Home-to-Work VPN

[Amigalander]

I used to have OS X Server running at work, but trying to connect to its VPN server from home seemed quite unreliable. I eventually learned that Back to My Mac interfered with the VPN ports. Still, when BTMM was off, the VPN server was hit and miss.

So now I use Screens to screen share from home to work, and no longer have OS X Server at work.

1. I would like to continue to use Screens to connect to one of the work computers from home.
2. I would also like to access file sharing on that same computer like BTMM had.
3. And lastly, I would like to be able to access my work network from home to be able to see other services available at work.

What are some options to do these things without BTMM or OS X Server?

 

[belvdr]

Any other VPN service will work. Examples include SonicWall, Check Point, Juniper, etc.

It sounds like you may not manage the entire network and that likely caused issues with your initial VPN setup.

 

[Amigalander]

I looked thru your suggestions, but ended up more confused. Are you suggesting a hardware VPN or software? Also is OS X Server's VPN supposed to be robust? Is OS X Server the recommended way to connect from home to work?

is iVPN a reasonable option? http://macserve.org.uk/projects/ivpn/

 

[BrianBaughn]

I looked thru your suggestions, but ended up more confused. Are you suggesting a hardware VPN or software? Also is OS X Server's VPN supposed to be robust? Is OS X Server the recommended way to connect from home to work?

is iVPN a reasonable option? http://macserve.org.uk/projects/ivpn/

MacServe iVPN worked for me. I believe it will screw up a Mac OS Server machine as it is using vpnd just as Server does.

 

[Amigalander]

MacServe iVPN worked for me. I believe it will screw up a Mac OS Server machine as it is using vpnd just as Server does.

I tried out iVPN and it worked quite well. Maybe it's my imagination since it's using the same stuff OS X Server uses, but it seems easier and more reliable.

I got Screens working without issue on both the Server and the workstation.

All that I need now is access from home to file sharing from the workstation like BTMM had. Is there anything that can do this? Thanks.

 

[Sbarnesvta]

If you want a hardware solution, check out Mikrotik EOIP. You would need a Mikrotik router at each end, but I use it for site to site stuff all the time. Broadcast/Bonjour works over it as well.

 

[satcomer]

I always like the idea of VPN Server $9 USA and free Client software.

 

[nollimac]

I use Mikrotik's RB450G router to connect to my home office and my Apple Server running on a Mac Mini...no problem to connect from anywhere in the world, and it's robust.