Setting up a office Network..

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greggpb

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I need to setup a small office for a Comapny... Cost is a big issue..
I am trying to think what they will need ?

then was to be able to acces the office from external localtions..

Any recommendations for a Domain controller and internet VPN solution ?
What else would the need beside those boxess ?
 
The better netgear routers have a nice VPN feature. Not sure if you can set up multiple links to it or only between 2 points though. Otherwise it would be about R1000 for one that handles your adsl line, 4 pc's, wifi and vpn. As for the domain controller the "small business server" is probably what you're looking for.
 
The guys who want to acces from outside already have ADSL setup at thier homes with a mix and match of routers, so it will have to bet some sort of software solution.

Would SBS be recommened over some sort of linux solution?
We already have a Database Server setup and the mail is hosted externally.

What we really need is a sort of dial in shared office type thing..
 
If cost is an issue and you have the skills to implement a linux VPN then in this case I'd definitely go for the linux solution rather than SBS. The main "benefit" or SBS really is that you get Exchange but if your mail is external you don't need that.

If you just need a VPN you could either get a linux box and run vpn software on there (there are quite a few available for linux) or go for a "VPN device" type thing which is basically a small ready built box running a custom linux and would be a lot easier to set up.
 
Just use SBS 2003 and RAS. Simple VPN connection with AD controlled policies.

You could probably do it confortably for 30K to 40K including server and software.

How many users?
 
just make sure you know what you're doing. from your posts it doesn't look like you've done this before - perhaps get a professional to help you out.

Using SBS or any M$ platform is expensive, and once you've spent the money it will be difficult to switch to something more modular and expandable later should you wish to. implementing a good open-source solution is the best way to go, and distro's such as Openfiler and SME Server run nicely together, giving you, remote access, hosted email, redundant file storage, firewall etc. all in one free package.
 
yes, and it costs many many $$$$$ unless you want to use pirated software.
 
Everyone should have a budget for setting up an office unless it's a bunch of kids.

15K for a SMS license leaves 15K on a 30K budget for server, switches, UPS etc. More than enough. Only other big expenditure would be cabling.
 
Work on around R350 ex per point for cabling in the Cape Town area, two open source servers for around R18000 each (High end, Dell pricing), or R8000 each if you spec it yourself, and around R3000 for lan switches, a wifi AP etc. Like the guy said, cost is a big issue.

Once you buy into MS you're stuck with it, rather go Open Source, if it isn't your thing or if it scares you to death, then switch to MS.
 
drowssap said:
logmein.com :cool: ... hamachi version
VPN software installed on client computers
Click to expand...

In most cases hamachi vpn takes 5 seconds to setup. It is extremely easy, the guy who designed it's security is credible and best of all it is free for up to 16 users when last I checked. Thereafter you pay.

It is purely software based as well so you don't need special routers and the like. It authenticates with some server on some island somewhere, can't remember where, but then it establishes P2P link for faster speeds I believe.

I used it as a test for someone at a Vinyl and Graphics workshop. It really took us a minute to have it up and running and it works well on ADSL and/or 3G
 
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Will probally go the linux/open source route.. the office is small (5-7 users) , the users will be sharing a 4mb adsl line..

I Setup a SBS server with Exchange back in 2001 and it was a pain in the ass... dont know if Its got any better.. ?

The network will not have a full time andministrator, so i will be looking after it in my 'Spare time' like I have any of that..

Most importaint thing it to get all the network resources(PC's and Server) accessable to the users who wil be "dialing in"

because we dont want anyone to real have to come intot he office..
 
Why don't you use some kind of open source citrix to run all the apps then. They can use from anywhere in the world then.

Connect using a web browser and bobs your aunty.
 
JUGGY said:
Why don't you use some kind of open source citrix to run all the apps then. They can use from anywhere in the world then.

Connect using a web browser and bobs your aunty.
Click to expand...


Cant you do that with remote desktop once you've logged on to VPN ?
 
You can but to have more than 2 concurrent connections you need to have a application sharing environment. Besides, if you're insistent on using open source there will be no such thing as remote desktop.
 
dude, take a step back here and make a list of things you want to be able to do on this network of yours. list everything, from what type of apps you want to run all the way through to what notebooks or desktops you want to use. planning is key here.
 
JUGGY said:
You can but to have more than 2 concurrent connections you need to have a application sharing environment. Besides, if you're insistent on using open source there will be no such thing as remote desktop.
Click to expand...

what? you havn't dealt with open source solutions much have you?
 
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