Consolidation of offices in a network?

Question

Computer networks

Can you please tell me what methods exist (purely theoretically)? Their pros and cons.
Here's what I know so far:
1) Directly by cable. Usually optics. Very expensive, especially if the distances are long.
2) Tunnel through the Internet. Simple but unreliable.
3) Private networks of providers. I don't know anything about this at all. What is the approximate cost/speed/reliability?

Answer 1

1) Instead of a cable, you can use directional or sector wi-fi antennas if the distance is not tens of kilometers and there is a direct line of sight. There is only the question of permission to use. The price of the kit is about 4-5 thousand
2) A tunnel with encryption over the Internet is a workable option. I connected non-critical points in this way. It is a completely budget solution and does not depend on the distance to the point - even in another country.
3) The most expensive option is to rent a channel from an ISP. The amounts can be astronomical if the provider has to complete the channel to the point. But here you already have something to present to someone.
Lots of options. The provider can give you an L3VPN: you have two junction points at the third (network) level, that is, your own subnet on both sides. Then the provider's network will be like one big router for you.
Can give L2VPN: VLAN roughly speaking. Then for you it will be as if two offices are connected to one switchboard.
He can also provide you with a VPLS service: then you seem to be in the same building and you are completely free in your desires.
If you need guarantees in terms of network availability time, delays and channel width, then you should conclude an SLA (Service Level Agreement).
It is better to find out about the price from providers, and often the initial price tag can be halved.

Answer 2

And why point 2) you consider unreliable? You can easily use a VPN. Actually, they are used by the largest. We also use :) More than satisfied.

Answer 3

In n3, the speed / reliability is most likely the same as in n2 :)
n1 is usually done by the same providers, since laying optics is a harsh and expensive business and pleasure, if there is a fiber-optic backbone ring in all major cities and everything is not so simple there - permissions, work and so on.
p2 is the simplest and most reliable, if VPN connections are not blocked at the router level somewhere between offices - some home providers love this.

Answer 4

Most use VPN

Answer 5

I prefer the second point. Both the head office and all branches are connected by two providers (different branches have different ones, since even though Moscow is there, there is not one that has 100% coverage). One main and one spare.
Tunnel.
The third point carries a big minus, which I will formulate as a saying Do not put all your eggs in one basket .
That is, this provider has a problem - and the connection between all offices is immediately lost.
In my case - if the problem is with some provider - within 5 minutes a tunnel is set up through a spare.
In the 3rd option, it will be difficult to quickly implement.

Answer 6

In my opinion, the channel from the provider is preferable, since this is usually an L2 tunnel in their network, that is, usually such a tunnel is an isolated vlan forwarded through the provider's equipment. The price will depend on the speed and the provider, but I think that it will be cheaper than a VPN tunnel over the Internet. In this case, the speed will be full, and the delays will be minimal. For enterprise equipment, this will be equivalent to a direct optical cable, in other words, any equipment can be used. In addition, such a channel will be more reliable than point 2, since the problems of the backbone provider do not concern this channel in any way. Also, your own optics may turn out to be more expensive, since its repair will also be on you. and in the case of the provider's channel, all repairs are on their side.

Answer 7

Two different providers, channel balancing and VPN.
Assigned (s).

Answer 8

If there is relatively little traffic, and offices within the city, then you can rent an E1 stream, install a couple of modems and not depend on anyone at all: do not run into other people's shapers, qos, etc.