2 States, 2 Locations, 1 Network?? [Archive]

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KeriV

03-19-2002, 09:58 PM

Anyone have any thoughts on the best way for me to go about this? I have been doing side jobs for a small local company and now he wants to hire me to do more. I know that I can figure it out, but am hoping for help! This includes a server, and some kind of setup to enable each side to be constantly networked. I have a few problems.

First, I am not sure what kind of networking he can get. DSL and Road Runner are unavailable where he is. He has dialup right now with WinGate and does not want to continue to move that slow.

Second, I am not exactly sure of what to use to set this up. Obviously, it can be done, I just need a cheaper alternative. I am looking at a cheaper Dell Server and then?? What are your suggestions??

Any Ideas??

Thanks!

BipolarBill

03-19-2002, 10:42 PM

You can always get your client Starband (http://www.starband.com) satellite Internet. Afterward, if you are running a server OS there, you can use VPN or Terminal Services over VPN to manage his setup remotely. Win2K server on one machine and Pro on the other would be great. When .NET Server (WinXP really) is released, you will be able to do amazing things remotely from another WinX Pro unit.

KeriV

03-19-2002, 11:15 PM

I am definately going with Win 2000 Server and the PC's on the other side are 2000 Pro. On this side (the server side) we have two win 2000 machines and one win 98.

What is your suggestion for VPN? Do you suggest purchasing Exchange?

We want everyone to be able to access their emails no matter if they are at either plant or on the road. We are going to be installing a small manufacturing software and would like both plants to be able to see changes (ie. orders) instantaniously.

Am I on the right track?

Thanks!

rextex

03-19-2002, 11:33 PM

I don't know that much about this, but suggest you search google.com for some links to find info.
Here is one device I found that may be on par with what you might be considering:
http://www.activelane.com/solutions/vpn/gsplash.asp

BipolarBill

03-20-2002, 12:26 AM

Win2K Server has VPN built-in. Search the Help files. Set up Terminal Services there to host your connection. Believe it or not, you can use Netmeeting for remote desktop sharing too.

Exchange is good, but expensive and high-maintenance. Try XMail (http://www.xmailserver.org/). [Bad link corrected]

KeriV

03-20-2002, 09:50 AM

OK, One more question. Are Terminal Services or Netmeeting going to give them (the out of state plant) a 24 hour continual connection to the server? I have never worked at a large company and have never had to deal with this type of network. If there is a better option, even if it is more expensive, I would like to look.

Sorry about all the questions, I just want to fully understand before I start moving on this.

THANKS AGAIN!

BipolarBill

03-20-2002, 12:21 PM

Are Terminal Services or Netmeeting going to give them a 24 hour continual connection to the server? Only if the VPN is kept up and running all of the time. For a 24HR connection, it's really best to have a dedicated link provided by your/their ISP. Fractional T1, ISDN and dedicated POTS lines should be available. As a matter of fact, a local ISP (in the plant area) would be a good place to ask that question. Give them a shout.