adding existing network to another existing network

Question

I'm just curious:

A colleague of mine has acquired a building with a network and wants to add it to the network that four other buildings in a city currently are part of as well.

What are the basic steps needed to add an existing inactive network to an existing active network shared between multiple buildings?

I just want to know what the basic steps are.

thanks :)

Answer 1

How far apart are the buildings? If it's a considerable distance (CAT5 networking cable can only go around 300 feet, plus I wouldn't run it outdoors), I would consider looking into either a VPN solution, or contacting your phone or cable provider and see if they can setup either a private/dedicated network between the buildings.

As far as cost is concerned, VPN very well may be the least expensive of the options, but may not perform as well as a dedicated link between the buildings.

Answer 2

If you have line of sight and the distance isn't too far, the simplest and cheapest way would be with a wireless bridge. Tranzeo makes affordable units that work well for this sort of thing.

Answer 3

1. Determine what kind of networking the buildings currently have
2. Determine how you are going to physically connect them, if they aren't already (i.e. got wires?)
3. Determine what network addressing schemes you are going to use, and if there will be conflicts that you will need to work around.
4. Obtain quotes on necessary equipment and labor to install
5. Install and implementation
6. Troubleshoot problems