FIA Ranch

Unless you are just wanting to "play", there is not a more efficient, cost effective, and secure arrangement than you currently have. The only changes that would improve internal security a little bit would be to change the wireless security to WPA instead of WEP, and use the MAC address filtering capability in the Linksys. Unless you are doing any port forwarding in the router, the NAT (Network Address Translation) function in the Linksys makes your PCs invisible to the outside world. --------------------------------- My two cents and five bucks will get you a small Starbucks!!

Satellite communications is an animal unto itself. First, as far as interface goes, most systems are standard ethernet. So the clients' system can be built how ever the client wishes as long as the end result is an ethenet connection to the satellite system (network). The list of issues dealing with satellite is a long one, far beyond the scope of this forum. The highlights are: 1. Latency (delay). There will be an absolute minimum of 1/2 second delay in all transmissions. Depending on a whole seperate list of factors, this delay can be upwards of 1-2 seconds. 2. Speed. Satellite speed is not syncronous. Typically the uplink from the remote site will be much lower speed than the downlink to the remote site. 3. Availability. Weather plays a big factor in satellite communications. So any mission-critical applications/services could be jeopardized by weather not only at the remote location, but also at the satellite providers NOC. 4. Cost. The capital cost of deploying satellite systems can be high, and it is not a DIY project. The recurring costs are dependant on the level of service the client wants. If they want "the world", it will cost them the world. 5. Power. Depending on the chosen system, the power requirements for a satellite system can run into the 100's of watts. So that will play a role in sizing the solar system. So tread lightly. Satellite works well as long as you stay within the bounds of it limitations and/or pay enough to minimize some of the limitations. ------------------------ My two cents and five bucks will get you a (small) Starbucks