BUSINESS UPGRADES: Need advice

[mmx]

I'm upgrading clients Small business equipment. We need to add new server, router, swithc, etc....

Which one should I get:

Router - need to have NAT, VPN, etc.....
Switch - Accomodating 12-16 ports

Should i go with a dedicaed Firewall box? or what should i get, don't have alot of experience in business.

 

[nweaver]

dedicated firewall: yes
Switch: Depends on needs, do you need managed (monitoring, port security, VLANS, etc)
Router: Again, depends on needs and connection. If you want the best, get a Cisco

 

[mmx]

but what model, i'm kinda lost right now.

 

[nweaver]

ok, if you don't provide details, you may not get what you want...

Firewall: Cisco Pix
Router/Switch: Cisco Layer3 switching switch (3700? I think is a decent)

I can't remember the switch model, we just ordered a few, they are 24 port 10/100/1000, layer 3, and you can chain them to act like a chassis

 

[Cooky]

mmx, it'd be easier for others to provide you suggestions if you could post the details.
like how many users, the throughput & bandwidth needed, type of application, etc.

 

[mmx]

there is about 12-20 ports needed. Meaning at maximum time there will be about 20 computers networking.

Its a Hedge Fund office, meaning. They do alot of accounting file exchange throught the servers. Alot of VIDEO communication to europe. Bandwidth between the office is not intense, but if we are upgrading then we should go for something that we can grow, and not be limited to 10 people.

All other details are basic stuff. There is a T1 line, an IPX telephone box with about 16 lines. Additionally i'll be upgrading the server room, so ill likely get a rack, or something that looks professional.

For the router it needs to have: traffic prioritizing (e.g. DiffServs, QoS) to use with VoIP and VideoConf.

 

[nweaver]

how does your T1 demarc? Ethernet, serial?

I would push for a Cisco router (2600 would work) with 100 mb and appropriate T1 module, and then a 10/100/1000 24 port cisco, but you could lose the Layer 3 stuff.

 

[err]

ahhh whats with the cisco equipment, just buy cheapo linksys router/firewall/vpn ... and linksys 24 port switch.

Charge them $3000 for setup and equipment price

/wink 🙂

 

[nweaver]

eh, it's a business, which means when the cheapo linksys has issues, then it costs real $$ every minute.

Linksys is FINE for home, but I do not think a home router is nearly sufficient for a business/enterprise. OP asked what he should get, I responded with what I would get. But then, I'm a Cisco bigot.

 

[JRock]

Server: Dell Poweredge 1800 (whatever config you desire)

Firewall: Cisco Pix 501 (50 User License)

Switch: Cisco Catalyst 2950

Router: Cisco 2651XM

All can but put under SmartNet contracts for warranty.

Thats what I would prob. use for a small office.

OR

If the ISP is offering Ethernet handoffs or its a Business class DSL or Cable connection then you can prob just get away with using the Pix and the Catalyst.

I prefer Cisco backbones 😉

 

[Tazanator]

Originally posted by: nweaver
eh, it's a business, which means when the cheapo linksys has issues, then it costs real $$ every minute.

Linksys is FINE for home, but I do not think a home router is nearly sufficient for a business/enterprise. OP asked what he should get, I responded with what I would get. But then, I'm a Cisco bigot.

gee and I like Imagestream (linix competator to cisco) .. 🙂