I manage a network with up to 5 User PC’s on it. There is no ISP yet, but it should be added next week.
NOTE: All boxes are WinXP PRO, Server and 3 User PC’s are Celeron 2.40GHz, 512MB RAM. One PC is AMD 1000+, 256MB RAM.
Hardware: NetGear WebSafe 4-Port Router RP614v2
1 Switch (4 or 8 Port)
Current Setup: File Server–>Router LAN port 1
Supervisor’s PC–>Router LAN 2
User PC–>Router LAN 3
*2 PC are still pending.
When Internet is added it will be from 512Kbps to 1024Kbps Cable Modem.
Which is the most recommended setup?
Modem–>Router(WAN Port)
Router(LAN port 1)–>Switch
Switch(3 LAN ports)–>Server and User
PC’s
Or adding another Ethernet Card to the File Server so the Users connect through it?
Modem–>Router(WAN Port)
or
Modem–>Server OnBoard LAN
Server PCI Ethernet Card–>Router(WAN)
Router(2 LAN ports)–>2 User PC’s
I might be just confusing myself on this, I would like to set this up in the best possible way. I have to impress my Boss, since this is for his Wife’s office. So I have to make it look awsome and provide a reliable network.
The Server file contains 3 Accounting programs that are used by 2 other PC’s, hence storing the Database and Primary Licence for these programs. Also, adding an ISP might change things a bit. I have my office there too and I will be adding my PC to the network for Admin purposes. Mostly for IE access, I will have my own little network setup inside my office for building PC’s and fixing clients’ PC aswell.
Any ideas? Am I missing something or am I on the right track? Now, when I add my box I will have another Router and a switch, to create my own IP’s for my network aswell as having access to the office network. Although, the rest of the office won’t have access to my box or network…