Nintendo DS

[jonwright]

I have an interesting question, or at least I think so.

Basically, I'm looking for a way to extend a 802.11 network across a VPN. In more detail the situation is this.

The Nintendo DS device supports 802.11 and it is possible to play games involving multiple Nintendo DS machines if they are within range of each other. I work for a games developer and we currently have a member of the design team working remotely from home. He has a VPN (across the internet) between his home and our office networks. We have a Wireless Access Point at the office and he has a Wireless Access Point at his home. I am trying to find a way to forward or bridge the wifi traffic between these two networks, including what I assume are broadcasts between the DS machines when they are looking for each other.

Does anyone have any ideas or experience with this? Any pointers of advice would be welcome, I do have some previous experience in the world of networking.

Thanks in advance.

[M/Q]

How does the remote worker access the VPN? Do they have a VPN appliance or are they using a VPN client application on their computer? If they are using a VPN appliance at the perimeter of the network and you have the VPN server at your perimeter, it is just a matter of connecting the wireless access to the same network the remote worker is on and you do the same at your facility. If there are any routers in the path between any of these devices that is important to know as well. They must be able to allow VPN traffic to pass through.

If the remote user is using a VPN client application on the computer it gets a bit more complicated some times. But if the access point allows VPN traffic to pass through it might just require connecting the access point to the existing network.

To help facilitate this you should describe in detail the network topology at each location. A simple diagram of each network would be very helpful.

[Fox McCloud]

I have a Nintendo DS too, so I thinkI knowwhat you want to do.

You want to play a LAN game over a VPN, correct? If so, it simply can't be done...you'd have to trick the DS into thinking that your router was another DS--same way with the other DS.

It's a great idea (I've thought about it myself), but I really doubt it's possible.

Of course, you could go for the next best thing; open up your DS and replace the pathetic 1/4" antenna with a much larger antenna....I don't think it's legal (or easily done), but you should be able to attain a much longer range.

The DS' max range is limited to around 100 feet, line of sight, or 30ish feet, indoors.

However, the DS can receive a wireless signal about 1/4-1/3 of a mile away...it just can't send anything that far.