Network... LAN... VPN?

Question

2 sites both have 50 computers
At each site what components will i need to connect the computers together at one building e.g. switch, router etc.

Then what will i need to connect the 2 sites together via VPN ???

Answer 1

You say nothing about a server at either location. I will assume there is no server.



Both locations are basically the same. I will assume both have an Internet feed.



With no VPN linking the two, you do not need a static public LAN IP address at either location.



Each location needs



1. A router suitable for connection to your Internet feed (a T1 feed requires an access router; a DSL or CATV feed requries a gateway router; an access router also has a built in csu / dsu which is required for T1).

2. 3 - 24 port 10 / 100 or 10 / 100 / 1000 unmannaged network switches. You have 50 pcs and router connected requirig at least 51 switch ports. Probably you will need some network printers and these will need more switch ports.

3. You will need CAT5 cable runs from patch panel to the user stations as well as patch cables to link patch panel ports to network switch and from wall port to user stations.

4. Without being linked elsewhere, both locations can use the same subnet. A 24 bit subnet will be fine for this application.



Now to do a VPN link between both locations you need



1. All the equipment above with these changes



2. The routers must be able to host a VPN.



3. You need static IP addresses at both locations



4. The two locations must be on different subnets (e.g. if location 1 uses 192.168.1.0/24; location 2 cannot use the same subnet; I would consider 192.168.2.0/24).

Answer 2

There aren't many switches that can handle 50 ports so you will need a couple switches at each location. Then you will need a bridge that will connect the switches to the internet. Depending on wether you use dsl, T1, or cable this bridge will be different. When you want to add VPN, the easiest way would be to add vpn hardware between the bridges(routers) and the switches, and then have the VPN box at each location talk to the other vpn box at each location.

Answer 3

You will need a router at both locations. Most routers will not offer 50 network ports, so you will need a switch at both locations as well. Connect the router at each location to the modem or switch of your ISP. You will need to connect your switch to the router and then connect each computer to this switch. The router which you will need to purchase will need to support VPN. Connect both routers together using VPN.

Answer 4

I generally recommend against using VPN to connect two remote sites, especially when talking about 50 nodes. I would recommend a private T1 line between the two facilities with routers at each end to create your LAN. With 50 computers at each site, get each site nice cheap Business Cable or DSL services for your internet connectivity.



Use DHCP as a quick and dirty way to be sure each site only goes to it's own internet connection, that is create subnets on both sides of the T1 that are different with routers for gateways between the sites, and filter DHCP traffic to avoid cross-talk of DHCP servers.

Answer 5

Depending on your budget..you can either get a lease line or use the internet....First you need both of them connected to the internet..get a pair of VPN router....setup the vpns according to your application and security requirements...you probably require tunneling..