ADSL / Broadband setup for a small office

[theonlytazman]

HELP!

Need to install a Wireless router & network system for a small office & I need some advice on what is needed

Currently using a 10-Base-T 20port network hub - wired cabling.

Want to move to a wireless system. Wireless hubs can support more than 10 pc's - from the guides we have read - but which are the best options: .11b or .54g? We want as fast a connection as possible.

Wireless PCI cards will need to be purchased.

Will be installing BT ADSL in a short while (please note the offices are in the UK - if that makes a difference?). We want to "share" this connection with other members of a network wirelessly.

Is a wireless router the best option with built-in modem or an all-in-1 (ie wireless router/modem/network hub) and if so which ones?

We would prefer all individuals to have direct access to the Internet or Emails rather than via ICS (or similar)?

How would the configuration be? Would we have a seperate Wireless router/modem setup for the ADSL/Broadband connection with 1 10/100 port to connect to a single PC. Then that PC also has a wireless PCI card to see the network, is this how the others would log on? As you can tell we have NO idea - we need ASSISTANCE!!!

Also Windows enables other users to "connect via LAN" for internet/email. Outlook can have the settings to say save for 5 days on Server and then delete. I presume this is the way people would send/receive emails? Or would we need another piece of software? CHEAPEST options please

Also if we want to share the connection with our neighbouring offices but we don't want them to "see" our network. What do we do in this scenario and what equipment is needed for both of us or software?

Your expert guidance in this matter would be greatly appreciated as we are being bombarded with distributors saying we need this or that? HELP!!!

 

[bcastner]

BT ADSL has special requirements. You cannot just use any router with the service. Please check with BT first, as the standard modem only supports a USB connection. The combination units from BT are likely a better choice, but there are deliberate limits placed on these units. Again, talk to BT first. The only third party router I know of that will support the USB modem is the Vigor, but I am told the Linksys has begun offering a USB router as well.

I would start by adding a router to your hard-wired plant and using that without concern about wireless. To add wireless at any point you would add an Access Point, not a wireless router.

You need no additional software for email.

 

[theonlytazman]

I am not going to be using BT Broadband - sorry if I wasn't SO clear in my original post.

Will probably be using either Gio Internet or Bulldog Comm

We will be supplying our own router/modem & microfilters

Our boss is going to get rid of ALL the wires and wants a wireless system. We want to therefore either get a wired router with modem for the ADSL and get a wireless AP terminal (how many ports does this need or does it?) for the network of 15 pc's

But how does the routing work? Do we use ICS or can everyone share the broadband via the router? Is this then put in as another networked item???

Help is needed!!!

 

[bcastner]

The router is sufficient, there is no need for ICS. The router will provide DHCP and NAT, as well as routing traffic for the local network and the Internet.

If you use access points they will require a wired connection to the router. Each access point will require a single wired connection to the router.

You may require more than one access point to provide adequate wireless range and signal strength.

You do not need additional software.

 

[theonlytazman]

Just to confirm we need the following items only:

1. Router (wireless or not - doesn't matter - is that correct?) with in-built modem and at least 2 10/100 ethernet port for networking to the 2 AP's?

2. Wireless Access Point (is that basically like our hub?) and if we need 2 how do we connect the 2 together - do you connect the 2 wirelessly or with a cable? Should we also get the same brands?

3. At least 2 network cables for the 2 AP's to go into the router?

Which routers & Wireless AP's are good?

Is that right?

 

[theonlytazman]

Just a quickie - additional to our above note:

If we want to share the connection with our neighbouring offices but we don't want them to "see" our network. What do we do in this scenario and what equipment is needed for both of us? I presume they will need a cable from their hub or Wireless AP to our router and that is it?

This would then enable the neighbour to go online etc... Sharing our connection but presumably as he is not connected to our hub or wireless AP he cannot see out network? Is this correct?

 

[bcastner]

The APs would have a wired connection to the router.

No matter how you share with your neighbor, you will need at least one port on the router for this. To keep the neighbors off your lan you should:

1. Put them and yourselves on different subnets;
2. MAC filter the wireless APs
3. Use normal wireless security steps of SSID and WEP, WPA if your wireless APs and adapters can support it.