[lopsa-discuss] hardware VPN devices for laptops?

[David Parter]

> Can you elaborate on the "reconfiguration" problem?

sure. Especially if the laptop in question is at some other location (a
hotel room, at home, etc), if there is no software component on the
laptop, then the support staff (especially me!) doesn't have to try and
talk something through windows configuration menus and debugging on the
phone.

The idea is that the hardware VPN box plugs in exactly where the
broadband modem would be -- it looks just like any other ethernet to the
laptop, no question about routing tables, which virtual interface is up,
etc. Windows is pretty good now about a "simple" network connection...

But it is all speculation on my part, since I haven't had to support
either one yet. I do know how much of a pain it is to talk anyone
through any windows configuration/debugging over the phone, however.

> I've seen the VPN hardware that Trey and some others
> carry about. 
> portable? yes; 
> small? It doesn't pass the "fits in your shirt pocket"
> test.

It does fit in the laptop bag, however. 

> And I have to wonder it the "reconfiguration" issue
> that you're worried about doesn't occur there as well.

In theory, once the VPN hardware device is configured, it stays
configured... 

Anyone with postitive or negative experiences trying to support such
devices, or software VPN configurations?

	      --david