Setting up a VPN: FiOS Actiontec Router; Win10

[Bryk]

Given Nayr’s excellent “VPN Primer for Noobs” manifesto, I want to forego my earlier planned port forwarding approach and implement a VPN solution (thus reducing the amount of port forwarding). Am looking for any pointers on what I am planning. I hope this is the most appropriate forum to post this particular note.

I’m a card-carrying noob with plans for the following:

• Dell OptiPlex MT 5040 i7-6700, 240 Gb SSD, 4 Tb WD Purple hard drive, 16 Gb memory
• Actiontec MI424WR-I router (Verizon FiOS; does not provide a native VPN capability; using Coax/MoCA from ONT to the router)
• Likely Cisco SG200-26 Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch
• A pair of WS-POE-8-28v120w POE injectors
• Windows 10 Pro
• Cat6 (23 AWG from monoprice)
• 8 to 16 Hikvision IP cameras
• Blue Iris
• Will access remotely via iPhone

I plan to go with L2TP/IPsec since Windows provides it and the iPhone provides native support as well. I’ll follow this advice: https://www.caseyliss.com/2016/7/18/l2tp-over-fios and https://tedstechshack.com/2016/01/26/set-l2tpipsec-vpn-windows-10/

To ensure I have the same IP assignment for the VPN server, I’ll follow this advice: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/16728

I don’t think I need a DMZ.

What am I missing anything? What have I not thought about and need to research? In particular, if you have created a VPN solution with this router and operating system, I would greatly appreciate any insight you may have.

BTW, I found this web site is helpful for Verizon FiOS topics: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/verizonfios

 

[Kawboy12R]

I have neither that router, net provider, nor OS, but if you haven't bought cams yet and will be using Blue Iris, I'd recommend skipping or at least supplementing the Hik cams with the new Dahua Starlight turrets. The varifocal one that nayr and bigredfish have posted videos of are verrry impressive. If the $180 scares you off, the fixed lens versions are almost available and will be cheaper if you don't need >6mm lens lengths. I'm assuming they'll be available with 6mm or possibly 8mm at most for length. The varifocal can hit 12mm.

Thieves like me some new appliances

Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

For night use, if you put a few of the Dahua starlights in the mix, you'll want to ditch the Hiks you bought ASAP.