Thread: Server for a small company with all stuff

Hello,
I'm working on my thesis and was wondering what you guys would choose when searching for these things (even if you could only find one thing for me, I'd be more than happy!)

Case: a small company with 15 employees needs to have a server in their office, I need to find a few things to make it all happen. Some employees will use their laptop to be connected via WiFi -- I've found most things but I'm wondering for a few things and that's why I would like your input.

- What modem?
- What router? (RACK-model if possible)
- What firewall?
- What switch? (Rack model if possible)
- What network server? (should fit in the rack)
- Where can I find a choice for patch panels, cables, TCP/IP boxes etc?

Are there other things I shouldn't forget?

Thanks in advance everybody for helping me!

Someone? Please.

I know one thing that companies are concerned with, and that's monitoring for security leaks such as open ports and employees accessing external sites such as FB when they should be working.

Also, wireless access needs to be secure. Managers love their laptops, so they require wireless access I think. Otherwise you need switches in every meeting room with lots of spare cables.

And when staff get deployed overseas, they need to connect securely to the home server via some highly secure virtual network connection. My company used to give me a USB dongle to plug into the laptop, and the key was always updating.

A reliable backup solution is also important, and RAID.

Originally Posted by Aquarezz

Hello,
I'm working on my thesis and was wondering what you guys would choose when searching for these things (even if you could only find one thing for me, I'd be more than happy!)

Case: a small company with 15 employees needs to have a server in their office, I need to find a few things to make it all happen. Some employees will use their laptop to be connected via WiFi -- I've found most things but I'm wondering for a few things and that's why I would like your input.

- What modem? Modem? Do people still use these?
- What router? (RACK-model if possible) No router, routers suck and should be avoided at all costs
- What firewall? I'd recommend a nice Cisco if you have experience with them, or go with a Sonicwall.
- What switch? (Rack model if possible) Dell offers a few good switches for reasonable price
- What network server? (should fit in the rack) Any 1-4u rack server should work. It depends on if this company is a development group, who would need a powerful server. Or if they were a company reselling stuff on eBay. Where the server wouldn't even really be utilized.

- Where can I find a choice for patch panels, cables, TCP/IP boxes etc? Google is your best bet..

Are there other things I shouldn't forget?

Thanks in advance everybody for helping me!

As for wireless, you will want a stand alone wireless router that can be setup in uhm, I can't think of the technical term, but it essentially passes all DHCP/routing through to the switch, and only acts as an access point. So you can keep everyone on the same network.

Thanks a lot! I'm going to start working again on this tomorrow and will let you guys know if I need some more help

Thanks!

Something like this: Draytek Vigor 2820n Wireless-N Router BT ADSL (V2820N) - dabs.com combined with a switch if you need more LAN ports would be good.

Having a USB printer port can be very useful, so everyone can share a laser printer.