Is it possible to vpn into a network from an international location such as a internet cafe?

Question

I am traveling outside the US and need to know if I'll be able to vpn into my work network or not. Are there any restrictions to using vpn internationally when in an internet cafe or such? Anyone know of anything that might cause a problem from using a public connection. I just need to be sure the vpn will work, i understand the security might be lowered since it's a public network. Thanks!

Answer 1

Technically it's possible from any place you can get an Internet connection. The issue you may encounter is that many NAT implementations only allow a single IPsec session to pass through at a time. Real common with low end routers from companies like Zyxel, Linksys, etc..



So if someone else in that Internet cafe is running a VPN connection, you may not be able to. NAT is the likely culprit.



I'm assuming your taking your own laptop w/VPN client installed. For you to VPN using "any" computer, you need to run an SSL VPN through a web browser. In that case, if you can use it from a Internet cafe will be function of your companies security policy. Check with your I/S dept if this is the case.

Answer 2

Yes, it is possible to VPN into a network from an Internet cafe (provided that the Internet cafe does not use a firewall or has a firewall but has opened the ports for the specific VPN technology in use). IPSec VPN is typically used for this scenario. In terms of security, it utilizes a high-level of encryption and authentication, so you need not worry :)

Answer 3

From a technical standpoint, the VPN connection shouldn't care where you are in the world. I've used VPN (Nortel's version) to connect from the UK to my network in the US and had no issues. Now where you potentially run into problems is with local regulations on encryption technologies (more than just the VPN software, look at your browser capabilities, disk encryption, etc...). Some countries are a lot more restrictive (40bit versus 128bit).



Now where I would stress caution is on the device you use to connect to your network. You mention the Internet cafe option and if you use their hardware, be aware that they could have key loggers installed. If you have your own laptop, you do reduce the risk though.

Answer 4

You should have no problems connecting. Once you have connection to the internet then VPN in. The VPN is very secure from anywhere. When you are on a VPN you should have no worries. The worry is when you connect your PC to the internet cafe. SO make sure your PC's firewall is on and everything is updated.



The data you send thru the VPN is always secure.

Answer 5

The VPNs I've used often require client software installing on the PC you're using... in that case you won;t be able to use them from a public PC as they won't have the VPN software installed.



If you take your (already set up) laptop with you and hook into a hotel network or wifi hotspot it should work fine. With reduced security if it's over an open wifi of course.

Answer 6

A VPN requires a client app to run on your computer. I know I would not want an Internet cafe computer accessing my network, but maybe you can identify what files you are looking for and find ways to make those accessible to you.

If you're talking about email, there are web accesses versions that are available.

In a public setting, wifi (even in hotel rooms) you have to expect the worst. Use SSL whenever possible to keep your traffic encrypted.

Answer 7

It will probably work OK.

But, it is possible for either the cafe or the country to block this type of access. For example, China has a lot of restrictions on Internet users, so they may not want people to use encrypted connections - and a VPN is essentially that, an encrypted connection.

Answer 8

whatever security of the network, you should be able to VPN from anywhere. VPN creates a secured encrypted tunnel into your work network which should make the connection secure and not be vulnerable. even if someone tries to pickup the packets, the info is encrpyted and not accessible. Good luck.