Network Setup and Admin tools?

**RottnJP** · 01-25-09, 10:37 AM

Question for you IT types:

My wife's office is growing, and I need to set up a wireless network.

First time I set up a router (Linksys) it seemed to work o.k., but then it seemed to get squirrely- Not able to find the internet connection through the modem. (Happily seeing the network on the router, and putting a big red "X" over the modem even though when I connect directly to the modem it's fine. I didn't monkey with it too much before I pulled it out, because I really didn't need it then. But, now I do.

So my question is, what's a good set of software for small office network management? I want to re-do it, and make sure I'm using the right software when I do so.

It's on a wired DSL modem. The desktop PC is running Win XP home 32 bit. The laptops that will be connecting wirelessly are running vista home premium 32 bit. I would have been open to upgrading to vista ultimate if I have to, but I'd rather not now that "Vista-NoSeriouslyForRealThisTime" is coming in a year or so.

I also would like to be able to dial in remotely, and do basic maintenance remotely- move files, run apps, etc. Ideally while someone else is logged on locally.

Network Magic Basic is what it's trying to load up on me, and get me to buy the full featured version. I've seen some reviews say that Network Magic doesn't play well with others, and some say it's great. So now I'm just confused. MS Live One care (was free) volunteers to help set up the network security too... Should I let it? I'm not sure it's worth renewing when the first free year expires net month, but if it's useful I will. If MS Live OneCare is a waste, what should I use instead?

Thanks!!

**Kanati** · 01-25-09, 10:52 AM

You don't need to, or want to use software to set up the network. That's adding another, and unnecessary layer of software, not to mention a point of failure, to what's really rather simple to set up.

If the network properties of the computers are set up for DHCP, and you have the wireless router set up correctly... that's it. There's no software to run to make it run better or differently. And that takes care of the basic network. That's all computers interacting with each other within the building.

The actual setting up of the router can be as tricky or simple as you need, and it's different for different brands. There's the simple; set an ip, set the gateway, set a range of ip's for DHCP distribution and blam... Done. Or there's getting down into the nitty gritty of it and setting DMZ's, port forwarding, WEP, etc etc. And that takes some knowledge of what the terms are, what they do, and how they will interact with the machines on the network. And if it's in a business environment it's not something you want to try to muddle your way through.

"Dialing in" from home would be part of the latter. You'll need to set a DMZ. You'll need one machine on the network to handle the VPN routing... Or at least RDP (I RDP from work to my home machine all the time). RDP is definitely the easier of the two routes.

Basically... Short answer... If you don't know what you are doing, and it's a business' network... Find someone that does. Lawsuits can happen over fuxed up networks.

**Braddoc** · 01-25-09, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Kanati8869

Basically... Short answer... If you don't know what you are doing, and it's a business' network... Find someone that does. Lawsuits can happen over fuxed up networks.

or worse yet, data theft/destruction.

**Cybs** · 01-25-09, 11:14 AM

First, I've never been a big fan of Lynksys. If you can, return it and get a DLink. Also, check NewEgg and read the reviews on the wireless access point, you might be surprised at what you read. Second, if your setting up WiFi, you definitly want to setup the security. Without it, any Joe Schmo can access their network whenever they feel like it. Granted, WEP isn't much better but it's like a lock on a glass door, it keeps the honest people out.

If they are dead set on keeping the Linksys, see if there is a firmware upgrade available. That might fix the wireless dropping out. Also, change the default wireless channel. That is something else that will help keep your wireless connection stable. Also, don't put the wireless next to any major electronics/electrical. That can cause electromagnetic interference.

Worst case, call the manufacturer for help.