any recommendations on what to purchase if not Linksys?
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New Network Install
Hi all,
I am installing a network at my office and have the following:
1.) 4 mbps broad band connection
2.) Linksys Router
3.) Linksys 8 Port Switch
4.) Dell PowerEdge 4400 Server (The Web/Email Server)
What I need to know is, do I need any extra security on my network such as an additional firewall etc?? - I am new to all of this and would greatly appreciate any and all input. I will be hosting a website / company email on the server, so I need outside traffic to come in; i am just worried about malicious activity...
V/R
Rob
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Answers
Its likely that the Linksys will serve your needs actually- is the 4mbps broadband connection syncronous? Not likely. What is the upstream? If its low then I think you will consume the pipe before the Linksys gives any issues. Otherwise you could get a cheap sonicwall, or try Astaro Security Linux- both good products.
www.sonicwall.com
www.astaro.com
.................."What is the upstream? If its low then I think you will consume the pipe before the Linksys gives any issues"
He would have to have a 50mbps full duplex WAN connection to even get close to putting a strain on a the Linksys router! Unless you lots and lots of users 100+ the Linksys is more than sufcient(in terms of handling the in/outbound WAN tranfic) You may want to consider a seperate switch if you have lots of clients ont he network.
I have a few small remote sites that have your exact setup: they use comcast cable (4mb down, 384mb up) for internet, a linksys router, x-brand switch, and even the dell poweredge server!
You'll be able to keep open only the ports you need with the linksys....keeping people out is all about limiting the open ports. Plus, implement antivirus and antispam and you're good. The better the hardware (sonicwall, cisco) the more costly -BUT- more robust it will be. Based on your current config, the linksys will likely be fine for web/e-mail.
With upgrades as far as firewall and a better router, I guess it depends on how much you plan to expand. Our main office uses a sonicwall but we have a few dozen servers and many services. Our remote offices that are very small just use the equipment you listed, and it works fine for me.
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by: conradiePosted on 2005-02-02 at 13:13:26ID: 13208043
You can do all you need with this. Is this a high volume site? If so I would go for something better than the Linksys router. Otherwise it should work great. Good luck.