Any Network/IT experts here?

[BroSlinger]

So,

(TLDR version: old network needs updating. what's the current trend? How do I get help?)

The situation:

1. The office is a house that was wired with CAT5.
2. 3 regular users.
3. There is a file server/storage device.
4. There is a scanner/copier that sends pdfs to the storage device.
5. Everything has a static IP.
6. Internet traffic gets routed through an ancient physical firewall for simple ingress/egress filtering that's throttling our bandwidth badly. We aren't using wireless. We aren't using remote access or VPN.
7. We have FIOS.
8. We have a modern 24 port switch that works fine.

The problem:
1. We NEED some kind of VOIP solution, and that would probably require getting rid of the ancient firewall.

The possible solutions?:
1. Use a new firewall/router. Stick with static IP's on everything. (is this out of vogue??)
2. Use a new firewall/router. Go to dynamic IP's. (any reason to do this?)
3. Don't worry about it, and let the phone company come up with a solution on the modem side of the firewall.

After wasting 3 days trying to configure a ubiquity router, I don't even know enough to be dangerous. I'm losing patience, and wondering if I need to step back and go in a different direction.

We are too small to have an IT person working for us. It's up to me to come up with some kind of solution.

[BroSlinger]

BTW, other idea:

Do I just ditch the router???? I'm not doing any port forwarding, I don't think??????

Or is there a super easy way to run the router that will still offer some kind of security on the backside of the modem?

[Marc G]

we just got a ubiquity Firewall and VPN between our two offices set up BUT I had an IT contractor do it..... the set up seemed pretty painless but he does this for a living and even then there were some quirky setting he had to wrestle with....... do you know any subs that could just do the config as a one off job? I will say once set up managing the ubiquiti stuff isn't so bad AND the performance is great.

[Tortuga]

What are you using for file server / storage device?

My understanding is Ubiquity is good shit, and shouldn't be giving you hassles. But, you have to probably have the FIOS provider put their router put in bridge mode (basically passes traffic blindly) so that the firewall/router can do it's job. Which Ubiquity router do you have?

No reason to have things on static IP, unless you've got something that can't deal with DHCP - even then, you should be able to set up a reservation on the Ubiquity device.

You'll want to have a router that can handle quality of service (QoS) management for your VOIP system, so that voice traffic is prioritized. Better yet is to have a managed switch that'll work in conjunction.

I know there's some good IT guys on here. I'm guessing they'll pipe in. I'm not the most knowledgeable network guy, but I've got some really good contacts who can probably help me get you some info.

[Ry Manchu]

RingCentral Standard plan, unless you need the CRM features, then the Premium plan. Avaya J179 or Cisco CP8851 phones. Fios at 940mbps. Watchguard M270 firewall with 1 year total security suite, unless you want a POE firewall then the Sonicwall TZ600 POE. Personally, I'd rather do POE from a switch, it's much cheaper. You don't need poe with 3 users anyway. If your company can't justify the cost of the Watchguard, then the Sophos XG125 with totalprotect plus, but it will noticeably slow your internet, however it will probably be faster than you have now. Keep your fixed IP addresses. I've never installed a Ubiquiti router, but I have used their switches and I hate them. Send me a birthday/xmas present in December.

[Pepi]

The easy way would be let Xfinity put VOIP in. The NAPA store I work at has it and it's been very stable