PPTP / L2TP IPSec VPN Config Guide:
Configure VPN Connection Introduction on Windows XP or Windows 2000
In this article we will learn how to configure a connection to a virtual private network (VPN) using Windows XP. This article will show you how to create a new VPN connection using Microsoft Windows XP. By creating an encryption tunnel through the Internet, data can be passed safely.
VPN Overview
A VPN is a private network created over a public one. It�s done with encryption, this way, your data is encapsulated and secure in transit � this creates the "virtual" tunnel. A VPN is a method of connecting to a private network by a public network like the Internet. An internet connection in a company is common. An Internet connection in a Home is common too. With both of these, you could create an encrypted tunnel between them and pass traffic, safely - securely.
If you want to create a VPN connection you will have to use encryption to make sure that others cannot intercept the data in transit while traversing the Internet. Windows XP provides a certain level of security by using Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) or Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP). They are both considered tunneling protocols � simply because they create that virtual tunnel just discussed, by applying encryption.
Configure a VPN with Windows XP
If you want to configure a VPN connection from a Windows XP client computer you only need what comes with the Operating System itself, it's all built right in. To set up a connection to a VPN, do the following:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, double click Network Connections
3. Click Create a new connection in the Network Tasks task pad
4. In the Network Connection Wizard, click Next
5. Click Connect to the network at my workplace, and then click Next
6. Click Virtual Private Network connection, and then click Next
7. If you are prompted, you need to select whether you will use a dialup connection or if you have a dedicated connection to the Internet either via Cable, DSL, T1, Satellite, etc. Click Next
8. Type a host name, IP or any other description you would like to appear in the Network Connections area. You can change this later if you want. Click Next
9. Type IP address of our VPN server that we provide to you. Click Next
10. You may be asked if you want to use a Smart Card or not
11. You are just about done, the rest of the screens just verify your connection, click Next
12. Click to select the Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop check box if you want one, if not, then leave it unchecked and click finish
13. You are now done making your connection, but by default, it may try to connect.
Connecting to VPN server
Now that you have your VPN client all set up and ready, the next step is to attempt a connection to VPN server. To use the connection follow these simple steps. To open the client again, go back to the Network Connections dialog box.
1. One you are in the Network Connection dialog box, double-click, or right click and select "Connect" from the menu
2. Type your user name and password, and then click Connect.
3. To disconnect from a VPN connection, right-click the icon for the connection, and then click "Disconnect"
