help with network layout

A

Astroback

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hi guys

we currently have a standalone network for internet in our office
1x router feeds diffrent parts of the building via fibre then converted back to ethernet then in to an unmnaged switch

now i want to get some firewalls or gui interface to manage Qos and bandwidth etc do i go for managed switches all over or a mikrotik router to do it all ?

thanks guys
 
+1 for untangle, I would say it is the easiest way to go if you are not that clued up on linux...
 
yeah im not that clued up on linux used it before but does it show bandwidth per IP address ? sites visited
can i adjust the bandwidth to prioritize the video conference etc ? also tried smoothwall

is mikrotek that good ? hear it was
 
MikroTik is a potent router and the RouterOS that powers it is neat and easy to work with.
Much more of a joy to work with compared to the bigger and more established Router brands that are available!

Untangle from my understanding is a web-app GUI that runs on top of Linux IPtables making
it much easier to work with. I am not quite sure if Untangle can perform the QoS and shaping
that you are looking for though.
 
Last edited:
SonicWall!

You really really can't go wrong with them.

You won't be let down by their system.

:twisted:
 
You can also try endian fw, I like it, which is free for the supportless community edition.

Its got what most fw's has.
FTP Proxy
SIP Proxy
OpenVPN
FW
HTTP proxy ect ect.

Also note that most of the Linux FW's use the same backends like Squid for the proxy , asterix for voip, IPtables for FW ect ect.
 
QoS is not really achievable unless you and your ISP implement it to suite your needs. You might be able to apply QoS policies to your outbound traffic but your inbound traffic you have very little control over.
 
think is if i choose something i need to be concrete on it as i dont want to have to format and try diffrent programms all the time

its time consuming
 
Sigh if only you were in the Western Cape, PM me your email address will see if I can advise you on something
 
agree with ponder.

QOS over ADSL is not a good idea.

I've tried.
It works well during low-peak times but not so well during peak hours.
Depends mostly on who you're talking to (where they are in the world and if they're with the same ISP)
If same ISP then it can be done.
If not = forget it.

You mention fiber = long distances?

I've run voice & data (Cisco call manager express) over a 20KM full duplex Mikrotik link (with TOS/QOS enbaled) - & it works VERY well.
The only problem with Mikrotik equipment is lightning.
The damn things keep dying when there's lightning strikes anywhere close by.

QOS on a LAN is almost pointless - except if all your LAN clients are using video conferencing ALL the time)
100baseT switches are more than enough for concurrent data & VOIP.

a bunch of Cisco switches would be my choice. (if your 100BaseT LAN with fiber already exists)
They ALWAYS work.
Fire & forget.
Hence their reputation.
 
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