Hey LQ,

This isn't really a Linux specific question but rather a network specific question. I've set up a VPN server behind an ActionTec Router/DSL modem and I can't seem to connect to it from outside the network. I'm forwarding ports 500 tcp/udp and 1723 tcp/udp to the computer running the VPN software (built in VPN connection from Windows XP) and I've even gone as far to set this computer as the DMZ host.

I still cannot connect. From guides I've read on the internet they say you need to enable VPN Passthrough but as far as I can tell that's not even an option in my webgui for my Actiontec router. Does this mean I'm screwed and can't make this work?

What VPN do u have, pptp ??

for pptp, u should forward "GRE protokol" and "tcp protocol port 1723" to your vpn server.
most of dsl routers do not support forwarding GRE protocol.


pptp should work if u set DMZ host in router config.


i do not prefer dsl-routers use directly as gteway (nat, port forward etc.). i place a linux/BSD firewall between LAN and dsl modem and use dsl modem in bridge mode. So i can get public ip on my firewall via pppoe.