network 8 miles apart ?

[graemecunn]

Is it possible to link two computers systems in two different towns? I am thinking of opening another premises 8 miles away and I would need to be able to access and process client information between the two sites. My business partner reckons this would cost silly money and also there could security implications , ( hacking etc ) The new premises only as one phone line would it need two?
Many Regards

 

[Addis]

You should consider using a VPN as creating a network that big would be silly. You use the internet as a medium to transmit data through the network.

 

[Anti-Trend]

network 8 miles apart ? -- VPN, of course.

Addis is absolutely right, a VPN is the only prudent solution. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, provides an encrypted tunnel accross a network (e.g. the Internet) to bridge remote networks. The most elegant and cost-effective way I can think of to accomplish this is with two IPCop firewalls (more info in this thread). These can be built out of otherwise obsolete PCs as they have very low requirements, so you probably don't need to buy any hardware. And the software itself costs nothing as it is based on Linux. Don't worry, IPCop requires no prior Linux knowledge to install or administrate, and the installation process only takes about 5-15 minutes. Additionally, once it's set up the system no longer requires a monitor, keyboard or mouse (or even a video card if the PC will boot without one) and can be accessed by a secure web interface. Once you've got the IPCop up and going as your new firewalled edge router, you can work on the relatively simple process of getting your VPN going. Of course, you can always post here if you have questions or difficulties.

All the best,
-AT

P.S. - I just noticed that you are talking about phone lines -- you should definately get broadband at both offices if possible, as it is something like 5,000% more cost-effective than dialup and will provide an infinitely more productive VPN work environment.