Howdy space_cowboy-ga,
You need 3 basic pieces of equipment to set up your office to use a T1 line.
I am not going to get too deep into technical jargon because there's no need
to do so.
- CSU/DSU - essentially a modem (of sorts) designed for T1 lines.
- Router - a router does just that, routes data to and from where it should.
- Hub - this allows you to connect your computers to the router.
It's hooked up in that order: T1 <-> CSU/DSU <-> Router <-> Hub <-> Computer(s)
Where you source your T1 line from determines which equipment you will need
to get, but you generally can get away with using one piece of equipment that
combines all three of the above, such as the Netopia R5300 T1 Router.
http://netopia.links.origin.channelintelligence.com/pages/prices.asp?sSKU=R5300
"The Netopia R5300 Router offers leased line connections over T1 and integrates
easy-to-use and powerful business-class features."
You might want to consider an "all in one" solution like the above that also
has the capability of dial-up access in case the T1 service goes out. Netopia
makes the R5320 with just those capabilities.
http://netopia.links.origin.channelintelligence.com/pages/prices.asp?sSKU=R5320
"The R5320 includes the Netopia V.90 dial-backup module to keep businesses
connected to the Internet when their primary broadband connection fails."
Both of the above incorporate firewalls, etc. so if set up properly will
provide some of your security needs, etc.
Again, you should speak with your T1 provider before buying any equipment.
Any computer you need to hook up to the T1 will need an ethernet port, but most
computers these days come with that either built in, or has an ethernet card
already installed. Equally, most computers have the network support built into
the operating system (Windows, Apple, Linux, etc.) to handle being connected
to the T1 through the hub. You might have to configure your computer to use
the T1 properly, but that depends on the equipment and T1 line.
If it is going to be a somewhat complex network, with large or lots of traffic
going between machine both internal and external to the network, you might also
need a switching hub (also known as a switcher) to avoid networking problems.
You will need cabling to connect all of this, in the form of ethernet cables.
Setting it all up depends on the specific equipment you get, but it all should
come with complete instructions for doing the setup. Your T1 provider might
also provide some of the essential settings for your computers, etc.
If you need any clarification, feel free to ask.
Search Strategy
Personal experience as a former ISP (Internet Service Provider) owner.
Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher |
Clarification of Answer by
denco-ga
on
25 May 2004 10:59 PDT
Howdy space_cowboy-ga,
As you suspect, the T1 line will function essentially as a DSL/cable
connection. No need to set up a server, etc. There might be some
things to set in the networking portion of your compputer, but that
should be the most you will need to do.
If you want to run a server, such as one to handle email or a web site,
you can certainly do that if you desire. You will need to get some
fixed IP (internet protocol) numbers, but that might come with the T1,
or can be negotiated as part of getting the T1.
If you are so inclined, I would actually encourage you to experiment with
setting up a server. It is an interesting "hobby," full of things to
learn, and will allow you to utilize the T1 to its fullest. But, no need
to do so, unless you want.
Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher
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