I know, the same old question - > I am trying to start a network for my company and I don't know where to start, please post some suggestions. I could hire someone, but I rather do it myself -> I am a do-it-yourself kindof guy.

Purpose: The network will serve as a wireless hotspot at each location for employees laptops to access the internet and company files. Also as a network to connect company computers for file and print sharing.

1. Network will be a WAN that has three locations. Location 1 has one computer, 2 has 3 computers, and 3 has 1 computer.

2. Each location has a connection to the internet via cable and has a wireless router. Location 2's three computers are connected via this wireless router. So I guess a basic assumption is the following:

- > How can I connect three LANs in remote locations via the internet. I want to use the cable internet service to connect these LANs. Each location has a wireless router for wireless device internet, printer sharing, and file sharing.

- > All systems are running Windows XP, so I was looking at using Window's software to manage the network. There are about 30 people who will be using this network, all at different locations. So I need each of them to have a log-in so they can log-in to the network via wireless or one of the five computers.

My Plan: Make some peer-to-peer network via QNext or Groove Virtual Office. Use Windows XP to establish a log-in system.

--- Also I have atleast $500 to do this, so any suggestions???

How much is your lifespan worth?

"I don't know where to start"
Being smart, as you are, is knowing what your limitation are. What you go on to describe is not something for a "do-it-yourself kindof guy"

For what you describe you can NOT do with just XP nor can you do it for $500. Your understanding of configuration, server software, vpns, wireless lans and security not to mention things like backups and protection of your accounting/company data is $1000's in training not counting material/OS's

Best thing you can do is hire someone who has already made the investment in education and has experience to backup the recommendations.

Golly gee wilerkers everyone! Learn to Internet Search

That would be nice to do, however the funding is not their for this. From what I have been hearing, the only possible solution is to use p2p software. Using software such as QNext, Groove Virtual Office, ect. would be a cheap solution that would allow communication and file sharing. What is your opinion.

You can communicated via internet email as well as xfer files to each other.

Sure you can qnext but that doesn't address

wireless hotspot
30 people using the network [who has what file?]
manage the network [free 4 all]
network company computers

OK you posted the complete wishlist.
What is it you absolutely need vs what you want?

Golly gee wilerkers everyone! Learn to Internet Search

Basic need is to communicate via e-mail or IM between the computers. File exchange. Wireless Internet.

Email-provided by your isp/hotmail
IM- provided by being on the internet and installing IM
File exchange- via email or if you want qnext
Wireless- wireless router at each location with open access.

Issues with this config:
security is only as good as the user
pc protection is only as good as the user [spy/malware, AV, updates, etc.]
open wireless allows unauthorized users to use your bandwidth and allows you to be hacked
minimal if no file security
no central management for accounts, service pacs, user access
I would not put my business computer on this network.

Best of luck!

Golly gee wilerkers everyone. Learn to Internet Search

Hmm I suggest A Vpn DDNS which is easily setupable with ur routers

Dynamic DNS allows you all to access a 'server' (one of ur computers) for centeralized data.

- Probably going to set up a VPN with either a LINKSYS BEFVP41 and LINKSYS WAP54G combo or if I can get the money SonicWALL TZ170W routers. Will set up a VPN with dummy IPs and connect the three locations through no-ip.com software. Then use Windows XP directory to set up the log-ins by making one of the computers the "server"

What do you guys think>>>????

Thanks for the reply. I have decided to go the route of establishing a VPN with the SonicWALL VPN routers. I will purchase three of them, one for each site. I am going to try the no-ip route. I will use no-ip to get around not having a static ip.

Using the sonicWALL routers will allow me to establish different layers of usability. It will allow us to give certain people access to the network and some to the internet and visa-versa. It will also allow users to access both if granted.

The only problem I forsee is setting up the log-ins. I understand it can't be done via a non Win Server. Since we will only be using Win XP, it will be almost impossible. So that aspect will most likely will have to be honor system. Unless you guys have a good solution, a software solution maybe????

So how did we go from $500 budget to sonicwall routers?

Your "central" sonicwall HAS TO have a static ip address. The others can be dynamic but you must have a "anchor" so the others can find where to connect to.

Not sure why the thought of noip.com since that doesn't matter. You also don't need multiple sonicwalls. For example I vpn to my works sonicwall just using sw's vpn client and my home isp [comcast]. Since you already have internet at the two other sites you only need one sonicwall. This is going to cost you more than $500. The vpn client licenses alone were more than that for my work.

Golly gee wilerkers everyone! Learn to Internet Search

Your plan is flawed. You would be well advised to consider changes to your plan. Any wireless access is subject to attack. Your entire system is subject to attack because you admit your lack of knowledge. Even if you hire a "expert" you may or may not get the security your company deserves.

My vote would be to study best practices. Consider any trade or technical schools in your area or public advanced schools. There are also wonderful but expensive boot camps that can provide the skills to administer your lan.