[OPLINTECH] Internet solutions for small branches

[Chad Neeper]

After that bit of extra info, definitely DO install a UPS on all of your
network equipment, even if you don't own it (ie. the ISP's modem). FWIW,
I'd suggest plugging a surge suppressing power strip into the wall outlet,
plug your UPS into the surge suppressor and then your equipment into the
UPS. (It's cheaper to replace the surge suppressor than a good UPS in the
unlikely event of a lighting strike.) (I've had it happen several times
over the years at various of my clients.)

Since you have a VPN, you can perhaps do a simple ICMP ping test to find
out where the outage occurs. Pick a branch library and ping each device
along the path from a computer at the main branch to an endpoint at the
branch library (or vice versa). If there are five network devices in the
path between your test computer and your endpoint and you stop getting ping
responses at the fourth device along the path, then you'll have a good idea
of where to start looking.

If you route all network traffic through the VPN, then definitely check
your VPN logs, too. It may not be a physical problem, especially since it's
happening at all of your branches. It may simply be a configuration issue.

Chad

______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools*

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 3:29 PM, Amy Deuble <adeuble at marion.lib.oh.us>
wrote:

>  Thank you for all your suggestions! I think we will take the approach of
> one building at a time since the issues, although they seem similar, are
> probably caused by different things.
>
>
>
> The main problem is opening after several days closed. Computers will not
> connect to the network until power is cycled on our router and the
> supplier’s modem and sometimes our PCs and printers. Clicking your heels
> three times may also be in order. It just depends. Then, even if things
> work fine at first, they may “cut out” after an hour or two and may or may
> not reconnect.
>
>
>
> I think our first step will be to install a UPS at each location. Right
> now things are plugged in to power strips (yikes! I know). All the
> buildings are older so cabling may be a bit dated, so that will probably be
> our next step to check. I also want to check and replace any older
> switches. We have things coming to the main library through a VPN so that
> is something else to check with our IT consultants.
>
>
>
> I may be back for more ideas in the near future. I really appreciate your
> help and support. Thank you!
>
>
>
> *Amy Deuble*
>
> Technical Services Manager
>
> Marion Public Library
>
> 445 E Church St
>
> Marion OH 43302
>
> 740-383-9722
>
> www.marionlibrary.org
>
>
>
> [image: LOGO blue small400] <http://www.marionlibrary.org/>
>
>          [image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/mplohio>     [image:
> twitter] <https://twitter.com/MarionPublicLib>
>
>
>
> *From:* Amy Deuble
> *Sent:* Friday, January 16, 2015 8:25 AM
> *To:* oplintech at lists.oplin.org
> *Subject:* Internet solutions for small branches
>
>
>
> We have three small branches open two days a week, Monday and Thursday,
> for a total of 6 hours a week. Each branch has 3 computers, one staff and
> two public, and a networked printer/copier. Two of the branches are on Time
> Warner and the other is on CenturyLink. All of the branches are located in
> small villages in mainly rural locations.
>
>
>
> We are having continual problems connecting to the Internet at all our
> branch locations. It seems we are constantly resetting routers, modems
> and/or PCs in different combinations trying to get things working. Both
> Time Warner and CenturyLink has been called numerous times with mixed
> results.
>
>
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make things more reliable?
> Would you shut down equipment, including routers and modems, when we are
> closed? Is there a business wireless solution that might work (although I
> wonder about cell phone service in some of these locations)? Any other
> options anyone can think of?
>
>
>
> *Amy Deuble*
>
> Technical Services Manager
>
> Marion Public Library
>
> 445 E Church St
>
> Marion OH 43302
>
> 740-383-9722
>
> www.marionlibrary.org
>
>
>
> [image: LOGO blue small400] <http://www.marionlibrary.org/>
>
>          [image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/mplohio>     [image:
> twitter] <https://twitter.com/MarionPublicLib>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OPLINTECH mailing list
> OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org
> http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>
>
>
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