[wackyII]

I am looking to create a network using 3 computers running Windows XP at 3 different locations all using DSL connections which use dynamic IP addresses.

Can I use one of the computers running Windows XP Pro as a server and if so how do I assign a Static IP address to allow the remote computers to access the server?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[johnwill]

If you're running at remote location, you need to be looking at a VPN. Of course, I suspect that the file server response will be measurable with a sundial, the throughput will be abysmal!

I'd suggest you tell us what problem you're trying to solve and we will see if there's a better way to attack it.

 

[wackyII]

I just loaded a PC with Microsoft Server 2003 to use as my server and I want to set an IP address so the remote computers can tunnel in throug a VPN, but my ISP has a dynamic IP address that changes. How do I create a sstatic IP address or do I even have to?

 

[crazijoe]

You will need to contact your ISP and have them give you a static IP.

 

[wackyII]

Can I use a DNS Service or is that more trouble than it is worth?

 

[crazijoe]

What would you want the DNS service for. On a small environment it is usually unnecissary.

 

[johnwill]

You can use a service like DynDNS if you don't have a static IP address. All you need is some way to find the IP address of the server.

 

[wackyII]

I looked into DynDNS and I found that they have a utility that runs on the server to update DynDNS with the current dynamic IP so it could be routed.

Do you think this is the best way to create the tunnel for a VPN?

 

[johnwill]

You'll have to try it. I confess to not having tried DynDNS with VPN.

 

[crazijoe]

Actually the best way to setup a VPN is with a VPN appliance like SonicWall or Cisco Pix. They usually require very little effert to configure.

Also you may check with your ISP. I do know that with Qwest, if you request a static IP they will give you one.