VPN Server Problem

Well after 36 days I've finally got my internet connection set up, but now I've got another problem. I've configured my Server 2003 box as a VPN server, as well as my Linksys WRT54GS Router to allow IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP passthrough. I've also configured port forwarding on port 1723 to redirect it to my Server 2003 box. Despite all of this, I'm unable to establish a connection.

I must admit that I'm currently testing this inside of my LAN using my exterior IP address... I'm going to go ahead and try to connect to the VPN Server from within the LAN, however I have a feeling that I'll still face the same problem.

Any suggestions?

Edit: I just tried connecting from within my LAN and it worked properly. Is it possible that the VPN Server is only accepting connections from within my LAN? Is there anything else I need to do with my Linksys Router?

Good luck with the Linksys router...

I had VPN working with a Linksys BEFS41 router, but when I changed to a Linksys WRT55AG router VPN no longer works - even with the same settings.  This is evidently a known problem with many Linksys products - poor firmware and little or no documentation or technical support.

Since Cisco took over Linksys has REALLY gone down hill... Their latest WiFi routers aren't even in the same league as the old wired ones which NEVER crashed and ALWAYS worked...

Manip wrote:

Since Cisco took over Linksys has REALLY gone down hill... Their latest WiFi routers aren't even in the same league as the old wired ones which NEVER crashed and ALWAYS worked...

Cisco has always owned Linksys, I thought.

Hmm... thats a real shame. So essentially this is a firmware issue? I've heard of some 3rd party firmware thats available for the WRT54GS, mainly Sveasoft. Perhaps this would be a sound investment? It's $20.00USD for a years subscription which allows you to download all the updates for that time period.

W3bbo wrote:

Cisco has always owned Linksys, I thought.

Wait, no they...

OHHHH...

*rimshot*

Any word on third party firmware if this is indeed a firmware issue (which it sounds like it is). Can anyone recommend any third party firmware from experience?

It looks like this might be a problem with GRE (protocol 47) on the Linksys:

http://www.pcsympathy.com/article375.html

http://redmondmag.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?tid=897&pn=8

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Networking/Q_21251483.html

Some posts say it works, others say it doesn't so don't waste your time.  Maybe it depends on what firmware version you have.

It sounds like you are using port forwarding.  Did you also try setting your VPN server's IP as the "DMZ" IP on the Linksys?  If it's a port forwarding bug, setting the DMZ IP might allow it to work.

I just went to go and enable DMZ for my Server, but it turns out that it was already enabled as the DMZ, so no go there.

I don't think you have to open any ports if you have the box checked to allow them.

On the other hand you can have them un-checked and open the ports manually.

Looks like you need to open some more ports if you are trying that route.

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Sections-article49-page1.php

I would try checking the boxes.

I would advise against DMZ, not a good idea, IMO.


Open up remote management and I'll fix it?

Thanks Josh, I'll take a look at that when I get back home (in a computer architecture lab). I didn't like the idea of DMZ too much, so I'm glad I caught it tonight as my internet only went live recently...

W3bbo wrote:

Manip wrote: Since Cisco took over Linksys has REALLY gone down hill... Their latest WiFi routers aren't even in the same league as the old wired ones which NEVER crashed and ALWAYS worked...

Cisco has always owned Linksys, I thought.

Nah - they (Linksys) weren't too bad as an independent networking vendor - best move they did was open-sourcing their router firmware (go HyperWRT!)

Cisco acquired Linksys in 2003 and the clash in cultures seems to be causing some pain ever since.