Im going to be putting together a network consisting of 4 computers...two desktops and two labtops. What should I do for the best
system? What operating system would be the best? Wireless or with cables? And what kind of Web connection should i get, cable, dsl, etc...??
Any and all help would be appreciated...thanks
That is all personal preference on wireless or cat 5. The internet connection depends on what is available to you. For starters I would use Windows 2000, connected through an "8" port hub just in case you plan to expand. Then I would go with what is available for internet access. If you need more detail, please feel free to PM me. I'll walk you through it step by step.
Ok now let's see the OS I would go with a newer version of Linux like redhat but if you don't know much about Linux then go with Microsoft. As far as connection I would go with cable or DSL that would be what I would get. About wireless or cable if you can do it nice and neat i would use cable just for the simple fact that I don't know much about wireless.
If you choose Linux here is a good link to learn about home networks www.redhat.com/apps/search/results.html
If you must choose Microsoft here is a good link for you http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ies/july30.asp
Good Luck!
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I wouldn't say wireless or cat 5 is purely preference.... there are (at least in my book) some serious security issues with a wireless network. I know there are people who will say that wireless is secure because it checks mac addresses and uses encryption, blah, blah..... but I follow the principle that if it can be made, it can be cracked. Those mac addresses or anything else can be spoofed.
If there's a good reason to go with wireless, then by all means look into it. But in the absence of a need I don't see any reason to broadcast your traffic all over the neighborhood, encrypted or not.
I feel that I might be able to help you out if you could specify what you are designing this this network for. Gaming? Home file server? It all depends on the neworks intended use. Like Joey_Batch_File said, you are limited to the internet connections that are available in your area. I would suggest broadband if you are going to run a small time webserver or personal FTP server. As for cable and DSL there are plenty of threads out there about this, just do a forums search on cable modems, DSL, and broadband.
alias,
Your question is very generic and subject to many variables and preferences....
but if money was not an object in the project I would consider setting up one of the desktops as a linux router/firewall and feed the others off that with the OS of your choosing. Linux can be a pain to get onto laptops if you are new to it, but if your up for the challenge give it a try, otherwise Windows would be the better option.
As for networking, this depends on whether mum, dad, landlord are going to be happy with you running around the house armed with a drill to feed cable through walls or have cables laying all over the place - I would give wireless a shot - (only because I have never tried this and it would be a challenge.)
As for the connection, I would go with the fastest available in your area that falls within budget.
Good luck and happy networking.
PP
I have read about Powwerline networking where you can use your existing wall outlets to network computers, and is suposably inexpensive:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/power-network1.htm
Here are the advantages of a power-line network:
It's inexpensive. (This author bought a complete Intelogis' PassPort kit to connect two computers for $50.)
It uses existing electrical wiring.
Every room of a typical house has several electrical outlets.
It's easy to install.
A printer, or any other device that doesn't need to be directly connected to a computer, doesn't have to be physically near any of the computers in the network.
It doesn't require that a card be installed in the computer (although there are companies working on PCI-based systems).
You may want to check it out.
I agree with gadfly. There are several things that need to be considered before deciding how to build out your network. Once you answer some of the questions posted here, we will probably be able to help you better.
Don't have to worry about parents or a landlord nagging about constant drilling...file server and gaming will most likely both be done. I was leaning more in the way of the wireless networking due mainly to the fact that the laptops can roam around whereever they want in the house. and the neighborhood won't be a problem, living well out of the range of anyone who would just happen to wander around the area with the ability to pick up the wireless signal. Im not really caring much about money at this point either, since there are going to be four of us taking on this project and we are splitting the cost...so do your worst.. thanks
Welp, for the OS, I'd hafta ask you what it is used for. IMO, Redhat is an all around good OS, but works especially well if used for a webserver. If you have any installations with any Linux flavor, PM me and I'll help ya out with it.
Another consideration you should take into effect is speed. There's one major manufacturer of networking equipment that has some IEEE 802.11A equipment that can allow for transfer rates of up to 72 MBps. They also have some enhanced 802.11B equipment that will let you get up to 22 MBps. These are all half duplex speeds, BTW.
If you're going to be doing large file transfer, I'd stick with CAT5E. There's a multitude of cable management and hiding equipment that can make things a lot more organized looking. Hope this helps.
v_squared_over_r
While its good for him to get the extra ports to allow for expansion, I'd say go for a switch rather than a hub. The price difference between hubs and switches is neglible now, but the performance increase is lovely...Quote:
Originally posted here by Joey_Batch_File
For starters I would use Windows 2000, connected through an "8" port hub just in case you plan to expand.
When purchasing switches/hubs/routers, I recommend that you check out what the transfer latency is... If the switches latency is too high, then you will notice it when your running tests on your network or just giving it a severe work over..
You may want to consider a wireless router with a built in hub. That way you can play with both. I have a linksys and love it. I can walk around with the laptop or plug in the cat5 for faster speeds. I currently have a 3 system setup with plenty of expansion room.
To go with what Matty_Cross said; if you just want to run your main internet connection off of one computer on the network and have it act as a proxy for the rest of the computers, then go for the switch. If you are thinking of trying to have them all connect over one broadband connection you will most likely need to use a router. Wouldn't want to get your service terminated. ;)
A good quality and well priced router, that is good for a small home network is the SMC Barricade.
There are a few different models, such as their wireless model, which I believe all offer similar features, just over different media.
Take a look at the Barricade Matrix if your interested...
The SMC7004ABR is pretty much ideal for a small home network of only a few PC's, but unfortunately if only has 4 ports, which doesn't give much room for expansion without purchasing additional hardware. There is a 8 port version, which makes it pretty much perfect for the nerd's home network. :P And since its got lots of features such as a firewall, DCHP Server etc, you can do so much with it....
And of course, if you find that its too small port-wise, since they are so cheap, you could buy 2!! j/k
And No, I don't work for SMC... I just like the router...:P
Here is what I have done with my network:
I started by getting a cable connection using a Motorola Surfboard SB4200. From there I have a 4 port LinkSys Cable/DSL router. Three of the connections go directly to PCs through out the house. Two of them running WinXP and one running WinME. The fourth connection goes straight to a 5 port LinkSys hub that has two computers attached to it. One of the PCs is a Redhat 7.3 Box and one running WinME. So far I have had no problems with any of the connections and occasionally my friend attaches his Laptop to the network and it works flawlessly. I would like to add a wireless access point so I can get my PDA hooked up but havent had the time lately.
I'd be glad to lend my assistance and answer any questions.
If you plan on setting any kind of webserver check with cable/dsl to see if you get a static ip address. In my area cable assigns dynamic ip addresses, dsl gives a static ip.
I agree with soia, however I have had cable for the last 5 years and my ip address has never changed.
About the webserver part... If you are talking about normal ADSL subscriptions, like most home users have, you need to keep in mind that the upstream speed is not high. Since ADSL means Asymetric Digital Subscriber Line only your downstream is fast, usualy up to 1Mbit but your upstream is in most areas something like 128k. Therefor if you want to run your own webservice/website your adsl or cable connection will be a "little" to light. You need to check both speeds (up and downstream) and your maximum monthly transfer limit to offer your visitors "decent" performance.Quote:
Originally posted here by soia
If you plan on setting any kind of webserver check with cable/dsl to see if you get a static ip address. In my area cable assigns dynamic ip addresses, dsl gives a static ip.
For your network a 8 port hub is enough for normal internet traffic, but if you have the extra money to spend, purchase a 10/100 switch. Or better, like adviced above, get a "router/firewall/gateway/dhcp server/switch" all in one small box available from almost all network equipment manufacturers. The SMC Barricade or the Linksys are indeed a good choice IMHO.
Another alternative is to make a linux box act as firewall/gateway. This can be done with an old box like a Pentium I or even a 80486 without HDD and linux on a floppy. For instance www.BBIagent.com or fwfloppy, there are many others. This thread discusses small spec. Firewall distro's http://www.antionline.com/showthread...hreadid=234279