VPN through Linux gateway to Windows LAN

[rdu...@gmail.com]

I need to set up a VPN, and cannot find an easy guide on how to do it.
Everything I found through seems extremely complex. Would someone know
of a few good web pages / blog posts / whatever?

Apparently, what I need to set up is either OpenVPN, or OpenSwan
possibly with L2TP.

The point is to allow access for a remote Windows notebook to a LAN
with a Samba server and Windows PCs, as if the notebook was inside the
LAN. The LANs Internet connection is through a Linux NAT Firewall. The
notebook's Internet connection is through any standard ADSL router.

I set up a simple diagram of the network here: http://www.gliffy.com/publish/1231433/

The Linux servers (the firewall and the Samba server) run Debian
Stable with a 2.6 kernel.

Thanks for any help or pointers.

RD

[Chris Davies]

rdu...@gmail.com wrote:
> I need to set up a VPN, and cannot find an easy guide on how to do it.
> Everything I found through seems extremely complex. Would someone know
> of a few good web pages / blog posts / whatever?

> Apparently, what I need to set up is either OpenVPN, or OpenSwan
> possibly with L2TP.

If you're struggling with OpenVPN then I think you need to go back and
re-read the HOW-TO and its examples. If you're /still/ stuck then come
back here with a summary of what you've tried.

Cheers,
Chris

[rdu...@gmail.com]

> If you're struggling with OpenVPN then I think you need to go back and
> re-read the HOW-TO and its examples. If you're /still/ stuck then come
> back here with a summary of what you've tried.

I haven't tried OpenVPN yet, but I struggled for several hours with
OpenSwan/L2TP.

After following the instructions at http://www.natecarlson.com/linux/ipsec-l2tp.php
and correcting several error I made on the way, I think I am close to
having it working now.

It is late now, so I will continue tomorrow and come back with more
questions, or (hopefully) just a few tips for others on what made it
work in the end...

Thanks,

RD