa, Rich
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 5:09 AM
To: Access Developers discussion and problem solving
Subject: [AccessD] OT: WAN/VPN network over Broadband

 Hello all,

Since this is OT, Personal emails encouraged rich_lavsa at pghcorning.com

Looking for a solution that isn't too expensive and do not know where to
begin to look as there are so many different routers, services, software
packages, etc.. 

I do some consulting on the side, and have been approached by one of my
clients to tie their offices together.  They initially had an outside
company come in and set up their internet services as well as their
network in each location.  Since I've taken over, some things have
changed and they now have the NEED to have their 2 office networks be as
one.  

So here is what we have...

2 offices connected with Business Grade Cable Broadband
Each office is a Workgroup network, no domain exists.  (??might be a
problem??)
Linksys routers (non wireless)
It is a Family Doctors Practice so I don't know if HIPPA comes into play
with this once they are sharing information over a public network of if
we need dedicated private lines because of HIPPA.  

Anyway, Since I know only enough to be dangerous to a network this would
be my first NETWORK CONSULTING gig, I'm doing it for free as a learning
experience for me and for them as they have been great clients for me.  

So here is my question:
1.) Looking for suggestions/white papers, informational sites, books,
anything I can do to learn what I need to know to make this happen.
2.) Advice from someone in the know on how to do this.  
3.) What equipment do I need?  I'm pretty sure I need a firewall on each
end with secure VPN capability, but again I've never set up a site to
site VPN and therefore I'm a little apprehensive about buying something
and not knowing how to set it up, and later finding out I bought the
wrong stuff.  So if anyone could lend some advice on what equipment to
buy and what brands are good for this vs what experiences you might have
had either good or bad.

Rich

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