Sprint, U301 USB, enabling VPN causes problems

tedbnh · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 2

Hi, first time visitor here. Lots of good information but I don't see this particular problem covered in past posts.

I have upgraded to the U301 3G/4G USB modem and am using the Sprint Smartview connection manager.

I have successfully configured it to automatically start my Cisco VPN client using the correct Cisco profile. I get prompted for my VPN password, and VPN connects OK. During the process of connecting, the little lock on the VPN button is red. Once VPN connects, it turns yellow/gold, which I assume means success.

However, as long as VPN is connected, I cannot access any internet site, whether behind or outside my company's firewall. Once I disable VPN I can access the public internet again (but of course not the corporate sites I need.)

Prior to upgrading to this modem, I had a Merlin PCMCIA modem on this same Sprint account, on the same laptop. When VPN was connected I had *no* trouble accessing private or public sites. The issue came up only when I upgraded to the U301 using Smartview CM.

Any ideas will be very welcome - Sprint technical support is out of ideas.

Thanks!
Ted

Michael · Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:27 pm Post subject:

Did you remove the previous install before installing the new version that came with U301?
_________________
EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier

tedbnh · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 2

That was an excellent suggestion. However, after uninstalling the entire previous software suite, the problem still persists.

Thanks,
Ted

chrismc · EVDO Newbie Joined: 23 Mar 2010 Posts: 1

I'd be surprised if the problem was actually due to switching 3g modems. What you are experiencing is the default setup for a Cisco VPN. It is set up this way for security reasons (to prevent your computer from becoming a backdoor from the internet into the corporate network). The config can be altered (on the Cisco firewall or VPN box) either by configuring "VPN split horizon" or by proxying all your internet traffic through the VPN and out the firewall. That being said, as a network admin I wouldn't change the configuration for a user as it is a huge security hole. Talk to your network admin about the problem.