How in the Tech

Configure your own free VPN

By Adam Myers ⋅ May 2, 2006 ⋅ Tags: free vpn, Hamachi, linux, openvpn, Secure WiFi

Hamachi is a program that enables you to quickly configure a secure private network between computers over the traditionally insecure Internet. At it’s core, this slick solution allows you to access your computers remotely (over VNC or RDP), safe Windows File Sharing, play LAN games, or deploy inherently private Web or FTP servers. Essentially it allows people to build ad hoc local area networks, easily.

Installation of Hamachi is of standard fare.

1. Download the most recent version of the software (version 1.0.0.56 as of this writing).
2. Step through the installation process; accepting the default options is recommended. A reboot may be necessary afterwards, to finish off the installation process.
   
3. Once installed, launch Hamachi from the newly created shortcut. Here Hamachi will step you through the account creation process by requesting a nickname and creating the account on the Hamachi server. You will be presented with your own unique 5.X.X.X IP address upon completition.
   
   
4. After account creation and login, it is time to create your private network. Click “Create new network” and provide the requested information. The password chosen here should be highly secure as it is critical to Hamachi’s security model.
   
5. On a second computer, follow the installation process from above but instead of creating a new network, you want to “Join existing network” using the password created as authentication.

So how does this all work? From Hamachi’s website, the “peers utilize the help of a 3rd node called mediation server to locate each other and to boot strap the connection between themselves. The connection itself is direct and once it’s established no traffic flows through our servers.” Basically, the mediation server is what allows Hamachi to be a zero-configuration VPN by handling all the complications of NAT and Firewall traversal for you, behind the scenes. It is important to note that the Hamachi does not forward any traffic - it’s only purpose is to assist in establishing the direct point-to-point connection between the computers.

Is it the total panacea that every wifi user is looking for - that is, an easy to install/configure/maintain and most importantly secure VPN solution? Surprisingly for a free product, it is! There is one caveat, in order to truly emulate standard VPN functionality, Hamachi requires a computer to connect to; you must leave your home computer running in order for your hotspot laptop to bounce off of it, via Remote Desktop.

Give it a go, I highly recommend it.

Running Hamachi as a service in Linux:
http://forums.hamachi.cc/viewtopic.php?t=3421

Hamachi on Mac OSX Beta info:
http://forums.hamachi.cc/viewtopic.php?t=4260

[tags]VPN, Hamachi, Secure WiFi[/tags]

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