How to design a network using Active Directory? 1

[omsadmin]

I am planning on Designing a Network that I intend to build. The plan is to support users from different locations; in other words, I intend to have sites in between states. Some these sites will have as many as 20 users. How do I design this network. Help.

 

[bluedragon2]

This would involve a lot of questions.

What kind of speed do you need?
Do you want centralized servers?
What topology is needed?
Where is network management/administration.
Is this 24hours a day connectivity?
What kind of security do you need?

[Blue]Blue[/Blue] [Dragon]

If I wasn't Blue, I would just be a Dragon...

 

[omsadmin]

Hi BLue, I am looking at decentralizing the servers. For instance, some will be in Chicago, oaklahoma...I planning on building sites which will be managed by stationed Administrators. But then the headquarters will be based some where in Denver, CO. For the kind of connectivity, and topology to use, I will need some advise on that. If you also have security suggestions, please let me know.

Omsadmin

 

[bluedragon2]

Still Many options:

You will want to look at what kind of speed you need and how critical the information that will be passed.

The connections between offices can be anywhere from a dial-up to T1/T3 connectivity. It depends on how fast and the volume of data that will be transfered.

Security is also a big factor. I would always suggest some type of firewall protection, you can use an encryption feature on CISCO routers (something I just implemented on an inband remote connection). The security depth kind of goes hand in hand on how the topology is determined. If you are open to the internet with your connectivity, then your level of security should be extremely tight. If you are using direct connections, then the level of security needed may not be as great.

hope this helps some

[Blue]Blue[/Blue] [Dragon]

If I wasn't Blue, I would just be a Dragon...

 

[bluedragon2]

I should have mentioned that I am being vague on the types of connections that may be available to you since I have my own global comm network and do not need to use outside connectivity. There should be others in the forum with more in-depth explanations on what is available for you.



[Blue]Blue[/Blue] [Dragon]

If I wasn't Blue, I would just be a Dragon...

 

[omsadmin]

Blue,
I have 15 Servers I want to setup between 5 cities in different states with the headquarters being in Denver. The sites I identified are, Boulder, Montana, Cheyenne, Detroit and Jacksonville.
I have 100 User for Denver; 500 Cheyenne, 100 Detroit and 240 for Montana. I am wondering where my DNS and what type of DNS would I use and how many sites. I want to use a T1 line and yes my data transfer is not that sensitive. I just want to enable connectivity and make sure these different locations talk to each other.
I will appreciate any ideas. I am still in my planning stages and hopefully money is not an issue.