vpn; win2003 servers vs routers;

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Guest

I am helping out a small company (5 users) interested in adding another
(secondary) business location of an additional 5 users which would share the
same back-end MS SQL Server ACT!2005 database.

I am looking at the secondary location using VPN to make connection to the
database back-end located at the primary location.

One network option would be to use Windows 2003 servers at each location
which would provide firewall, DNS/DHCP/NAT services; one the VPN server, the
other the client; Each would have two network cards, one for internal
network; one for external which is connected to a DSL modem providing
Internet access.

Another (cheaper!) option would be to use routers (with firewall,
DNS/DHCP/NAT services allowing VPN) in place of the windows 2003 servers
doing the same. With this option, clients in the secondary location would be
setup with individual persistent VPN connections to the primary network’s
ACT! Database server, which would be setup as the VPN server.

First question: Are both these options viable??
If so, what advantages/disadvantages do I gain from going either route?
If not, any suggestions?

Are there other better options???

Any help would be appreciated.
 
I would setup a router to router VPN. For more and other information, go to http://howtonetworking.com.

Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services. Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
How to Setup Windows, Network, Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.
I recommend Brinkster for web hosting!

I am helping out a small company (5 users) interested in adding another
(secondary) business location of an additional 5 users which would share the
same back-end MS SQL Server ACT!2005 database.

I am looking at the secondary location using VPN to make connection to the
database back-end located at the primary location.

One network option would be to use Windows 2003 servers at each location
which would provide firewall, DNS/DHCP/NAT services; one the VPN server, the
other the client; Each would have two network cards, one for internal
network; one for external which is connected to a DSL modem providing
Internet access.

Another (cheaper!) option would be to use routers (with firewall,
DNS/DHCP/NAT services allowing VPN) in place of the windows 2003 servers
doing the same. With this option, clients in the secondary location would be
setup with individual persistent VPN connections to the primary network’s
ACT! Database server, which would be setup as the VPN server.

First question: Are both these options viable??
If so, what advantages/disadvantages do I gain from going either route?
If not, any suggestions?

Are there other better options???

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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