VPN configuration

[Jon Carnes]

Chad has a point, so if you go with VPN for cost, be sure to go with a
solution that allows you to do a direct dial-up in case of outages.
Building the stand-by into your requirements for VPN will only add a small
amount to the cost.  You could even add that as a separate item done by
another contractor.  They would build a computer/router that sits at each
site and acts as secondary router.  the box would auto-dial into a central
hub on demand and automatically route network traffic around any blockages.
Once your connection came back up, the secondary router would hang up.
Remember that everything will eventually break - so always have a backup
plan!

As to which is better, VPN or Frame, that depends on where your stores are
located (how close to a POP, all in one territory of a vendor, etc...) and
who will be providing the service.  If you are going strictly by on-going
cost, then VPN will normally be the cheapest, but you will need to shop
around and get quotes for each situation.

If you luck out and each store is close to a POP and DSL is available, then
you can check out a service like speakeasy.net.  They can hook all your
stores up to a single virtual network for you, and at speeds that are far
better than 56k.  They handle the VPN and the data security for you.  The
network is transparent.  The cost is very low.

Take care and good luck!

Jon Carnes
MIS - HAHT Software

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chad Schieken" <cschieken at LUCENT.COM>
To: <VPN at SECURITYFOCUS.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2000 2:31 PM
Subject: Re: VPN configuration


> Jeanne,
>
> Keep in mind that when you use an Internet VPN you can get no SLA to
> guarantee uptime or packet delivery. So the question becomes, what do you
> do when the Internet can't get the packets from the store to the date
center...
>
> Since you'll have the circuit costs anyway you may not realize any $$$
> benefit. Normally the cost savings with a VPN come from 1. Already
> having/needing Internet access and 2. not having to seperate circuits/PVCs
> for each location.
>
> Not saying it won't work or save money, just that you need to be very
clear
> on your design criteria.
>
>
> later...
> chad
>
>
> At 07:46 AM 5/12/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>
> >I am working on a WAN design for a 130 store retail operation in 5
states.
> >I want to do credit card authorizations as well as data transfers and web
> >applications. The 2 main designs recommended by different companies are a
> >56K Frame or a 56K VPN.
> >
> >Has anyone gone through this analysis already and found that one or the
> >other is better in uptime, throughput and security? I am leaning towards
a
> >VPN but am concerned about the credit card authorization and the costs to
> >manage the VPN.
> >
> >Thanks -
> >
> >Jeanne Wright
> >Director of IT
> >jeannew at thorntonoil.com
>
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