Broadband for small business

ceewash

I have a business with 9 PCs which I want to connect to Broadband. They are not particularly new PCs and I don't think they have capacity for wireless. Do they have to be networked? What's the best way/cheapest way to connect them? Any suggestions for providers? Any help welcome.

Toxteth_OGrady

ceewash wrote: »

Do they have to be networked?

Yes if you want them all to access the same internet connection. How do any of them connect to the internet at the moment?

ceewash

They do not connect to internet at the moment. I just use a dongle for admin tasks.

InsideInsurance

You would need an ethernet switch with sufficient ports - given you have 9pcs you can pick up an unbranded 16 port switch for £20 or a branded one for £50. Ethernet Cat5e cable to connect them all to the switch, price will depend on length but you should be getting a 5m cable for sub £3.

When you have your broadband router set up (will probably be provided by your ISP) you just use another short ethernet cable to connect the switch to the router and bobs your uncle.

ceewash

That sounds ok. Will it be more complicated because 3 pcs are downstairs and the rest upstairs?

Toxteth_OGrady

Or you could get a broadband modem/router with a built-in 4 port switch. You could patch cable 3 of the PCs and an 8-port switch to that then patch cable the other 6 PCs to the 8-port switch. For best performance (file transfer etc) between the 9 PCs on the local office network, make sure the PCs have gigabit network adapters and the switches are also gigabit.

As for ISP and service you want it will depend on how critical internet access is to your business model and what you need in terms of price, performance and reliability. Business class connections tend to be more expensive but worth investing in if your businees cannot afford to lose connectivity.

I would very strongly recommend IDNet. http://www.idnet.net/solutions/business/ They are consistently amongst the highest rated ISPs on ThinkBroadband and their customer service is absolutely fantastic. Give them a call to discuss your requirements - you will not be disappointed. And NO, I don't work for them or have any interests with them apart from being a very happy customer.

Toxteth_OGrady

ceewash wrote: »

That sounds ok. Will it be more complicated because 3 pcs are downstairs and the rest upstairs?

No, you just need longer cables and ethernet is OK up to 100m. Stick with wired if you can, it is much more reliable and secure.

ceewash

What does patch cable mean?

Toxteth_OGrady

ceewash wrote: »

What does patch cable mean?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=90379&postcount=10

S0litaire

A "Patch cable" is just a name for a short network cable used to join 2 devices (usually routers) together.
It's now a general term for any short network cable used to connect a PC or device to a Hub or Router.

Patch cable = network cable

ceewash

Thanks for all that . should be enough to get it sorted.