asked on

Remote Access

Hi,
I hope someone can give me a bit of advice.
I'm currently trying to put together a decent Remote Access solution for my little company and I've been looking at the 3Com SuperStack II. Does anyone know if this is the best thing for the job or are there better alternatives? We have between 4 & 10 people who require remote access and some have ISDN, some have 56k modems and others may eventually have ADSL. Is it a simple case of buying the base unit and then the particular type of cards to support each method of access?
cheers
Bruce

SysExpert

It depends on how many need simultaneous access. What kind of Internet connection do you have at the office ?
Have you looked into VPN technology on a RAS server or over the Internet ?
Please give more details of what you already have setup in your office, so that an integrated solution can be provided.

I'll find more info and get back to you.

SysExpert

From the 3com site, I see no built in support for telecommuting, no RAS, and no VPN. All the 3Com SuperStack II provides is a switching HUB. It will sipport external devices , but has no built in interfaces for what you need. Please explain further and maybe I can help.

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jlevie

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sash031299

if you just need to share files vpn is the best way to go. remember, if you want dial-up (ras) you need phone lines for each of the modems. very expensive. if you have nt server, you dont need anymore software to use vpn.

bsandeman

ASKER

Thanks for all the comments,
I've been away for the last 3 days at a stag do!
Firstly, Our setup at present is 4 analogue modems (for RAS), on our Windows NT file server : Which all works fine (most of the time). Currently we have ISDN dial-up to the Internet, hopefully moving to ADSL in June/July. We have between 6 & 10 people that need access, I don't want to plug lots of modems into different NT boxes, as it will make a big mess.
I want one piece of kit that can handle it all.
The 3com SuperStack II RAS1500 is the exact one I was looking at and it seems to offer a lot in terms of Remote Access.

cheers
Bruce

jlevie

The RAS1500 should be able to do what you want. Also either of the two items I referenced above can also provide that funtionality if you want to do a bit of comparison shopping. I've not had occasion to use the RAS1500, but I have had considerable experience with the Ascend & Livingston gear. Both have worked admirably and I've gotten excellent support from the vendors.

bsandeman

ASKER

thanks for all your help.