Connecting a small remote office

I’m looking for some advice on connecting a very small office with about six users to a main office that will provide file and print sharing and e-mail. Would you have any suggestions on how I can inexpensively change the current setup without running a T-1?

I’m looking for some advice on connecting a very small office with about six users to a main office that will provide file and print sharing and e-mail. Currently, I have a point-to-point connection with a small router using the DSL link to connect to the main office router. It is a nailed-up connection, but the problem seems to be speed and lack of any at all.

Would you have any suggestions on how I can inexpensively change the current setup without running a T-1?

– Mike Lewinsky

Since you mention this is a nailed-up connection, in answering I will assume you’re running some type of VPN between locations. First, look at your DSL configuration. When using a VPN connection, it is best that you have the same speeds up and down on the connection. Look at the latency between the two sites and in reaching anything on the Internet. If you have wide shifts in latency, it is possible your ISP may have more subscribers for its service (i.e., demand) than it has the necessary bandwidth to service). Have either the provider or the telco (if they aren’t one and the same) check the line to see if you can run a speed higher than what you currently have, and if there are any problems between the two locations that the carrier/ISP can help fix.

Look at the equipment you’re using for the site-to-site connection. Check with the hardware vendor to see if you have the latest firmware installed at each end. It should be able to help you turn up any additional logging that may be available on its device. This should help you see if it is the equipment or your connection that may be the source of part or all of the problem. Also have the hardware vendor see if there are any configuration changes it can suggest on the VPN side of things to help things flow a little smoother.

Check with the cable TV provider in the area and see if it has Internet service available. If so, compare pricing and service levels. You may find that for the same or less money you could be able to get faster speeds that may help fix some of the speed-related problems you’re having. One thing to check is whether a specific level of service is required for VPN traffic to pass. Depending on the traffic on your main-office side of the connection, you may need to increase the speed of the connection there or bring in the remote office on a seperate connection.