Recommend internet setup for retail SAAS

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mushtac

157 posts

Master Geek

#104382 17-Jun-2012 13:33

I need some advice on the best way to setup the internet for 7 retail stores moving to SAAS?
I was thinking 2 ADSL connections (TELECOM/VODAFONE) connected to a FortiGate dual modem/firewall.
Any recommendation on a dual ADSL modem only? I think the FortiGate has a yearly subscription.

Zeon

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#642104 17-Jun-2012 14:27

TBH I wouldn't go with 2x ADSL connection. Go with 1x DSL and 1x alternate network e.g. 3g or fixed wireless. Lets say a car takes out a cabinet, there's both your DSL lines gone for days.

Also if they have 7 connections you might want to go with an ISP who can share usage on a single account e.g. with Unleash we have 4 connections with a 550GB bandwidth pool they all draw down on. Works out better than having separate data allowances for each site. You could do the same with 2degrees and their data sharing service if you chose 3g as the backup. In terms of the router I would always say PFsense by default. I have them working well with VDSL as the main connection and auto 3g failover within a minute.

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mushtac

157 posts

Master Geek

#642553 18-Jun-2012 14:17

Thanks for your advice Zeon, can you give me an example of "fixed wireless" do you mean a service like Woosh?

Zeon

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#642582 18-Jun-2012 15:43

In regards to fixed wireless the options around providers really depend on where the retail site is located. For example in Auckland there is Wired Country, Compass, Reach and a few others who have transmitters around the place (almost all on at least Sky Tower). You'll need a direct line of site to a transmitter as you have an antenna installed onto the building that connects with that transmitter only. Typically it is much more reliable than 3g broadband with greater data caps and very little chance of congestion which could cause 3g to dropout say should a whole area lose DSL and everyone switches to 3g.

In Wellington there is NZWireless and there are many throughout the country e.g. Primowireless in New Plymouth, EOL in Tauranga etc. They will be more expensive than 3g so just be aware of that. A number of members on this forum run their own or work in these companies AFAIK.

To be honest I think that you would be safe to use 3g as a backup as even if its really slow due to congestion, the cost savings vs. likelihood of DSL going down for days is quite strong. A lot of PoS have offline mode too e.g. new EFTPOS terminal can transact offline and so can some SaaS PoS/inventory applications like Vend have an offline mode.

Personally I'd go with Unleash, DTS or another business ISP for DSL on the main links (maybe even VDSL, fibre for larger stores) and 2degrees 3g as backup.

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