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two networks?

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9 replies

by walsami

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My client, a telco., has two network logically and physically seperated. One that handle the business aspect of the operation: Customer services, billing...etc) and the other handles internet access, mail, office automation....etc. The question is should they integrate the two networks in one? cost is not an issue here. Security is a major issue.
The main direction for my client is to keep the situation as is: is this the right deision?

9 replies

by thechas

From a security aspect, I agree with keeping the 2 functions seperate.

That said, are the any productivity gains to be made from joining the 2 networks?

Unless there is a business benefit to joining the 2 networks, I just don't know if it is worth the hassle and risk to join them together.

Chas

by road-dog

I agree with Chas, if there is not a clear and compelling business case for doing so, then don't. You have nothing to gain, and a lot to lose.

Think of it as attempting to catch fastballs in your teeth, the best that you can hope for is NOT to get hurt.

by rmclarty

This is fairly simply done and security can be tight. Cisco makes a small business level PIX Firewall that can use NAT (Network Address Translation) for a private Internal network (Business Systems) and a public network for Internet connectivity. Basically, you can either seperate the network by having the Business side behind the firewall and the Internet Services on the DMZ side of the INternet, or collapse all behind the firewall and use NAT as described above.
The PIX is a firmware basedfirewall (Not UNIX or LINUX) and is very reliable and secure.

by wlbowers

Go with answer #3 with a pix you can connect the two
and totally control the level of access and user access.
The client might have something in mind for the joining.

Stick with Cisco they have the tech help hands over
everyone else.

Lee

Good Luck

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