Re: Linksys wireless router use in SBS 2003 network

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

Assuming there is a one-to-one ratio between office desktops and personal
laptops users...

Without making it much/any harder for his staff, they can use RWW to access
their office desktops (even if they are physically in the office). This
keeps all data on the <company owned> workstations and/or the server for
centralized backup/recovery and security updates; doesn't require that
personal laptops be joined to the domain which prevents security issues and
possible viruses/spyware from computers he has no control over; standardizes
access to company equipment; and is easier/less costly to administer since
the admin doesn't have to deal with non-company-owned devices that roam in
and out of the office.

If the server goes down because someone introduces a virus (or maybe a
keystroke logger) or other problem from their personal laptop, his goal of
"making life easier for his staff" will quickly disappear (as well as
significant $$ from his corporate wallet). His current policies are
unwittingly putting not only his company but his staff's livelihoods at
risk.

And when a staff member buys a new laptop for home use, it's probably going
to come with Vista Home or Home Premium, which can't join a domain. Then
what will he do?

Another policy to implement would be My Documents folder redirection -
again, so that all data is saved to the server for daily backup. Easy to do
and transparent to the user (especially if you disable offline folders).

--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

"Frank" <ffarero@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:48f9d8f4$0$13068$9a6e19ea@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thanks James and Merv,

I have setup wireless access on another clients SBS network the right way.
But this client is insistant on 1. using the routers without proper setup
(Configured for AP) 2. Allowing staff to use ther personal laptops for
instaed of using the dektop PC's assigned to them.

When I asked about the laptops he stated that he wanted to make their life
easier for them. So be it! I am going back onsite on Monday to try to
comprimise with him by strongly suggesting that the wireless segment be
setup IAW current published standards.
"Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]" <mwport@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:e4QOMuRMJHA.5840@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Frank,

(What James said). I think consumer routers (or WAPs) for guest access
can be OK if set up properly. No, they may not have all the firewall
features and logging capabilities of a more expensive "commercial"
router, but they can offer good value at a cheap price. It really
depends on the individual client's security needs and risk tolerance.

Owen Williams created a very good document to explain how to set up
secure wireless access for SBS:

Configuring Secure Wireless Network Access with Microsoft® Windows® Small
Business Server 2003
http://home.comcast.net/~clearviewtc/

--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

"Frank" <ffarero@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:48f926b0$0$13081$9a6e19ea@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi all,

A client insists on using linksys wireless routers to extend the network
for wireless guests and employees and employees using their own personal
laptops.

I am creating a Accepatble Use Policy for them prohibting this. Can
someone give some good points on why a consumer grade router and
personal laptops should not be used in a SBS network? ssecurity
vulnerabilities, etc,etc

Thanks,

Frank







.

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