want to setup a small isp

[warris]

I want to setup a small isp 500-1000 users, all located in a small geographical area within the same area code. I can get a T-1 for about $699 per month. users will be dial-up at this stage. Issues are

equipment

configurations

any help or feedback

** budget is llimited of course about $10,000 USD**

thanks

Salman

[tepatel · Accepted solution]

Not sure how much you can get for $10,000. But here is my design.

You can either use a big one router AS5850 to accomodate more then 1500+ users at the same time (works for future growth as well)

Or one or two AS5400 routers with T1 cards

[warris]

Thank you for the info. I am checking availability of the equipment. Will go with the AS5850 for right now. I am only CCNA plus 25% CCNP right now. Goal is CCIE- comm and services. I think this endeavor will help. Again thanks

[travis-dennis_2]

Interesting goal. Here is a question. If you go the AS5850 route with 1 T1 how many users can be connected through dial up at the same time on the single T1 and all getting the max. bandwidth for dialup?

[mljohnson]

All 23. The 5850 is speced to handle up to 96 T1's or 5 CT3's.

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/as/5850/prodlit/ungat_ds.htm

[globalonline]

You need more than a single t-1. What will be terminating your calls? Are you going to get a PRI as well?

I

started a small ISP myself almost 2 years ago. I started with:

Com Lines:

1 T-1 line @ $1,100.00/month

2 PRI lines @ $750.00 each/month

Cisco Equipment:

1 3640 router with 2WAN (t-1) cards and 1 BRI card(for back-up) @ $17,000.00

1 5300 Access Server with 2 48 port MICA Modems @ I think $45,000.00

1 2900 Cat. Switch @ aprox. $1,800.00

1 Pix 512 Firewall @ $????.??

I'm sorry to say but 10,000.00 wont get you far. My advise to you is to stay out of the ISP business. Because of Telcos , there is no money to be made in a small Dial-Up ISP.

[warris]

Are you still in the isp business? If so what keeps you there? On the telco and money part I have to agree. Benefits of a free marketplace are however niches can be exploited in almost any area. I would value your best practices and lessons learned if possible email war1029@hotmail.com. Thankyou for the input

Regards

Salman