VPN with openSUSE 12.1

What can I expect with 12.1 and VPN out of the box? I notice I have openvpn installed by default. It’s been a while since I’ve even used a VPN. I was in charge of the administration of our small office a few years ago, but I’ve forgotten most of what I learned. Anyway that was a MS/sonicwall setup. What I’d like now is to host the VPN on my openSUSE 12.1 home machine. What are the first steps to getting started? I have the sonicwall hardware used for the small office available. Do I even need that? Like I said, it’s been a while.

Thank you.

IMHO if you want to tunnel across the Internet between LANs it is better to do so between routers. Of course you might be using openSuSE as a more sophisticated router/gateway, please explain.

You do not indicate what SonicWall hardware you have, or what your intended outcome is. Most of the scenarios I have come across with small VPN installations on MS-centric systems are better served by using SSH for simple secure inter-connections.

Hi eng-int. I appreciate your interest. All I’m looking to do is access my home based computer (openSUSE 12.1) from my Android 2.3.5 Motorola Atrix 2 phone. The phone came pre-installed with basic VPN and Advanced IPSec VPN software. The SonicWall is a TZ 170. I’m guessing I don’t need the hardware but thought I’d mention it in case it’s needed. I’m having a look here:
HOWTO
Any tips or advice is appreciated!

Oh, and by “access my home based computer” I mean outside of my local network.

You could take a look at OpenVPN access server.
What is OpenVPN Access Server (OpenVPN-AS)?

It’s free of charge for 2 simultaneous users.

Best regards,
Greg