Re: Guidance needed -- New business network.

From: Mike (mike_at_notherematey.com)
Date: 07/04/04 

Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2004 21:28:00 +0100

"Randy Johnston" <randyjohnston@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:cc9goe$bom@odak26.prod.google.com...
> Okay. Recently my company purchased 25 new Dell computers, 20 desktops
> (Dell Precision 650n, Xeon 3.0Ghz, etc, etc.) and 5 notebooks (Latitude
> X300, Pentium M 1.5Ghz, etc, etc.). I want to set up a wired network
> and was wondering what networking hardware you would recommend for this
> type of setup, and what type of firewall hardware to get for this kind
> of setup. Thanks.
>

Well firstly for that size of network you need a server. Trying to do
without will have you tearing your hair out. And I don't mean one of the
larger machines acting as a central store. You need a properly specced
machine running a server operating system such as Windows 2003 or Linux and
acting as a domain controller. It needs raid and tape backup.

Minimum you want structured CAT5 cabling installed with switches NOT hubs

Firewall sort of depends on your connectivity but take a look at a
Watchguard firebox and don't forget that those laptops will probably want a
VPN connection.

Don't forget anti-virus and anti-spam systems.

To be honest, the PC specs are of little or no interest. What you want to do
with the network is more important. Call in an expert.

On a personal note, I hate this type of job. "We bought a whole load of
gear, now make it work properly and if it doesn't we'll blame you" Doh!

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