Networking and Shared Internet Connections

pleasantbay.NET will provide the equipment, client software licenses and install your new wireless or cabled network. Once the network is established, your DSL, Cable, Satellite, ISDN, or a leased line such as frame relay or a T1 line can easily and inexpensively be shared among multiple users simultaneously. We also provide troubleshooting services and maintenance plans.

The physical layout of a P2P network consists of a hub or switch at the center of a star-shaped configuration. All the machines connect to this central hub, and, if your network is connected to the internet, this likely means that your hub or switch is an integral part of a router, which in turn is connected to a modem, which creates your gateway to the internet. The routers that we recommend have the valuable benefit of acting as a physical firewall using Network Address Translation (NAT), which prevents unauthorized access to your network or its workstation computers. Most new routers are also featuring Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), which increases the security of your data by ensuring that all data packets are coming from and going to the correct location

The peer-to-peer network does not have as many security features as the Client/Server system, but still can be configured with a reasonable level of security, and still offer the valuable sharing of resources mentioned above.

Client/Server Networks

A client/server network is more complicated and expensive to setup and maintain than the peer-to-peer configuration, but offers much higher levels of security, stability, and faster access to your data, thereby providing a rapid Return On Investment (ROI).

Networks from two to ten clients may need to switch from peer-to-peer to client/server depending upon their specific requirements. Some database applications only work in a client-server environment. And 3Com recommends the switch for a general purpose file server be made at five users. Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition only allows five users in a peer-to-peer environment, and just ten users on Windows XP Professional Edition.

The network is preferrably configured and maintained at a central 'server' machine by a trained and experienced professional, either on-site or remotely. Once a user logs onto the network, their unique level of access, whether it be to certain files, folders, printers, drives, or other areas of the network, is immediately established. This type of network is mainly used in corporate, government, and institutional environments, although many smaller businesses who use a large amount of data or have other circumstances will require this more robust and secure network environment.

Another feature of a client/server network is that it enables a user's data to be stored in a central location, which can be backed up automatically on a regular basis, then the backup media can be stored off-site in the case of a catastrophic incident, like fire.

pleasantbay.NET is now positioned as one of only a few Cape Cod companies that have been trained by Intel to build custom servers, and by Microsoft to deploy its newest server software for small businesses: Small Business Server 2003. SBS 2003 allows for remote access to shared files and programs, as well as it enables the sharing of calendars and contacts company wide.