How to set up a remote network

  • Thread starter Thread starter acrs
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A

acrs

Over the weekend I was asked if I could set up a network for a relative in
their office. The office network set up I am fine with, however they also
want to be able to access the network remotely.

What is the best way to set this up securely? VPN? Is this easy to set up?
they already have a static IP address. If I want for them to also logon to
the network do I need to get Exchange server? or Microsoft Windows Small
Business Server 2003? (also while looking at Small Business Server I saw
this thing saying "5 Cals" can someone let me know what this means?).

Also if possible can someone let me know a list of what I am likely to need,
I figure I will need:

1) Server
2) Exchange Server or Small Business Server (what's the main difference
between these 2? I am only likely to have 10 users max)
3) Router
4) What am I missing...............?

Thanks.
 
acrs said:
Over the weekend I was asked if I could set up a network for a relative in
their office. The office network set up I am fine with, however they also
want to be able to access the network remotely.
Click to expand...

What is it they want to do exactly? That's the best place to start. Do they
want centralized file storage, etc? Internal as well as Internet mail?
What is the best way to set this up securely? VPN?
Click to expand...

Sure, maybe, but what do they want to do once they're *connected* ?
Is this easy to set up?
Click to expand...

It can be, but this really depends on:

a) what they want to do
b) what they'll spend money on
c) how skilled you are
they already have a static IP address. If I want for them to also logon to
the network do I need to get Exchange server?
Click to expand...

No, that isn't related to logon at all. There's only a 'network logon' if
you have a domain/Active Directory network, not a workgroup. Exchange is
great, but has nothing to do with it.
or Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003?
Click to expand...

Not mutually exclusive. You can't run Exchange without Windows Server....
(also while looking at Small Business Server I saw this thing saying "5
Cals" can someone let me know what this means?).
Click to expand...

Client Access Licenses. Call MS licensing for more info on licensing.
Also if possible can someone let me know a list of what I am likely to
need, I figure I will need:

1) Server
2) Exchange Server or Small Business Server (what's the main difference
between these 2? I am only likely to have 10 users max)
Click to expand...

SBS is a bundle (includes W2003, E2003 - and perhaps SQL / ISA if you buy
Premium). It's a good thing to look into, if you don't have any experience
setting up Active Directory/domains as it comes with a lot of wizards to
help you set it up.

SBS also comes with "Remote Web Workplace" (sort of, "poor man's terminal
services), which might be just the thing for them if they want to be able to
connect in from home/the road and work just as though they were in the
office.
3) Router
Click to expand...

The ISP provides a router/modem. You should install a decent firewall
appliance (even if you use ISA, although it doesn't have to be as fancy if
you have ISA)
4) What am I missing...............?
Click to expand...

If you go for a domain, esp. if you use SBS and want RWW, all client
workstations should run WinXP Pro SP2.
Tape backup (or some other removable storage backup)
Antivirus software for workstations, server, and Exchange if you go for the
latter

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I suggest you ask them some specific questions about their goals (and
budget), as well as doing some serious research & reading before committing
to doing anything. I'm not sure what your background/experience is, but if
you haven't worked with AD/Exchange I think SBS is your best bet - it's also
likely to be the best 'bang for the buck' for the client if they want
anything besides a simple workgroup.

You might try subscribing to microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs - and
checking out www.smallbizserver.net - as well as www.microsoft.com/sbs and
www.microsoft.com/exchange
 
Thanks for the detailed reply, the main thing that they want to be able to
achieve is centralized file storage. At this point internal/external eMail
is not such a priority, but at some time in the future would be required.

I did a bit more research after originally posting and discovered that
Exchange and Small Business Server are 2 entirely different programs, and it
would appear that SBS 2003 is looking more likely to achieve what they
currently need.

I am now off to do some more reading at the links you posted below. Thanks
again.

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
 
acrs said:
Thanks for the detailed reply, the main thing that they want to be able to
achieve is centralized file storage.
Click to expand...

A simple NAS box would do this - but it doesn't help them at all with
regards to remote connectivity.
At this point internal/external eMail is not such a priority, but at some
time in the future would be required.

I did a bit more research after originally posting and discovered that
Exchange and Small Business Server are 2 entirely different programs, and
it would appear that SBS 2003 is looking more likely to achieve what they
currently need.
Click to expand...

.....and SBS2003 *includes* Exchange 2003, which I suggest you do use if you
get SBS.
I am now off to do some more reading at the links you posted below. Thanks
again.
Click to expand...

You're most welcome, and good luck. Note again that the MS public newsgroup
for SBS 2003 is microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs, and you are sure to get
a lot of helpful replies should you post any questions in there.
"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
What is it they want to do exactly? That's the best place to start. Do
they want centralized file storage, etc? Internal as well as Internet
mail?


Sure, maybe, but what do they want to do once they're *connected* ?


It can be, but this really depends on:

a) what they want to do
b) what they'll spend money on
c) how skilled you are


No, that isn't related to logon at all. There's only a 'network logon' if
you have a domain/Active Directory network, not a workgroup. Exchange is
great, but has nothing to do with it.


Not mutually exclusive. You can't run Exchange without Windows Server....


Client Access Licenses. Call MS licensing for more info on licensing.

SBS is a bundle (includes W2003, E2003 - and perhaps SQL / ISA if you buy
Premium). It's a good thing to look into, if you don't have any
experience setting up Active Directory/domains as it comes with a lot of
wizards to help you set it up.

SBS also comes with "Remote Web Workplace" (sort of, "poor man's terminal
services), which might be just the thing for them if they want to be able
to connect in from home/the road and work just as though they were in the
office.


The ISP provides a router/modem. You should install a decent firewall
appliance (even if you use ISA, although it doesn't have to be as fancy
if you have ISA)


If you go for a domain, esp. if you use SBS and want RWW, all client
workstations should run WinXP Pro SP2.
Tape backup (or some other removable storage backup)
Antivirus software for workstations, server, and Exchange if you go for
the latter



I suggest you ask them some specific questions about their goals (and
budget), as well as doing some serious research & reading before
committing to doing anything. I'm not sure what your
background/experience is, but if you haven't worked with AD/Exchange I
think SBS is your best bet - it's also likely to be the best 'bang for
the buck' for the client if they want anything besides a simple
workgroup.

You might try subscribing to microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs - and
checking out www.smallbizserver.net - as well as www.microsoft.com/sbs
and www.microsoft.com/exchange
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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