Help me set up a small business network

[Cutthroat]

The network I need to set up is for a small office, but will look more like a home network. Here's the PC's and network config I want...

1 router
2 wired PC's - one Vista HP, and one XP
1 wireless laptop running Vista Home Basic
2 PC's that need to connect to the network from home, one Vista HP (admin, me), one XP Pro (book keeper).

My biggest problems are figuring out which router to buy, and network configuration and security on Windows. I've never used a router before (just a hub), and I've never used wireless.

The router needs to be 54mbps wireless and capable of 100mbps wired. I don't understand what "N" & "G" mean when it comes to routers, someone want to help me out with that? Any good suggestions for a router? I want it to be easy to use, and cheap.

Any advice on configuration? I don't have a clue, with Windows PC's can I just plug them in to the router and expect them to create the network properly?

What's the best option for access with the home PC's?

 

[kakee]

You need a router with VPN function since you mentioned that there are 2 PC's that are going to connect from home (remotely).

I recommend a Linksys wireless-N vpn router model number WRVS4400N. I had this device for few months and it works great giving me N and G signal for my laptops as well as wireless desktops, at the same time VPN functions where I have no trouble accessing my files from home to office and vice versa.

I also found a very nice technical support at www.supportrix.com. They helped me a lot in setting up my small network.

 

[ScottMac]

I'm not meaning to be critical, but if you are truly "network illiterate", then you should not be setting up a business network of any type.

There's just too much at stake; the liabilities are huge. If this has been handed to you by your boss, then make him understand (preferably on a signed piece of paper or archived email) that this is an extremely dangerous move.

IF you screw up a home network, the worst you suffer is identity theft, loss of ISP, and maybe some legal problems. When you screw up a business network, you can flush the business down the toilet with missed security, flaky hardware, and other user-introduced issues.

Run like Hell, don't look back. If "they" force you to do it, make sure you got some paper to fall back on to keep your ass covered. Everyone is your supporter and pal until something goes wrong, then all you see is a bunch of fingertips pointing your way ...


I'm serious, avoid it, if at all possible.

Good Luck
Scott

BTW: SOHO grade equipment is cheap for a reason. Use commercial-grade equipment in a commercial environment.

 

[multiband8303]

Originally posted by: ScottMac
I'm not meaning to be critical, but if you are truly "network illiterate", then you should not be setting up a business network of any type.

There's just too much at stake; the liabilities are huge. If this has been handed to you by your boss, then make him understand (preferably on a signed piece of paper or archived email) that this is an extremely dangerous move.

IF you screw up a home network, the worst you suffer is identity theft, loss of ISP, and maybe some legal problems. When you screw up a business network, you can flush the business down the toilet with missed security, flaky hardware, and other user-introduced issues.

Run like Hell, don't look back. If "they" force you to do it, make sure you got some paper to fall back on to keep your ass covered. Everyone is your supporter and pal until something goes wrong, then all you see is a bunch of fingertips pointing your way ...


I'm serious, avoid it, if at all possible.

Good Luck
Scott

BTW: SOHO grade equipment is cheap for a reason. Use commercial-grade equipment in a commercial environment.

Such good advice,I have worked for many consulting companies and too many times I walk in to an environment where a "network illiterate" individual was "elected" to setup the network.

Understand that businesses that do this for a living exist for a reason, just because you know how to build a desktop or do a spreadsheet, does NOT qualify you to design a network. Too much at risk, especially with business information going across a WAN link.

Please cover your butt and find someone else, if they won't pony up the dough to get it done RIGHT, then they don't see the value in the network itself, and thus should be able to live without it.

 

[JackMDS]

Hmm... I was sure that if One knows to Overclock, to set a RAID for gaming, and a Huge Video card, One is ready to build a business Network. 😉 - :disgust: - 😱

But I guess that ScottMac is right. :thumbsup:

Strange world you need a Lic. to be a plumber but every one can set a professional Network. :shocked:

 

[RebateMonger]

Only one (XP Professional) client in your office has built-in remote access software. You will need to use a third-party remote access program. LogMeIn and GoToMyPC are commonly used remote access programs.

The router and wifi setup will be influenced by the type of incoming Internet equipment you already have. Many DSL modems have routers built in. Cable modems generally don't. To make equipment and wiring suggestions, we'd need to know what ISP-connection hardware you already have.

 

[Cutthroat]

You guys are right, I am in no way qualified to set up a real business network. But this is a very small family business, and these PC`s do not do anything critical. The PC`s in the office will not store critical info.

The business is a taxi company, we cannot afford professionals to set this up. And besides, it`s a simple network, many home networks are more complicated.

Here`s the configuration, and what the PC`s do...

Vista HP x64 PC - Dispatch - Used for a few spreadsheets and word docs, mapquest and the local airport website, and games for the bored dispatcher.
XP Pro PC - Drivers - Used for 1 spreadsheet to do cashout (not saved), and access to mapquest and airport site as well.
Vista Home Basic Laptop - Mechanic/assistant managers personal laptop - Needs access to internet, and access to shared doc's on the dispatch PC.
XP Pro PC - Owner/Book keeper home PC - Needs access to shared doc's on dispatch PC.
Vista HP x64 - My PC - Needs Remote Desktop access to the two PC's in the office to save me trips up there.

Right now we share one network cable between the two PC's and the laptop in the office, which is really annoying. It would also be nice if the office PC's could share a printer instead of moving the printer around 10 times a day.

My biggest problem is the biggest network I've ever set up is three PC's at home connected through a network hub. And although I have good hardware and Windows skills, and I learn how to use new software quickly, I have never used a router, or wireless. And networking is definitely my weak point.

 

[JackMDS]

Don't share a printer buy All in One that is Network ready. ( http://www.ezlan.net/prtserver.html ).

There are models bellow $200, once you set it all computer would be able to print to it.

This is a good Wireless router for such a load, Zyxel 550 -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...181218&Tpk=zyxel%2b550


This would help in the sharing setting.

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://www.microsoft.com/techn...evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/d...x?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windo...t/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

Set every thing with High security especially the Wireless.

From the weakest to the strongest, Wireless security capacity is.

No Security
MAC______(Band Aid if nothing else is available).
WEP64____(Easy, to "Brake" by knowledgeable people).
WEP128___(A little Harder, but "Hackable" too).
WPA-PSK__(Very Hard to Brake ).
WPA-AES__(Not functionally Breakable)
WPA2____ (Not functionally Breakable).

Note 1: WPA-AES the the current entry level rendition of WPA2.

Note 2: If you use WinXP and did not updated it you would have to download the WPA2 patch from Microsoft. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/893357

The documentation of your Wireless devices (Wireless Router, and Wireless Computer's Card) should state the type of security that is available with your Wireless hardware.
All devices MUST be set to the same security level using the same pass phrase.
Therefore the security must be set according what ever is the best possible of one of the Wireless devices.

I.e. even if most of your system might be capable to be configured to the max. with WPA2, but one device is only capable to be configured to max . of WEP, to whole system must be configured to WEP.

If you need more good security and one device (like a Wireless card that can do WEP only) is holding better security for the whole Network, replace the device with a better one.

Setting Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

 

[Cutthroat]

That's awesome Jack.😀

Exactly what I'm looking for thanks.

So would a printer like this suffice? This sounds too simple actually, so I just plug it into a LAN port like another PC? Does Windows configure this automatically, or is there software that comes with the printer?

Unfortunately, I can't find that brand of router at my favorite stores in Canada. It seems my selection is between Asus, Belkin, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear or Trendware. Any suggestions on those manufacturers? I would prefer to buy at NCIX from this selection. There's too much there that all seems the same to me.

Another question, I've begun to wonder if VPN access for the owner is worth it? For the amount they would use it it might be easier to transfer files with a flash drive, or even with messenger or e-mail. And remote desktop should suffice for the access that I need from home. Anyone here use remote desktop with Vista?

 

[JackMDS]

VPN is more useful when you have to remote control or use an ongoing open connection.

If the need is just to transfer sometimes files they can be encrypted (there are many utilities that can do it), and the encrypted file can be attached to email, ftp, or something similar.

VPN is more useful when you have to remote control or use an ongoing open connection.

The Printer looks good.
As for a Wireless Router this might be a good choice. http://www.ncix.com/products/i...GL&manufacture=Linksys

If you need advance features you can flash it with DD-WRT ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DD-WRT ).