Originally Posted by
nmenaker
While true, it is free, it is not as easy as hamiachi when using routers on the other end. The router, unless properly configured at the router end, must be port forwarded for RA to work properly, If one only has one computer, then it can be tricked, but it doesn't work out of the gates.
to the credit of haimaichi, they trick the router, or spoof a port forward, so it just works. This is a great benefit when dealing with people remotely, who don't know how to configure their router for PF and RA port fowarding.
Even remote assistance fails often with a router in place, not sure why things like IM to client work fine, but RA and Remote Assistance don't.
MSFT could go a long way at fixing this.
Indeed, both options have its advantages and drawbacks.
Having said that, virtually all consumer-grade routers (when properly configured) support VPN pass-through for 1 user/connection. And yes, as with any other server, this would require the use of port forwarding, when the designated machine is behind the NAT.