Network Technologies

Most people just want their computers to work and not get in the way of their job. These days, it seems like putting together a network for your home or office is so daunting that most people avoid it and forfeit all the benefits a streamlined, reliable network can provide. Besides the initial benefits like file/print sharing and local wireless mobility, a properly constructed network may simplify your Internet connection demands and increase your computers' security. This not only adds new capabilities to your computers, but it lowers your cost of operation and time spent with maintenance.

First of all, networking your computers shouldn't change how you use them. You probably shouldn't have to learn a new operating system or do anything extra just to use common services between computers. (The only exception is if your current systems are using software that's more than three or four years old.)

When we consider how you use your computer, most people are used to one of two desktop operating systems: Windows or Mac OS. While older software may work, it's generally easier to use the more current versions of either: Windows XP and Mac OS X. If you're used to the basic operation of either of these platforms, you're ready to benefit from the features a computer network can provide. In either system, we can make shared folders available as if they were folders on your local disk. With these operating systems, it's never been easier to create a collaborative environment for yourself and/or your coworkers.

As a special note to Windows users, you might be concerned with things like viruses and spyware. These are practically constant threats to most Windows systems. When connected through a properly configured network, these problems can be minimized and usually avoided completely. This makes your investment in Windows systems even more valuable.

Additionally, some people like to have certain amounts of control over how their network is used to browse the web. Using modern software solutions, we can provide many levels of monitoring and restriction to the web. For home networks, we can create a system that blocks adult-oriented sites, and for office networks, we can create a system that monitors employee use of the web. This level of control can be for everyone on the network or for individual computers connected to the network.

As soon as you connect your computers to the Internet, there are many security issues that have to be examined if we want to be assured that our computers are safe and reliable. A modern firewall can be set up that not only protects your computers from outside attacks, but also protects your network and the rest of the Internet from problems that might arise from inside your network.

You may be thinking that a solution like this is unattainable at any kind of reasonable costs for a small business. That's why most small businesses don't even consider how their computers are networked because they don't think they can afford a commercial-grade solution to their network needs. In most cases, a complete local network solution can be provided by a single, relatively old personal computer. This means a solid, reliable network can be set up with very little initial investment; in some cases, no investment in new hardware at all.

After you have basic network services in place, it's a simple matter to add services like local wireless access and automatic backups of network devices. Of course, features like wireless and backups will require additional hardware, but the infrastructure to enable these features is already in place after the previous services are in place.

Local Services

In order to use existing or inexpensive personal computer hardware, we will be using an industrial-grade operating system which comes with a very complete suite of networking tools at no additional cost. Using FreeBSD to run your network, we are ensuring your network's reliability, availability, security, and integrity. Even if you're using Windows or Mac operating systems on your client computers, FreeBSD still makes an ideal hub for any and all of your network services. In fact, using FreeBSD as a firewall to a network comprised of Windows computers, makes your Windows computers more reliable and secure; and, without any additional software on your Windows machines.

The following is a list of services that can be used to create or enhance your network's usefulness.

Additionally, most services can be remotely monitored and administered so network management can happen from any location. This solution becomes ideal when a network manager is not able to always be on site, but has access to the Internet.

Multiple Locations

In addition to basic local network services, many organizations require linking their services between multiple locations. Using FreeBSD as your Internet gateway, setting up a packet tunnel to another location is very simple. Traditionally, a solution such as this required specialized hardware and/or proprietary software on one or more client machines. With FreeBSD running your gateway at either location, the packet tunnel is transparent to clients, much cheaper than other solutions, and even more secure than technologies such as proprietary VPN routers.

These new tools allow you to use network services between two physically separate locations as if all the machines were on the same local network.

Site-to-Site Links

With the declining costs of broadband Internet services it's usually very affordable to connect each of your organization's locations to the Internet separately. In some cases, however, this may not be possible or desired. In the event that your locations are within line-of-sight, modern wireless solutions can link your locations without the need for expensive infrastructure or additional services from an ISP.

Using proven Cisco wireless hardware, a site-to-site link can be installed for less than $1000 (cheaper than most PCs) with no periodic costs (such as additional monthly ISP bills).

What You Need

No matter your requirements, most solutions can be accomplished within any reasonable budget. This is because I can custom tailor your network's services to only what you need. For instance, your data may be adequately backed up through periodic copies to removable media (CDs) instead of implementing a $1000+ network backup platform. For 90% of home and small business needs, all your services can be housed in one, inexpensive personal computer. Besides the lower costs in hardware, local management is greatly reduced through my solutions.

If you decide you're ready to implement a new network or enhance the services of an existing network, my services can be a valuable resource to all levels of computer users. If you don't even know where to begin, I can get the ball rolling and even help with certain levels of training. If you're familiar with network technology, but don't like the costs of improving your existing solutions, I can provide much more cost-effective solutions.

Last Modified: March 10, 2005