WAN Connections assistance!!

[tls9923]

I am considering linking all our sites to one core site. I have a couple of options to make the connections. but need some assistance in makeing the choice. What I want is to be able to share domain resources, Access to Citrix Servers, Exchange, Printers, and IP Phones. Currently all locations connect direct to the internet, and then connect to my site via Nfuse or OWA. What I want is direct connection for easier admin. I am the only one in my department and have little router experience.

1. Point to Point T1 lines
2. VPN with current system 3Com firewalls
3. Frame Relay with Mananged Service.

Thanks for any help.

Terrel

 

[Belushi]

VPNs are the fastest and cheapest way to go for sure. It almost sounds as if you have most of the equipment for VPNs at your disposal. IF you do go this route, you might wish to check out SonicWalls for your firewall/VPN concentrators. They are definitely top shelf in comparison to 3COM.

The other options do offer advantages though. Having a private network is always as plus. It just depends what budget you have to deal with and what equipment you are comfortable deploying. Point to Point T1s although excellent, can be extremely expensive over long distances.

 

[kcbell]

I think cost wise the VPN is most likely the cheapest after you paid for the hardware. I would go for VPN.

Talk with your LEC and they may have a better solution.

 

[dfusion]

The VPN would be great, but are you supporting IP Telephony between the locations? If so, you will not be able to have QoS on the VPN to support IP Telephony.

Frame Relay offers you a few options to prioritize your traffic. I'm not sure how large you WAN sites are, but you can either:

a) Have a host T1 at your main site and 128k or larger PVCs to the remote sites.

b) If you need more bandwidth, host a fractional ATM (OC3) or IMA T1/ATM at your host location. The telco will FRASI your ATM circuit to the remote frame relay T1 sites.

Depending on how far away your remote sites are, a point to point T1 will be very expensive and you would have to have a seperate T1 interface for each connection coming into your router. It would not be cost effective.

Regards,
Mark

http://www.markholloway.com