Internet and Server connectivity through a switch?

Question

I have an internet connection and offline server that I'd like to distribute through one switch to multiple computers. Is it possible for switches to distribute multiple inputs such as this? If so, what are the best practices?

Answer 1

You actually can run 2 different ip ranges on the same physical network as long as one is not dhcp, purely static. I would not recommend you do this and it is not standard practice. You have to figure out how to add the second IP to the same NIC for hosts that want to participate. Once again, I have done this and it can get confusing.



So if you have only 1 thing talking to an offline server, then yes, add a second NIC. Since the network is a direct connect, your client should always use that NIC to talk to the server.



If you have multiple things taking to that server, then you just need a 2 interface router to connect your networks together. Then you either use static routing (enter one on each client) or you let the routers advertise the route using RIP and enable RIP routing on your clients. The server also must understand to use the router's interface to get to the network where your clients are located.



It would not be a home router, but there are older ciscos that have standard multiple ethernets inputs that will work and run a decent IOS.

Answer 2

based on your comments, yes its possible to route the 2 lines with the right switch (managed) and router but the easiest way is just install a 2nd network card. im curious how your network was setup though as typically its all behind one router as what your talking about is an advanced network. if it was about network protection then you need to install a router that supports vlan and static routing(not cheap at all). btw an offline server is exactly that. not connected to a network. if you are just trying to connect. the cheapest way is just a 2nd lan card(usb is fine) and 2nd line to it.

Answer 3

Ok so I kinda understand where you are coming from, but you may be trying to over complicate things! If you've run out of ports on your router then you can plug a switch into one of the ports and it's pretty much as if you've just got a whole load more ports on the router.



Now if it's a managed switch you may get all sorts of extra abilities that mean you can set up virtual networks between ports on the switch - but that type of function not only keeps your server from the internet, it'll also tend to keep it from seeing anything on the routers other network ports.



Best practice on a home network is probably to set up firewall abilities at the router. If you were in a small business then it starts to make more sense using switch-based virtual networks to keep department resources secure and cut down on the need for all your data to go through the router!

Answer 4

Well that is kind of the point of having a switch. You plug your switch into a LAN port on your modem/gateway with an Ethernet cable. Then you plug in your computers to your switch.



Some modems/gateways have integrated an integrated switch on them. Check to see if you have multiple LAN ports. On my AT&T gateway, I have 4 LAN ports, 2 phone line ports (1 for the DSL and the other for phone service). Of course, if your modem doesn't have enough LAN ports, you would need a switch to accommodate more computers/devices.