I have an office with 30 computers. I want to allow all the computers to access the internet, and then access server A and server B. I want server A and B to be separated from each other to allow traffic to flow without interruption. I have diagrammed what I think the network should look like, however, in my example, I am not sure what device the item labeled ???? should be. Any help is appreciated.
How can I make this network
- Thread starter dsabot
- Start date
It's not clear what you mean when you say you want "traffic to flow without interruption." Without interruption from where to where?
Are the 30 computers all attached to the box labeled "????" with the exception of the two servers?
The box with the "????" could be an ethernet switch. You may also not need the two routers that are connected to Server A and Server B. Everything could be on a single subnet, depending on what you need to accomplish.
Are the 30 computers all attached to the box labeled "????" with the exception of the two servers?
The box with the "????" could be an ethernet switch. You may also not need the two routers that are connected to Server A and Server B. Everything could be on a single subnet, depending on what you need to accomplish.
samgreco
Active Member
I think that you are over complicating things. You really should only have one router. Then one good switch (or more if you need additional ports) and an internet connection. Just make sure that you use a high quality router and switch. A consumer level router would technically work, but most of them aren't designed to typical office workflows. Then get a quality Gigabit switch. I have had customers with 150 PCs, a handful of printers and servers all on one router and however many switches I needed to get signal where I needed it. With 30 PCs and a couple of servers you would probably need 2 24 port switches, or 3 16 port. And they can be scattered about if you need, or all in a rack in a central location.
In it's simplest form:
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In it's simplest form:
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fcwilt
Active Member
Don't cross bridges until you come to them.
One Router.
One Gigabyte Ethernet Switch with enough ports to connect all of your devices.
You could purchase a "managed" Switch but unless you are prepared to learn a good deal about network management you may just be asking for a major headache.
I would not be at all surprised if an "un-managed" Switch would suit you fine.
Frederick
One Router.
One Gigabyte Ethernet Switch with enough ports to connect all of your devices.
You could purchase a "managed" Switch but unless you are prepared to learn a good deal about network management you may just be asking for a major headache.
I would not be at all surprised if an "un-managed" Switch would suit you fine.
Frederick
pvrfan
Active Member
batwater said:
Indeed. The diagram says "File Server" and "Artwork Server". What are the 30 users doing with their computers? Are these existing servers? Who is going to maintain the servers and administer security? Backup strategy? Etc etc.
You might be best served to hire a local part-time IT support resource. Ask around for recommendations and check references.
Craig
tmbrown97
Senior Member
I'll agree with the others here - if all the computers run to one place, a single switch works. If you need multiple locations, then as many switches as you have locations.
You could use a network device, even including the main router to filter traffic in some fashion - and those who run large networks might recommend that - but it's added complexity with little benefit for a small shop. Also, it's a bandwidth bottle-neck. Even if you put the servers on a different subnet/vlan than all the computers, while it's true that you could control traffic a lot better, you're now forcing all traffic down a single pipe to the router and then back to the switch to the server. With direct switching, you could get full gigabit speeds; with a router in the middle, you're limited by what it can process. If you're concerned about what types of traffic can hit the server, then use the internal firewall to limit what's open.
You could use a network device, even including the main router to filter traffic in some fashion - and those who run large networks might recommend that - but it's added complexity with little benefit for a small shop. Also, it's a bandwidth bottle-neck. Even if you put the servers on a different subnet/vlan than all the computers, while it's true that you could control traffic a lot better, you're now forcing all traffic down a single pipe to the router and then back to the switch to the server. With direct switching, you could get full gigabit speeds; with a router in the middle, you're limited by what it can process. If you're concerned about what types of traffic can hit the server, then use the internal firewall to limit what's open.
