Hi,
As in the title, I'm looking for opinions on the most reliable, easiest to configure router for a medium sized business. I was wondering if anyone here knew what kind of router might best fit our needs?
We run around 180 computers on a peer to peer network, and a couple of HP DL servers for DHCP and other applications.
However most computers are simply standalone administrator accounts, and we don't have a domain controller. We have a 100mb/s 1:1 contention leased line from Virgin Media that terminates a
Needless to say I work for a company that doesn't have an I.T. department, that has muddled through for years with a 'If it ain't broke...' mantra. I'm trying to change this however by slowly changing the kit to more reliable and scalable solutions as our company expands.
Recently our router (Draytek Vigor 3300V) started dropping connections, and had consistently very high CPU usage (100%). We've decided to replace this unit, as it is at the end of it's lifespan - but I've been given the task of replacing it and I'm not sure what unit to purchase.
I was looking at Cisco ISR ranges of routers, perhaps a 1900 series?
We have no real need for dedicated VoIP functionality, nor do we really need any wireless connectivity, as that's currently being taken care of by a Cisco AP541N access point, but another antenna would be a plus. Ideally a VPN service would be useful although not essential.
My only concern is that the Cisco routers seemed to require a lot of CLI setup via the IOS platform. None of us here have ever earned a CCNA or received any training and my concern is it arriving and I won't be able to configure it. Would Cisco be overkill or with the amount of connected clients here demand it? Are there any other business grade routers or appliances that will suit the need?
Thank you in advance for your replies,
Paul
As in the title, I'm looking for opinions on the most reliable, easiest to configure router for a medium sized business. I was wondering if anyone here knew what kind of router might best fit our needs?
We run around 180 computers on a peer to peer network, and a couple of HP DL servers for DHCP and other applications.
However most computers are simply standalone administrator accounts, and we don't have a domain controller. We have a 100mb/s 1:1 contention leased line from Virgin Media that terminates a
Needless to say I work for a company that doesn't have an I.T. department, that has muddled through for years with a 'If it ain't broke...' mantra. I'm trying to change this however by slowly changing the kit to more reliable and scalable solutions as our company expands.
Recently our router (Draytek Vigor 3300V) started dropping connections, and had consistently very high CPU usage (100%). We've decided to replace this unit, as it is at the end of it's lifespan - but I've been given the task of replacing it and I'm not sure what unit to purchase.
I was looking at Cisco ISR ranges of routers, perhaps a 1900 series?
We have no real need for dedicated VoIP functionality, nor do we really need any wireless connectivity, as that's currently being taken care of by a Cisco AP541N access point, but another antenna would be a plus. Ideally a VPN service would be useful although not essential.
My only concern is that the Cisco routers seemed to require a lot of CLI setup via the IOS platform. None of us here have ever earned a CCNA or received any training and my concern is it arriving and I won't be able to configure it. Would Cisco be overkill or with the amount of connected clients here demand it? Are there any other business grade routers or appliances that will suit the need?
Thank you in advance for your replies,
Paul