Networking

Wired

When you are running a large database it is essential that you have a fast and reliable network in place. The backbone of our network consists of Gigabit Net gear switches that are inter connected via Cat 6 cabling and to the clients via Cat 5e.

Wireless

Wireless networking is quick and economical but ensure you have it well protected. If you are worried about security here are a couple of tips, don't broadcast your SSID, if you set up all clients to connect automatically there is not need to broadcast this. Use MAC filtering, a hacker can get round this by using a port scanner but I still feel it is worth it. Ensure you change the default log on and password to the access point, I often come across these that are still set to the default. And finally use the highest encryption possible, if you reception suffers because of this think about adding another wireless access point and bridging it, don't reduce your encryption.

VPN

This is a cost effective way of giving remote access to your employees. I have several vpns set up in server to server mode from the employees home to company network. Once the tunnel is open you can then access all your files or log on to a terminal server. However I feel a better option is to connect directly to your workstation through the tunnel, this gives you the same experience as if you were sitting at your work desk even if you do not have roaming profiles set up. When you are on the move you can first connect via a GPRS or 3G card and then set up the VPN tunnel and then run a remote desktop session.

Remote Assistance

Remote Assistance is a great little tool that enables you to connect to and resolve user problems without leaving you chair. I previously set up VNC on the old windows 98 computers and it works in much the same way, it is also good for showing the user what you are doing. The user only has accept the offer to help and then accept your offer to take control, you then have all the rights of the logged on user and you can then use runas to fix anything that needs more permissions. You can also connect directly to the user computer using Remote Desktop Connection but this will log the current user off.