How many routers Should I use? 1

[Circlecast]

Hello everyone,

First let me set the problem up so that my question doesn't sound to odd.

I have 5 buildings (1 central office, 4 branches) I am wanting to get everyone on to the same network.

The Central Office will have the dedicated connection that goes out to the internet. The branches I would like to go through the Central office before they go out to the internet.

Central office has 25 computers, and each of the branches have any where from 3-20 computers.

My question is How many routers will I need? or will I need to use Bridges? If so how many will I need to use?
I know I will need one router for the connection to the internet. and I will need a router or bridge for each of the offices. But will I need a router for each of the branches in the Central office also? Or, will I just need the one and have the branches routed to it?

I want the branches to be able to "see" the central network. For file servers exchange servers, etc.

So any suggestions?

 

[pmesjar]

The total number of routers will be 5. One per each branch office and one in Central Office. Since every branch site + central office will host more Ethernet hosts, you also need some kind of switch - like 2950 series.

Because the router in Central office will need to support various technologies from Ethernet to serial or maybe ADSL or ISDN, you definitely need some kind of modular machine. Since you don't host much end users, I would consider some higher-end routers from 2600 series or if money is not an issue, you can go with 3631 series router. Your Branch offices will be routed to you central offices, so you must take into account interfaces on your Central Office router, that will connect your Branch office routers.

Branch offices depending on the needs and serial connectivity to your central office could range from 800 series to 1700 series - if you plan on expanding or using VPNs, go for 1700 series.

Peter Mesjar
CCNP, A+ certified
pmesjar@centrum.sk

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

 

[Circlecast]

Great thank you, This is exactly what I was wanting to know. I was thinking of using a switch, and that brings me to my next question. How many switchs should I use?

 

[lgarner]

Yes, one router per office is fine. That's what we do. The 1700-series router is a nice branch router, and I'd agree with the 2600 for the main office.

Use enough switches to provide the needed number of ports in each office. I'd avoid Extreme. We have a couple of Cisco's, and the HP modular layer-2 switch is very nice. Your branch could use a Cisco 2950-series 24-port layer-2 switch, and the main office could use a modular switch.