How Can I Connect 2 Remote LANs?

ziff · 09-18-2005, 02:02 PM

I have two LANs, each running independently with internet access. Each network is behind a router and the distance is too great to simply hardwire them together. I was wondering what options there are to connect these two LANs without any additional hardware via the internet or direct connection. Are there any settings within the routers to allow one network access to the other and vice versa. My goal is to have the two networks operate (or appear to operate) as a single network. The IP allocation scheme can be changed if necessary; i.e., one is 192.168.2.X the other is 192.168.1.X.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**Resolution** · 09-18-2005, 02:12 PM

You may want to look into setting up a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN would allow you to connect the two remote LAN's via the Internet over an encrypted channel.

ziff · 09-18-2005, 02:24 PM

That would require installing VPN software on both sides, correct? Ideally I don't want to install anything. I was hoping to simply adjust access rights, new routing table entries, trusted networks...would anything like that work?

**Resolution** · 09-18-2005, 02:42 PM

If you have static addresses, you could set up your router to allow only the public IP address of Site "A" to connect to Site "B", and vice versa. Essentially, what you would be doing is creating trusted public addresses with the optional use of user authentication. I'm not sure if that is what you want, but that is the only thing I can think of at the moment.

**johnwill** · 09-18-2005, 04:25 PM

You need an encrypted channel between the sites (read VPN). Do you really want all your shared data and network access in the clear across the Internet?

09-18-2005, 02:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
ziff Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 6 OS: XP Pro	How Can I Connect 2 Remote LANs? I have two LANs, each running independently with internet access. Each network is behind a router and the distance is too great to simply hardwire them together. I was wondering what options there are to connect these two LANs without any additional hardware via the internet or direct connection. Are there any settings within the routers to allow one network access to the other and vice versa. My goal is to have the two networks operate (or appear to operate) as a single network. The IP allocation scheme can be changed if necessary; i.e., one is 192.168.2.X the other is 192.168.1.X. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

09-18-2005, 04:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,874 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	You need an encrypted channel between the sites (read VPN). Do you really want all your shared data and network access in the clear across the Internet? __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

09-18-2005, 02:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	You may want to look into setting up a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN would allow you to connect the two remote LAN's via the Internet over an encrypted channel.

09-18-2005, 02:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
ziff Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 6 OS: XP Pro	That would require installing VPN software on both sides, correct? Ideally I don't want to install anything. I was hoping to simply adjust access rights, new routing table entries, trusted networks...would anything like that work?

09-18-2005, 02:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	If you have static addresses, you could set up your router to allow only the public IP address of Site "A" to connect to Site "B", and vice versa. Essentially, what you would be doing is creating trusted public addresses with the optional use of user authentication. I'm not sure if that is what you want, but that is the only thing I can think of at the moment.