Windows networking over/across T1

[birchlumber]

This is probably easier than I expect, but I'm just trying to work out all issues before deployment.

We've got a pair of model 1841 routers with a WIC-1DSU-T1-V2 modular serial card in each. Our intent is to network two locations separated by 63 some miles "as the crow flies", or roughly 105 by best roads.

In a test environment, I've gotten hosts on either end of a T1 cross-over to be able to ping each other. The only question I have is what I may be missing to permit Active Directory, Exchange, file/print sharing, and Remote Desktop traffic to be routed across the point to point T1 connection from one network to another.

I'm suspecting it may simply be a case of configuring an IP helper address, and broadcast forwarding for TCP/UDP. Thing is, we can't afford much downtime if I miss anything, and I'm wondering just that... Am I missing anything? Any insight?

Thanks in advance!

[paolo bevilacqua]

Hi, "helper-address" can help in certain application but if remote desktop also doesn't work, you have a more general connectivity problem. Begin checking "show interfaces" and "show controllers t1" assuming you have this latter command.

[meballard]

The only thing you should need broadcast forwarding for is if you use DHCP (where the DHCP server is in a different layer 2 domain than the client). All of the other services can work across layer 3 boundaries just fine without any type of broadcast forwarding.

Are you using any kind of NAT, or do you have any ACLs applied to the interfaces? In a basic router setup, if you can ping across an interface, other services, especially remote desktop, should work by default. It would be helpful if you posted a copy of the config for the routers.

[birchlumber]

DHCP isn't much of a worry as we've got a DHCP server at both locations. My only concern has been to ensure that the other network applications (AD domain, Exchange, file sharing/services, and Remote Desktop) would travel across the T1 connections. If those work across layer three, it sounds like we should be good to go?

Thanks again.

[paolo bevilacqua]

Yes sir.