How to set up a VPN network.
Set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on Mac and Windows so no one can monitor your Internet activity.
In our previous article The 5 best VPN apps for iOS we had presented the reasons why one might need a network VPN and five of the best iOS apps to help us achieve this.
See also: Instructions for VPN and remote access from Mac to Windows
In this article we will show you how to set up a network VPN on your computer PC ή Mac. As we said, a VPN masks our identity on the internet and the country-region where we are located, as well as our internet route so that no one can track us, but also so that we can connect to websites that we may not be able to access from our own country, but that we can access from another.
General principles and requirements
Beyond a computer - PC ή Mac - and a normal connection to the Internet, we will need to select the protocol through which to connect. There are four that are the most popular with their pros and cons. So there you have it:
- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP): is the least secure method for creating a network VPN, but has the great advantage of being natively supported by all operating systems (OS X , Windows, Linux, even mobile) and it's good to make a start.
- Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec): these are much more secure protocols and are also supported by almost all operating systems, but they are quite complex in "setup" and have the same connection problems as the PPTP.
- secure sockets layer (SSL): you will have encountered them if you use a secure account email or deal with the e-banking. Usually referred to as "clientless" (clientless) because we don't need to run a client (VPN client) to connect to them. They are definitely the best, simpler to use and more secure because the connection is simply done through a Web browser and they are easier to use.
- OpenVPN: is what its name implies - an open (open-source - free and royalty-free) protocol VPN based on the code of SSL. It's free, secure and doesn't suffer from connection problems, but you need a client to run it because the operating systems (fixed and mobile) don't support it natively.
In short: if in doubt, go for it SSL or the OpenVPN. However, remember that some services do not support them and instead use their own specialised technology.
Now, let's see how such a network is "set up". If you just want to connect two computers - e.g. PC at Mac - better use the existing VPN software that already comes with these operating systems (see the article mentioned above). If you still want to connect multiple computers to a network VPN, then you better set up a VPN server to one of them using the appropriate software.
If you want a more reliable and "serious" solution (that also supports connections between websites), then you should go for a VPN router. And if you just want to have a secure connection when you're on public (and other insecure) wireless networks, then, you'll need to subscribe to an Internet VPN provider (see our article on the 5 best VPNs for iOS).
VPN on Windows
As we said, in the Windows VPN software already exists that supports the protocols PPTP and L2TP/IPsec. The procedure is simple: In any version of the Windows (from XP and above), if you go to Table Control and in the section on Networking, you will find the well-known "Wizard" network creation (go to the "Search" and write "Create Network, set-up a network" - depending on the language - or simply "VPN"). From there you will select: "Set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection" (establish a VPN connection).
You can use this client to connect to other computers that support the protocols PPTP and L2TP/IPsec.
You will need to provide the program with the IP address or the domain name of the network VPN you want to connect to (if you are on a corporate network, ask the network administrator for the specific information). If you have your own VPN server, you can find the information in Windows by typing CMD in the search field and in the command line that appears: ipconfig.
VPN on Mac
And the Mac natively supports the protocols PPTP and L2TP/IPsec. Follow these steps to create a network connection VPN.
- Select the menu Apple > System Preferences and then click on "Network".
- Click the add button (+) at the bottom of the network connection services list, and then select VPN in the pop-up menu "Interface".
- Select the type of connection VPN you want to configure from the pop-up menu "Press VPN", depending on the network you're connected to, and give the VPN service a name.
- Type on address server and the account name for the login VPN. (IP address or domain name).
- Click on "Authentication settings" and then enter the user authentication information that the user gave you admin Network (in case of corporate or other network you do not have the data).
- After the introduction of information Control ID card, click on the OK and then to "Link".
- Select "Show VPN status in the menu bar" to use the status icon VPN for connecting to the network and switching between services VPN.
Use of third-party software
If you want to build a VPN network that connects multiple computers to share files and network resources without having to dedicate an entire computer to VPN server or make settings in the router you may be better off using software from other manufacturers such as: Comodo Unite, Gbridge, and TeamViewer, which are all excellent solutions.
There is also the LogMeIn Hamachi which is free for up to five computers and, if you have more, you pay for extra seats.
Buy your own VPN router
If you now want to "dive in deep" and provide secure VPN networking to an entire network of computers or have "site-to-site" connections, it might be a better idea to get your own router with a VPN server and client. If you don't want to waste a lot of money, the cheapest way is to update your router with the appropriate "aftermarket firmware" (if available for your model) that will add these features. Such is the DD-WRT and the Tomato.
Otherwise you can buy a ready-made VPN router which has all the necessary protocols and software ready in it. Such models are the : ZyXel ZyWall 802.11n Wireless Internet Security Gigabit Firewall (USG20W), Cisco Wireless Network Security Firewall Router (RV220W), or the Netgear ProSecure UTM Firewall with Wireless N (UTM9S).
Just make sure that - whichever model you choose - it meets your requirements in terms of protocols and number of connected computers.
Let a provider worry about all this
If you just want the capability and functionality that a network offers VPN just to cover your tracks when browsing the Internet while on unsecure public wireless networks, then the simplest solution is to accept the services of a service provider. One such provider is the hotspot shield which provides both free and paid packages for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Other similar ones are: HotSpotVPN, StrongVPN, and WiTopia.
Finally, if you just want to cover your browsing in the Internet and nothing else and you don't want to pay a penny, then try the network onion router, a network of servers that can cover your movements in the Internet. Visit the TOR website, download the latest package that fits your operating system and language of choice and you will have a browser that will make your Internet browsing completely anonymous and safe.
No matter what you want, I think we've got you covered as to your options for secure anonymous networking over networks VPN.
from Elichord
