asked on

Type of cisco route from headoffice to branch connections

Hello Expert,

I propose linking four new sub offices
to head office using dedicated dsl connection.
I have negotiated favorable rates with my local telephone company.
The link will be from head office router to branch office
router ---- no tunneling thru the internet.

Equipment I intend to purchase.

Head office Paradyne 6381 dsl modem and a cisco router

Each branch office Paradyne 6381 dsl modem and cisco router
1 nexxt 8 port switch

NOTE : Paradyne modems will be supply by local phone at a discount once
Dsl link is use for at least 1 year.
Head office already has a full-networked infrastructure.

The above plan is only for the sub office connection

Question since I will not be passing
thru the Internet what type of Cisco router
would you recommend?

thanks

jabiii

insteead of buying both a dsl modem and a cisco router, have you looked at the Juniper Netscreen 5GT DSL ? It's a FW/VPN and DSL all in one. capable of routing too.

calvinetter

>what type of Cisco router would you recommend?
I'd suggest getting routers with DSL interfaces/cards instead of having to get separate DSL modems, if possible. Probably more expensive than getting a separate DSL modem, but the Cisco hardware would be more reliable. Being more specific on which series would depend on a few things:

- How large is the main office? (# of workstations & # of servers)
- Will the new main office router also be used as the WAN (Internet) router? This router will have a single DSL line coming to it, correct?
- If main office router would also be the Internet router, are you planning on allowing VPN connections now or in the future?
- Any servers at the branches, or just at the main office?
- How many workstations at each of the branches?
- Will the branches be getting out to the Internet via the main office's WAN connection?
- What are the chances for growth in # of branch offices in the next 2 yr?

Note that you can get firewall, VPN & IPS (intrusion prevention) features bundled with your routers.

cheers

jomfra

ASKER

Hello Calvinetter,

Thanks for your response.

The current Head office lay out

There are approximately 65 workstations a mix of nt 4 sp6 and win 2000 pro sp 4
The are 5 servers which includes 1 sun 3500 enterprise server --- database resides (Oracle dbms).
2 Dell poweredge 2300 ---- P.D.C and B.D.C
2 high end dell worktations which act as resource servers.
1 nortel switch.
1 nortel hub
1 baystack arn router.

Points to note. There is already two branch office each equipped with Nortel switch and baystack router .
The head office and two large branch is on a frame relay platform already.
Each branch office has capacity for 24 wokstation each .
Because of this capacity for growth it justified to use the frame relay for the existing large branches to head office connection.

Plans for the four sub offices.

The propose sub offices will not house any servers.
A maxuimun of 4 workstation catering for growth is planned.
No connection to the internet is needed , thru out the entire domain ( head office and branch office inclusive).
The entire sub office to head office set up will be spoke and hub formation.
All sub office will connect to head office

Equipment for each suboffice.

One nexxt 8 port switch
4-6 network cat5 boxes.
The local telephone company insist that they provide the Paradyne modem as part of
The deal I ironed out with them.
All That is missing is what type of cisco router to purchase to enchance sercurity.
I was advise by the telephone company that for dedicated dsl connection will be virtual from branch to head office no movement thru the internet.
I trust that the honor their side of the barging, but need to enforce security , hence the request for type of cisco router

Hope this answers you questions
Thank you

1

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

calvinetter

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

jomfra

ASKER

hello calvinetter,

thanks for all the info and links
this discussion thas proven to be worth more than 500 pionts
i have learn alot and i am amaze about your approach to providing
and answer you requested a good understand about present
and future plans.
keep up the good work
thanks

jomfra

ASKER

hello calvinetter

ignore a few typo in my response
tring to type too fast.
thanks

calvinetter

Thanks for the kind words, jomfra. Good luck!

cheers