[KLUG Members] hmmm

[Adam Tauno Williams]

> Here's a dumb question. I have two sites, both on a budget (who isn't?).
> They need some file sharing and IMAP shared between them. Do I:
> 1. Install DSL/cable modems as appropriate and use some software VPN
>    tech as necessary, or

This is probably, by far, the cheaper solution;  but your never going to
achieve 99% uptime.  My experience is that consumer grade cable/DSL both
suffer from frequent brown outs.

> 2. Go with something more sophisticated?
> I've read a few things about frame relay. Needless to say, this info
> wasa bit unhelpful: does frame relay work over another Internet
> connection, or is it a connection in and of itself?

For two locations I can't imagine that frame is a reasonable option.  I
operate a 12 (previously 13) node network.  It was cheaper to move the
nearest site to a full PtP T1 than it was to have it on the frame.  And
if one of your sites is central (as ours is) one larger site can pinch
out other sites if it really starts to move traffic.

How far apart are these sites?  Frame becomes a more reasonable option
when distance is greater, especially if you span LATA (which drives up
the cost of PtP).

If you went with DSL/Cable would you be able to get the same provider at
both ends?  The best world is if you can stay on their trunck, otherwise
latency can get a little high.  And many providers will support your VPN
by tweaking your traffic between the two sites in their own network for
a reasonable extra fee.

As shocking as it sounds, Ameritech blows the doors of everyone else's
frame prices.  Ever other bid we had was at least 2X (yep, that is
TWICE) as much $$$.  If you call for a quote on frame go with the
minimum 128k CIR as that effects the price more than port speed, and you
really can burst to ~90% of port speed 90% of the time.

I'd check out -

1. PtP T1, if the distance isn't great these are usually pretty cheap.
2. SpeakEasy DSL (they provide a static IP without an extra charge).
3. Frame Relay

- in that order.  If you go with DSL you might want to configure a ISDN
dial backup for when the connection goes wonky,