Network Nerd Knowledge Needed ...

[Digital Prophet]

Ok so here is one for the technically oriented of pack:

If I have a VPN connected between my modem and my main switch and I slip a wireless router between the modem and the VPN will the VPN be able to detect/monitor/block the router? I know that the PC's behind the VPN won't have access. This is for simple internet access outside the network.

Inquiring pikas want to know.

Prophet out.

[srwatters]

So let me get this right...

You have an Internet connection via cable or DSL.
You have a VPN box (Netscreen etc.) between the modem and your private LAN.
You now want to add a wireless router on the segment between the VPN box and the modem.

The answer is it depends on how you configure the devices and what exact devices you have. I work with a business that has a similar setup. They have T1 service which provides them with a router/access box. Behind that they have a Juniper (Netscreen) box. I have configured a DMZ on the Juniper and placed a Linksys wireless router in the DMZ. The wireless clients do NOT have any access behind the firewall (the Juniper box really is both a VPN and firewall, but I assume you know that) yet CAN access the Internet. You can also selectively allow certain ports or applications access from the DMZ (wireless) into your private LAN. Again the routing depends on what exact boxes you have in the network and how you configure them.

Send me a PM with the details and I'll see if I can help you. It only gets sticky when you want the wireless clients to have access to the private LAN. If you only want to grant them Internet access, it's cake. Clear as mud? You can also have Pika call me and I'll explain it in terms of redheads and bra sizes