Find a method to redirect network traffic via your workplace connection.
Find a method to redirect network traffic via your workplace connection.
I checked several discussion threads but didn’t find a solution that matches my needs. My role demands constant access to specific websites for managing alarm systems in city buildings. These platforms are increasingly focusing on security by whitelisting IP addresses and minimizing the number of allowed entries. My office, along with higher-level offices and the municipal building, is now included in their whitelist. I require a method to direct internet traffic through my workplace network—ideally via a VPN—that only my team can use, avoiding long commutes. Currently, the drive back to the office can take up to four hours. At the office, we have limited laptops and older desktops with uncertain performance, and budget constraints are tight. I’ve heard about OpenVPN and WireGuard, but setting them up would need a Linux server, which I’m not familiar with. We’ve also tried TeamViewer, but it struggles with our slow, copper-based internet connection, becoming sluggish and unresponsive, and licensing costs are high for additional users. If I must use one of those solutions, I appreciate your help in clarifying the process. Essentially, I need a simple, affordable way to route traffic through our slower office network.
When linked to your organization's VPN, every data transfer passes through it. Your company's IT team should provide VPN tools or specify the necessary setup for accessing their network.
If you're able and there's no wierd IT-related rubberstamping or red tape, OpenVPN would definetley be your best bet if you had to set one up yourself. I would look into if your orginisation already has a vpn service available to other users within the municipality and hook into that. Added benifit of if something goes wrong, it's not your fault. Example: my old work was for local government; we used their VPN solution (Cisco AnyConnect) when working from home to allow us to hook into our support infrastructure on-site.
You're just starting out with Linux, so expect a bit of a learning curve. Wireguard is a solid choice because it offers speed and efficiency right now, but you'll likely need familiarity with the Linux command line. Check your work environment—some routers support VPN server setup, which could simplify things. If that's unavailable, let me know what you have.
What kind of security barrier does your workplace employ? (if any) Back in my days at an IT company, we relied on FortiGate for our clients. They support split tunneling via a VPN, directing internal traffic through the corporate network while sending other data to the home ISP. A complete VPN setup is also feasible, allowing you to define rules for specific traffic based on its destination.
Who manages the IT infrastructure? I currently rely on a watchguard firewall with an SSL VPN, which has worked well, but I also have a remote desktop server for staff access. It might be worth setting up a remote desktop server if it isn’t already in place, especially given these challenging circumstances.
I'm an independent contractor collaborating with local municipalities. We don't have a "call IT" process—just five people who are skilled in soldering and wiring, not the janitors. I have full control over the setup. The router is a Zyxel 8702, and the configuration page doesn’t mention VPNs. It only lists a built-in firewall similar to what Windows 10 uses. I want something straightforward on the client side, like PIA or Nord—just click "on" and it works. There’s no IT department overseeing me. We’re independent and have to create solutions ourselves. If needed, I’ll set up a Linux server and figure out the best way forward.
That's a rather poor box setup. You'll likely need to arrange a dedicated VPN server, though there are roughly a billion possible approaches. Do you have a specific budget in mind? An alternative could be purchasing a device that already provides VPN functionality.
I don’t have a fixed budget, but as long as it doesn’t exceed a few hundred dollars we can proceed. If there’s a chance to purchase a VPN service that lets me route traffic through the office network without needing a Linux server, that would be ideal. Otherwise, WireGuard appears to be free except for the effort involved in setting it up.
I tend to build things myself, managing all my servers and services—OpenVPN and Wireguard included. I’m not looking for pre-made gear, but once we clarify your budget, others might suggest alternatives. I’m aware there are options available, though I haven’t used any personally.