Network Layout Suggestions

[Me.]

I inherited a network that was assembled by linutics and im looking at moving the entire systenm away from Centos to Microsoft AD bases system for various and too numerous reasons to mention here..besides, I dont want to flare up a debate on the pro's and cons of linux vs Microsoft. I am in charge of two companies who are basically run by one board of directors. We currently have a VPN connection run by our ISP which connects our 3 sites ( one company has a branch in Midrand ) Each site has a server that runs Centos that basically handles evrything., We connect to the internet via adsl at each site. I am installing a diginet line between the company's 2 offices for VOIP.

Now, im looking for suggestions on network layouts that will basically split the 2 companies completely ( personal preference ) and then utilise the diginet line to link the head office and remote site with a RODC in Server 2008. If people from company "A" needs access to company "B", i can set up a FTP site of sorts. Any suggestion on wokable solutions would be appreciated. Im looking at using Server 2008, Exchange and ISA or similar firewall solution.

 

[<moLe>]

Hey, here is my opinion with some advice scattered in between.

I inherited a network that was assembled by linutics and im looking at moving the entire systenm away from Centos to Microsoft AD bases system for various and too numerous reasons to mention here.

Okay, great so I take it you preffer administrating a windows based network because thats what you are more familiar with. Which isnt neccesarily a bad thing but dont flush linux down the drain yet, there are a couple services which just run better on linux (some dont). So my advise whould be to run a "hybrid network" with part windows/part linux. Services which in my opinion just tend to run more stable on linux/bsd includes
- firewall (pfsense)
-fileservers (samba servers)
-backup servers
all of which are also verry low maintenance and which if done properly should run for a looong time

ps. also do the math on the recurring cost on the software you want to install etc and also work that into your budget..this is important. Dont know how long you've been in the industry but directors tend be first and foremost concerned with the "initial cost" but will eventually go all hellfire on you if there was a recurring cost you didnt mention or neglected to ask about

Now, im looking for suggestions on network layouts that will basically split the 2 companies completely ( personal preference ) and then utilise the diginet line to link the head office and remote site with a RODC in Server 2008.

Nothing a good router / pc router (check out sangoma cards)can't do. My personal preference when going this route is pc/sangoma card/pfsense, due to the fact that then you have a super robust firewall/router/NAT (and a core2duo proccessor means that your router/firewall/NAT wont be a blockage in your data throughput.

I currently run a hybrid network, with a 2003 server that I utilize for DHCP, and DNS and as a license server for Unigraphics. I preffer running the other services over Linux if possible, but thats mostly due to the fact that I find linux just easier to maintain, but if you find this advise usefull feel free to PM for help or whatever, but yea thats my 10 cents

 

[Conradl]

Hang on, so you want to split the companies; yet keep them connected? Maintaining a FTP site to achieve this is going to be a pain to manage (speaking from experience). If there is a need to keep company A and B connected then I would keep the current VPN (at least for a few months after the split, just in case).

Secondly, how many users are there in the Head ofiice/Midrand Branch office? What speed is the Diginet line?? Do you currently have a firewall? Will the RODC server also be used a file server/exchange server, or will data be hosted at the HO? If data is centralized then I don't see why users cannot authenticate at the HO DC?