Where can i get a info on getting a T1 for a small business and what do i need to know to set it up?

[MustangSVT]

the main question is, is T1 like a cable modem or xdsl? i mean does it come with a hardware modem that attaches to ethernet or nic? and T1 being used as multiclient bandwidth, how do they assign you the ip address?

For basic info, it'll be serving about 40 (pc) computers for internet access and 50% gaming online. Oh, and will any basic 100/10 switch(stackable) be enough for them or do i have to look into expansive ones from 3com, Hp, cisco etc. ?

Thanx for all the help ..

 

[fir3wir3]

might want to try the networking forum...those guys can cover the hardware side of it

all I know is you're looking at about 1300 a month for it.

I hear qwest has agood t1 service and what not

 

[StageLeft]

I don't get the feeling that a T1 will be adequate for 20 computers running games online at the same time as another 20 are sucking down web pages. Its only 1.44 mbps...like 170k/sec each way.

 

[erub]

I know you need an expensive CSU/DSU for around $1K, but whether your ISP provides that for you or you must purchase it I have no idea . You may want to try for a higher speed DSL offering, DSL is usually much cheaper than a T1, which run $700-800+ a month. You will loose some on the uploading side however.

 

[StageLeft]

Your latency for gaming will also be a tad higher with DSL, but if you're thinking about running a shop and people come in and use your computers DSl is still capable of getting a very low ping. So in this case although its higher than a T1 nobody's gonna be complaining with a 35 ping

Are you going to run a business like this? I personally haven't seen a single one last in my area at least so you should make sure its a feasible business plan.

 

[MustangSVT]

well, with 40 computers we thought about getting a dual cable modem or xdsl lines but it was just not enough. it needs to be T1 or even T2. well that price seems ok, as long as it'll be enough 24/7.

The reason im postin here is cause offtopic gets most attention hehe, and sometimes (or.. all the time) ppl like ViperGTS comes and gives good advice (im waiting viper ).

Thanx for the tips guys, im still searchin for some more info on the web too.

 

[StageLeft]

Post in general hardware too!

 

[linuxboy]

Here's what you need

cisco 1700, 2500, or 2600 (or above) router with a built in csu/dsu or an external csu/dsu

a switch going from the router
then 2-3 switches goin into the main switch for the pc's

the phone company should terminate the t1 in an rj48 plug and you should be able to just plug the cisco in, configure it and be good to go

alot of companies will provide you with the router and configure it for you
i'd recommend getting that

i'm not sure where you're located, but you can get a t1 for about 700-900 with loop nowadays (pm if you want some pricing from providers).

so let me recap

you get the t1
it terminates at your location
you plug that into the router

the router plugs into a switch
then the computers are plugged into switches and those switches are plugged into the main switch

it's pretty straightforward
request a /24 or a /25 and have the pcs have unique ip's on the subnet

you don't need to know much if you find the right provider to help you...

 

[Pastore]

listen to linuxboy, he knows his stuff... cisco routers are real nice, but have a pretty steep price, along with the switches... have fun, and dont go into debt

 

[MustangSVT]

one more question, is there difference in performance if i attach 2 switch directly to the router(using the uplink) or use 1 switch, then using 2 switch attached to it?

20 computers are on each switch, and so the first option is to attach router directly to one switch (which has 20 pc connected to) and use uplink port to connect the second switch(also with 20 pc).

Second option is to use 3 switches. connect 1 switch(no pc attached) to router, then connect both switches(with 20 pc on each) to that switch.

Will there be performance difference? thanx. (it'll be mostly web browsing and onine gaming)

 

[linuxboy]

how heavy will the internal traffic be?

if it's heavy, have 3 switches

depending on the router, it isn't really made for 100 mbps traffic.
they were intended for point to point and lan-lan circuits, unless you buy the expensive gear. So if you have lan to lan connections going across the router, it might create bottlenecks. Again, depends on the equipment.

I'd avoid putting stress on the router if I could though.

if the internal traffic is low, it really doesn't make that big of a difference. t1 is only 1.544 mbps. Your router can only push that much out...

 

[Emulex]

you'll probably want 2 24 port switches, and let the router sit on one of the ports. Crossover the two switches using the MDX port(crossover).

A small cisco router is all you need. Either a 2501 w/external csu/dsu or a newer modular (1700) with a WIC-1DSUT1 (dsu/csu in a card).

You could probably get a 2601 with cable and t1 csu/fsu for like $800 used. I actually have a couple of those packages

the newer cisco's are a tad bit more expensive, and don't provide much more functionality for your needs. I'd strongly suggest NAT'ing the workstations or you pc's will be hacked in no time. (see my sig!).

The isp you use, will provide you with as many ip's as you need. I'd go for a 1/2 or full c class if you can, Ask them.