Networks

The Windoze is not your problem. You can just setup a simple Windoze network. Pick a protocol. I prefer to use just TCP/IP; no NetBEUI, no IPX/SPX, unless required. For simplicity, create a workgroup into which they can all belong, or add them to anexisting NT Domain.

The real problem, as you suspect, is the distance. In general, we like to keep Ethernet over copper runs down to 100m.

I would look for groups of PCs and cluster them all into a small switch. Then the tough part is to figure out how to join those groups into one network.

You might be able to run fibre between the switches. But you will still be limited to the length of the runs, unless you get some repeaters.

If you can't run fibre (or some other cable), then you can try some of the wireless solutions. Cisco Aironet is a good one. I believe Aironet is a "line of sight" solution, so you need to pick your locations carefully. There are other wireless approaches that you should look at from other vendors.

Bob's answer is very good. I guess the only thing I have to add is a few questions you need to ask yourself.

1. What are your limitations on tearing up the ground (I would check with facilities and your local government if it leaves or is not onprivate property). Even then you will still need to call digsafe to get an okay for a cable run.

2. Aironet is a good solution, but it is wireless ethernet and not very reliable. What is your budget? Cisco has other line-of-sight products that are more reliable than wireless ethernet. There are some microwave dishes as well.

3. Have you called your local phone company for an estimate on a cable run for a T1 building to building?

Basically, you have many choices. I believe due to your description of the issue that your budget isn't that high. Aironet from Cisco is a good solution but be ready for the inevitable sunspot-my-connection-isn't-working-blues.

There are a couple of possiblilties. What makes sense will depend on which one you can make work in your situation.

I would establish an NT or 2000 server in the office that has the best place for it (well-ventilated secure room near the telco closet and away from major plumbing). Create a domain. All your PCs will be added to the domain as you connect them.

Install a stackable multi-port switch in each building and connect your PCs to them.

To interconnect the 2 locations you will have to make a site survey and decide what is right for you. Black Box (and probably other vendors) sell a variety of wireless network extenders. If you have line-of-sight between buildings this might work for you. Another solution is to run a fiber-optic link between the buildings. A third is to lease a telco line and install an appropriate router in each building. If you install routers you should consider subnetting (one for each location) to cut down on link traffic.

For the ultimatein reliability you could install a BDC in the other building and use replication during off-hours to keep user files current on both servers. For 11 users this is probably overkill.

If you are going over 100m then you could look into coaxial cable which can go much greater distances. Base-2 (thinnet) cable goes 200 meters easily and thicknet goes 500m.

You can do it in a few ways :
1. Wire with regular CAT5 STP cable with
repeater(hub/switch) at the end of 100m.
(If it possible to connect the device
between).
2. The best way to do is to put fiber optics
cable between two buildings and connect
switch at each side (Cisco's simple
switches with FX ports will be enough..)
and this will allow to make also VLAN
(recommended to reduce network traffic..).
3. Use connection through modem (DSL/ISDN)
to connect both sites. (Cheap but not so
reliable, although hardware is quite OK.).

Good luck,