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direct connection between 2 offices

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by allen

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I am trying to setup direct connection between company A and company B. the two companies are located in different states. A will function as main office and B will function as branch office. All the traffic from company B will be routed through company A. the 2 companies right now connect separately to the internet. Company B using fractional T1 and company A using ATM. Both use Cisco 1720. The idea is to integrate both LANs. What are the options available for this scenario to establish the connection and what equipment needed?

9 replies

by hitchcock4

What you want to setup is a "site-to-site VPN" --that is assuming that you want to go the route of using the Internet for your connection, which will keep the cost down. [A private line between the two sites can be costly.]

Step 1 to setting up a site to site VPN is obtaining a set of 5 static IP addresses for site A and also for site B. If you currently have dynamic addressing for 1 or both, you will need to switch to static.

We are currently using a Watchguard Firebox 1000 at our main office for the VPN. Then we have 3 branch offices with a SonicWall Tele3 SP (at each site). The Sonicwall devices also provide decent protection for the computers behind it, which our branch offices did not have previously.

If I were to do it again, I would put either a WatchGuard device at both sites, or put a SonicWall Tele3 SP at both sites. [Mixing the Watchguard and Sonicwall was difficult, but it now works well.]

You might also look into whether the Cisco 1720 can have a VPN option added (instead of using the above equipment).

by allen

I need to rephrase the question. I am not looking for VPN solution; I already have VPN running between 2 offices. I am looking for direct connection like T1. My office is going to connect with the other office and the other office is going to connect to the internet. We are going to join the other company?s domain and create a site here. I need to know what to except and to plan for in the term of equipment, infrastructure, and cost. Thank you for your help though

by jose mir

Why do you want to do that?
What is the problem conecting both ofices through the Internet?
Take a look to the Novell "Branch Office" technology (cheap, fast, easier to manage and maintain).
Hope this help.
Pablo.

by statykserver

Since you dont want to use a VPN you will have to contact your telco or isp to obtain a leased line, atm or frame setup between the two. More than likely since they are different states they will have different providers and prices vary for each service in different states. Compare what packages they have to offer along with their prices. Most will provide the equipment needed for you and it will need to be returned when you discontinue the service.

by allen

Becasue my BOSS want that and there is no way to convince him otherwise.

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