Setup/Upgrade Network for 20-30 users at each site with possibility if growth

[emekaroy]

Dears I just inherited a setup with the following details: same setup @ both sites

Workgroup
Dell Poweredge r430 with Server 2008 - File Server
Cisco UC 500 for VoIP (no documentation found)
About 20 Laptops and IP Phones
24 ports Fastethernet unmanaged switch
Cat5 cabled

The biggest problem they had in the past was not being able to interconnect the two sites.

The new setup should look something like this:

a. Both sites should be able to talk to each other, share files and all.
We can get two VPN ready Routers and configure site-site VPN
Couple of manageable switches

b. A centrally managed system with authentication and authorization for network resources.
AD, Writable DC at Primary site and RODC at secondary location
DHCP & DNS can be present at both locations using the existing dell servers

c. For intersite call using the existing UC500
I read something about Multisite configuration.

c. Email services
Office360 from Godaddy

d. Network Security & Antivrus
Sonicwall firewall appliance and I am thinking McAfee for Antivirus

e. A flexible video conferencing system that supports desktops and mobile devices
Polycom real-presence

-- What are your recommendations for server hardware and should we go with virtual or physical servers?
-- For the file server, is it better to centralize it? Have it at the primary site and enable offline caching in case of network failure, so that users at the second location can work still access shared files
-- Should we re-cable with Cat6 or continue with existing Cat5?
-- What storage type do you recommend? DAS, NAS or SAN

Please, your advice/recommendations are highly appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Ralston18]

Recommend that you post your answers/ideas with respect to "e." above and request further "advice/recommendations" accordingly.

Otherwise, your post appears to be a homework assignment and Forum rules do not permit members to do homework.

Be as specific and detailed as you can. Small things can and will make a difference with respect to the end network design and eventual implementation.

 

[emekaroy]

Recommend that you post your answers/ideas with respect to "e." above and request further "advice/recommendations" accordingly.

Otherwise, your post appears to be a homework assignment and Forum rules do not permit members to do homework.

Be as specific and detailed as you can. Small things can and will make a difference with respect to the end network design and eventual implementation.

Hi Ralston18, thanks for responding. This is not a homework, it is real.
For e.: The aim is for upper management guys to be able to call into/or involve in an ongoing video conference from their mobiles or company laptops. We intend to deploy Polycom Video conferencing system in the meeting room, if a meeting is scheduled and someone is on the move, the person should be able to call into the conference room.
I googled and found that Polycom has a web/desktop/mobile app "RealPresence" that "can" do that.

I have been on the Manage side of network infra, this once I have been asked to plan/upgrade an existing network as described above.

I pray you experts to help me check and evaluate what (the solutions) I have listed above.
If I have missed something, please do point it out.

Any suggestions/recommendations/advise are highly appreciated.

Thanks again.

PS: The Admin that setup and managed the network did not leave any notes, this is especially for the VoIP.
The firm has been offline for sometime now.

Suggest Network/Server hardware, services and anything that would enable me to do a good job.

Thank you guys, a lot.

 

[Ralston18]

Good.

I picked "e" sort of at random.

So you have been looking into things and hopefully someone somewhere can contribute other ideas and thoughts with respect to video conferencing.

Now address a, b, c, and d in the same manner. More details, what you have found, what concerns you have, and, most importantly, what solutions and products you are considering.

You will learn more and further postings with respect to your situation are likely to be more meaningful and helpful.

Keep going.

 

[emekaroy]

Good.

I picked "e" sort of at random.

So you have been looking into things and hopefully someone somewhere can contribute other ideas and thoughts with respect to video conferencing.

Now address a, b, c, and d in the same manner. More details, what you have found, what concerns you have, and, most importantly, what solutions and products you are considering.

You will learn more and further postings with respect to your situation are likely to be more meaningful and helpful.

Keep going.

Thanks a lot Ralston18.
For a.: The both sites were never interconnected in the past, now there is a need for site A to speak with Site B and any other future branch. They need to share information in a reliably secured and fast way.
I have also checked, there seam to be more way to get this done; MPLS, VPN and Cloud based WAN. Having gone through some materials online, it appears (to me) that VPN is easier to configure, plus it is also secured and can be done with VPNready routers.

For b.: They have two server hardware (dell poweredge) at both sites, configured as file servers in Workrgoups. No Domain exists. In addition to sharing files easily, they also want to secure those files from unauthorized personnel, hence the AD. The question is now how best to implement this; 1. deploy writable domain controllers to both sites, 2. deploy writable to site A and RODC to site B. That's where the centrally manage came on-board.

For c1.: The are two UC500 VoIP devices, one at each sites. IP phones are working locally, but intersite has not been achieved. I did a little search on google and saw something like Multisite connection or trunking.
Note: no details about the current config, no config record from the previous admin.

For c2.: They want to have a professional email "name@companyname.com. Now I can install and configure a local exchange server, but I haven't done anything like making it reachable from the outside. I've read a few articles, but seems heavy. I found it's possible on Microsoft cloud using office360 or from Godaddy. Actually I found out about Godaddy in this forum.

For d.: Securing the network from outside is as important as securing network resources from within, if not more.
That's where the Firewall comes in and Antivirus to protect from viruses and malware.

Products that I am considering:
Routers: I would go for Cisco, I am not a routing guy, but I can find my way.
Manageable switches: I will go for Cisco. I haven't worked with any other one before. I am comfortable with Cisco
Server Hardware: I have worked with HP products "HP ProLiant Servers DL380 G7/8

Let me know any other info you need.
I need your suggestion, recommendations and advise.

Thanks