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Which network is right for remote SBS2011e connecting SQL2008R2express database?

Answered Which network is right for remote SBS2011e connecting SQL2008R2express database?

  • Thursday, March 07, 2013 12:47 PM
     
     
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    Greeting all SBSers,

    I'm looking for help planning the remote network for business.

    My business software is using SQL2008 R2 Express (I ran a small business)  on windows SBS 2011 Essential Server.

    In the near future, I will launch another branch which is in another area - far from Main branch.

    I need to connect to the Database at Main because they both will share the same inventory warehouse.

    I insert my network here

    My question is what XXX do I need to remote connect to SQL2008R2Exp database in this SBS2011e network ? (+ printer access on Main Branch)

    Is it called VPN ? 

    or Anyone could recommends other solution?

    I am very new to IT network. Any advice welcome!.

     

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  • Friday, March 08, 2013 12:02 AM
     
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    VPN *may* work but the end user experience may not be very good if the Internet access speed at either end of the VPN is slow or unstable.  A router-to-router VPN would be the best VPN choice but requires more $$ for the equipment and setup.  And the end user experience may still not be optimum.  Running SQL or Access databases over a VPN may prove frustrating.
     
    Assuming the users in the branch office need simultaneous access to your SQL database and also assuming that you will not need add to add new computers to your branch office in the near future, you might want to consider RWA (Remote Web Access), which is built into SBS 2011e.  You would need to buy two additional computers (you only need the computer, keyboard and mouse, not a monitor for these since they will only be used for remote access).  These computers should be set up in the main office and dedicated for remote access by the branch office users.  The branch office users then access the computers via RWA and remote control them.
     
    SBS 2011 Essentials Learning Bites - Using Remote Web Access.wmv
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10iKg6aTXGc
     
    --
    Merv  Porter   [SBS-MVP]
    ============================
     
  • Friday, March 08, 2013 3:04 AM
     
     
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    Thank you! Merv Porter

    I will take the RWA as one of efficient solution.

    However, *if* I wish to run client 4 & 5 by itself (not using this RWA) because the working-hour for each branch is overlapped (ie. new branch open 7 days a week while MainBranch open only weekdays). Hence, it is not optimal to run the two additional PC on closed date.

    Could you suggest any other choice?

     
  • Friday, March 08, 2013 12:08 PM
     
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    Not sure I understand your needs.  The two additional PCs at the main office will be left on 24/7, just like your server.  They will be available for remote access (and access to your SQL database) 24/7.  When main office is closed, Branch office PCs 4 and 5 will be able to remotely control the 'additional' PCs in the main office.

    --
    Merv  Porter   [SBS-MVP]
    ============================
     
  • Friday, March 08, 2013 12:21 PM
     
     
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    oh! sorry I misunderstood about those 2 additional PCs. 

    As I understand, In general, normal (desktop) PC shouldn't left turn on 24/7, isn't it? because it does not design for.

    I heard that turning them on 24/7 would shorten their life. (I cannot confirm or have any evidence to support this)

    or they could be PC with server-like components?

     
  • Friday, March 08, 2013 6:52 PM
     
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    The only reason to turn off a PC is to save energy.  Leaving them on will not shorten or lengthen their life.  I have client who have left their computers on 24/7 for the past several years (one has 10 PCs running 24/7 for the passed 10 years).  No issues other than 1 hard drive that failed after year 7. 
     
    You can allow them to go to sleep if you feel the energy waste is not tolerable; but you may need a 3rd party app to wake them up remotely.

    --
    Merv  Porter   [SBS-MVP]
    ============================
     
  • Saturday, March 09, 2013 2:28 PM
     
     
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    Thanks so much, Merv.  :)