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Starting a small ISP

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by toliver 1 view

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I am a student and I have to do a project for my CIS 288 systems project class. I have to design a small ISP from scratch. I have been to several big book stores and I can not find any anyformation on where to start. I have visited a small ISP and they have only 300 users that is what i had in mind. Information systems is what I am trying to get my degree in bur really we have only taken one networking class. I would appreciate any ideas on a starting point.

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by cavedweller

I haven't worked at an ISP either but there seem to be several "must haves"

1. At least one and hopefully a redundant high-speed uplink to a network carrier.

2. A large modem bank. This must be expandable as your site grows.

3. A remoteaccess server with as many lines as you have modems. This also must be expandable.

4. A server which stores user files, runs your dns, mail, web and news servers.

5. Accounting software which bills your customers.

6. Redundant power from 2 sources (transformers).

7. Physically secure, well cooled room or building in an area free from flood, avalanche, mudslide, (or whatever) hazards.

8. Well-trained staff (if you can't do this, forget the first 7 items).

by ebob

First and foremost, you will need a business plan. What service(s) would this "ISP" provide? What are the plans for growth, if any? What are the plans to sustain the business? What service level is this business preparing to commit?

Once you understand these, then you can start lining up suitable technologies.

by ahmad bilal

HI there,

First and foremost You want Bandwidth well for 300 users if we assume each user takes up 64k then 300*64=1Meg i have over engineered here u can have happy clients with just 128k :).YOU will need a IP class from internic or u can take itfrom your upstream provider.Well following are the must haves .

NETWORK EQUIPMENT:

1.A Cisco ROuter (2501 if ur starting a very small isp will have one serial connected to your Backbone Link) we had a 7206.
2.A switch preferably a cisco 2924 this is where all your network and system equipment will share the LAN.IF u want high end u can use 5500 with vlans.
3.Access servers where your users will dial in.Now lotsa equipment available but for a ISP with 300 users i would recommend MAX3000u can attach 2 PRI's(2*30=60 users),or u can user MAX TNT 720 users,or a cisco access server.
SYSTEM SIDE:
1.A DNS server that will be used for domain resolution,and u can hosts domains for users.
2.A MAIL Server for users,this is the most critical thing .
3.Not a musthave but i would really recommend is a proxy server (SQUID would be great).

If you have the money you can deploy a L4 switch for loadbalancing ur DNS ,proxy servers.Also a PIX firewall would be good.

Hope thats what you were asking ?
REgards,
Ahmad Bilal

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