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Small office network

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by pete l c

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I need to establish a small office network. Up to 5 PC running word processing, spread sheet, accounting such as Quick books, project, access to the internet and other miscellaneous software. Other than the basic pc's what should I add to my shopping list to get my network running. I am looking for ideas on expansion cards, do I need a router? Do I need a seperate firewall? Will peer to peer work? Your input is appreciated.

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by matthew moran

It really depends on what functionality you will need. I often suggest MS Small Business server but there are a myriad of directions you can go.

Let's assume you are getting DSL or Business Class cable. Here is a short list:
- NAT enabled router/switch combo (Netgear, Linksys)
- Vendor supplied dsl or cable modem (might be bundled)
- anti-virus software
- Privately addressed LAN (192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x)
- Patch panel and professional cabling (if you want it neat and easy to maintain)

Regarding peer to peer over having a server? That depends on what you need to do?

by carlosirivera

My advice would be to hire an independant consultant. There are a myriad of possibilities to setting up a SOHO network and you need to be able to address how your computing will handle your business. Do you need fast internet connections? VPN? RAS? TCP/IP? DHCP? Backups?(rhetorical) Depending on the dynamics of your office, you may need some mobility in which case wireless solutions should be considered.
I'm not saying you need to hire PriceWaterhouse Consulting, just a local guy whom you could probably find in the classifieds or by word of mouth. Shouldn't be too expense for help.
Good Luck

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