If your customer cannot connect to their Windows VPN, there may be a problem on the client side. Here are several techniques for troubleshooting a Windows 2000 VPN connection on the client side.
Working with Windows VPN clients
A VPN connection is established across a shared infrastructure (i.e. the Internet) in order for an end user to reach internal network resources from remote locations. In most cases VPN software has been installed on the end user's PC or the internal Windows 2000 VPN software is being utilized to establish a VPN tunnel between the client and the server. The server generally resides in a secure location. Traffic from the client to the server is encrypted over the shared backbone. This process allows for emulation of a point to point link between the client and the server.
If your users are having trouble establishing a VPN connection, have them follow these steps:
- Validate that they have IP connectivity to the Internet.
- Ensure that they have IP connectivity to the VPN server that they are going to connect to.
- Validate the VPN Connection Configuration.
Learn more about Windows VPN clients and Point to Point Protocol (PPP) based VPN technologies, including an expanded troubleshooting to-do list.
About the author
Robbie Harrell (CCIE#3873) is the National Practice Lead for Advanced Infrastructure Solutions for SBC Communications. He has over 10 years of experience providing strategic, business, and technical consulting services to clients. Robbie resides in Atlanta, and is a graduate of Clemson University. His background includes positions as a Principal Architect at International Network Services, Lucent, Frontway and Callisma.
