I have the following network layout:

Network1 ----VPN1-----Network2----VPN2----Network3

I can administer everything in Network1 only and my goal is to get to a box on Network3. I've been told by the admins of Network2 that it's not possible for them to route traffic from Network1 to Network3. I've finally been authorised to host a box in Network2 and I'm hoping with this I can set something up to resolve the issue.

My question is should I set this up as a Windows or a Linux box. My initial thought was to use iptables to reroute requests but with my lack of experience with Windows Server (used for something or other in Network2) I'm not sure if this will work. My head's full of questions like: - can I get an ip without logging in to a windows domain? - if I do get an ip, do Windows Servers manage routing through the VPN? - can I make a linux box authenticate with Windows Server to log on to the domain? - would it just be easier to set up a windows box? - is it possible to configure a windows box to do routing from Network1 to Network3?

Has anyone done anything like this before? Had experience managing Windows Server? Authenticated (or not as the case may be) to a Windows domain? I'd really appreciate your advice.

It might be worth mentioning that the overall objective is to establish a telnet connection from a box on Network1 to a box on Network3.