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Home > Archive > Server + > October 2002 > a BIG question?
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| Hi to all,
I work in I.T support for a company in Ireland. Recently my employer ask me to implement connectivity for 20 regional offices across Ireland to have internet/email access.
I need some help on choosing exactly what hardware and software I will need in order to manage such a structure from a centralised location in the city.
At present each office has about 5 pc's on a peer-to-peer network win 95/98, using bnc cables.
There is only 1 office that connects to our main network, via a leased isdn line using a Cisco router and a telelabs box.
The idea is to install Isdn lines in each office with new servers "that is a p4 pc to act as the file server" that would also take an external usb Isdn modem.
Am I in over my head here?? Lol
Advice gladly accepted.
Regards. Mark. | |
| Lunatic Fringe 2002-10-23, 8:29 pm |
| Based on the limited information available...
My advice would be to replace all the 10base2 network with 10/100 enet network. Put inexpensive switches in each location to share the internet connection. Then I would contact an ISP about a virual enterprise solution. You could lease server space from the ISP. The ISP would manage all aspects of the virtual enterprise for you, including backups, server software patches and updates, security, users and shared resources.
Leasing server space would eliminate the need and complications of haveing a server in each location. This would allow you to focus on user issues and not worry as much about server maintanance and administration.
All of your users would be able to login and share files as if they were all at the same location. You could register a domain so you can standardize your email addresses.
The down side of this is that you do not have complete control over your network, which may or may not be that important to you. Most companies in the business of providing these services understand the importance of privacy and security and will not do anything to breech your confidence. (I would make sure before I signed a contract that I did my homework on the ISP and get as many references as they will give you. Then call the references and ask questions.)
The other option that I would consider if I needed absolute control over the network and security would be to hire a consultant and have them work with you to create the systems you need. If you look through this Examnotes forums you will find several people from the your neck of the woods that are qualified to help you complete this project. I am sure they would be happy to work on a contract basis.
Either way it is going to be a lot of work.
Good luck to you.
(But since you are in Ireland you probably already have all the luck you need.) | |
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| Lunatic Fringe, thankyou for advice/input, it really helped to confirm somethings on my mind.
Regards.. Mark.. | |
| Lunatic Fringe 2002-10-25, 10:47 am |
| You are welcom! |
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