Network Planning

Setting up your own Internet service provider can sometimes be the only way to get satisfactory Internet access options. In case you should want to give it a try, here's a case study: my own experience.

Over the past year or two, thousands of computer users have been flocking to open source operating systems such as Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. A mere five years ago, however, the thought of a "free" operating system in the corporate environment was virtually unheard of. While designing the network topology for one of my first clients, it took months to convince them to allow Linux workstations into their Sun environment.

Now that open source is finally getting the recognition that it deserves, many corporations are starting to integrate "free" products into their networks. Other companies, mostly home businesses and geek startups, rely solely on open source software to create their magic. Sosik-Hamor Networks is 100% open source with the exception of a Cisco router and a few Macintosh workstations.

An inexpensive and upgradable network that could be modified with minimal service interruptions.

• Cisco networking equipment will be used exclusively.
• The DMZ outside the firewall must be switched and SNMP-aware.
• The LAN inside the firewall will eventually be switched and SNMP-aware.
• All software must be 100% open source.
• OpenBSD will be used exclusively outside the firewall.
• Linux will be used exclusively inside the firewall.
• Macintoshes will be used exclusively for project development.
• The internal file server must be AppleTalk or AppleShare capable.
• A secure auditing workstation will sit between the DMZ switch and the DMZ ethernet port on the router.