Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

We are taking on a remote office and ideally we want to give them connection to our network and database.

There will only be one person in the remote office that needs to connect.

We plan to give them a 512 or 1Mb ADSL connection.
The head office only has a 2Mb leased line (for website/database) and 2 x 512Kb ADSL lines (one for terminal server/internet and one for email.)

What is the most cost effective way for them to connect to us?

We have a Terminal Server, but I think it's too slow for them. Is there a cheap VPN solution out there, or will I have to get Citrix and up our connection here.

ozzy

Depends on how much data/traffic there is. VPN is just a secure network connection over the Internet. So, all the data will need to go between server and remote client over a slow link. You could use a VPN-enabled router at both ends to offer network-network VPN or just install a VPN client on the remote PC/Laptop and have a VPN server/router in the HO. That can be pretty cheap, although depends what you mean by cheap. £100, £500, £1000?

Terminal Server or Citrix would be better if the amount of data means that the VPN link would be too slow (or swamp the HO leased line). It's only screen updates and keystrokes so the bandwidth required can be low.

You could use a combination of the two - VPN to provide a secure, remote network connection over the net and then Citrix to publish a single database application. They could run Office applications locally and avoid them running a full desktop session IYSWIM.

Stefan

forseti

I agree with ozzy... define cheap??? Citrix is expensive but if you already have it then it is not hard to publish remote apps with nfuse or the like. But I prefer a standard remote access IPSEC VPN as it just extends your network out and gives users the same access as HQ (if you want it that way).

unfeasablylargegonads

iTrader: (3)

IPSEC VPN tunnel, loads of cheap kit supports it from low end cisco stuff to building something like an BSD/linux based firewall (can get them based on CD image) so all you need is a couple of old PC's, cheap but very flexible.