I want to construct a network for my company ( 8 PC’s).?

Question

Which is the best network configuration, operating system, internet connection and if I need a server? Which components will I need for the network?

Answer 1

You can make network all the computers without a server by connecting them all to an Ethernet switch. D-Link makes very good switches and 8 port switches are available. It configuration is pretty simple and you just have to follow the steps given in the user's manual. This is pretty cost effective as all you need is a switch and 8 lan cables.

The second option, i.e. using a server is a much costlier option. You can get servers from either SUN, HP or IBM. SUN servers ship with Solaris 10 nowadays which is open source and free. Going in for Windows 2003 server would make is even more costlier coz its license is very very costly.

Answer 2

1) First lets deal with the server. You need to decide what functions the server will have (eg. file, email, proxy etc.)

-usually for simple file sharing you can designate one of your PC (workstation) to be the file server ( you can still use it as a workstation)

-for email and or proxy I would suggest using linux for both proxy(internet sharing) and email this is because of cost ( almost free) and ease of config and use. You need a dedicated PC for this. Separate from your current 8, or use one of you existing ones and have 7 workstation left over.

Having decided this you can then look at the network.

2) Network configuration-client-server type

-Today the simplest (take note**not the only one) would be to use a hub/switch and connecting your workstations using UTP cables (CAT 5e or CAT 6) data cables. Refer to this link on networking http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/

- You have to make sure that ALL your workstations have network interface cards (nic's) to connect to your network.

3) Internet connection

-You can use the proxy server you would create for this purpose or to make it simpler just purchase a broadband router. Choose one that has DHCP capabilities so you dont have to worry about setting IP addresses for your workstations.

4) For the operating system

a) Workstations - Linux or XP pro

- Linux

Pros

Freely downloadable (ubuntu, freespire etc)

includes Office type software.

Network ready

not easily infected by viruses

Cons

Higher learning curve than windows

may require "tweaking" to get everything working

-Windows

Pros

Popular OS

More software available

Generally compatible with most devices

Support readily available

Cons

More prone to hacks and attacks

Dependent on patches and updates

High hardware resource requirements



Really it all boils down to what you need, if the above suits you you will need the following hardware:

1) Enough nic's (network interface cards) for your workstations

2) Hub/Switch ( 8 or 16 ports)

3) Broadband router (for internet sharing, if you do not use a proxy linux server)

4) Cables (UTP) and rj45 connectors

5) UTP crimper

6) A lot of patience to make this work.

This is the minimum you will need. BTW, if you do decide to just have everyone share each others hard drives and printers (peer to peer network) just remember that everyone should have the same workgroup name.



Hope this helps.

Answer 3

A lot depends on what you wish to do on the network

for Simple file & printer sharing a simple Peer to peer network based around win xp pro (workgroups) is good enough.



However if you want to share apps , provide security etc...then use a win advanced server and setup a domain.



Will not recommend Linux - The support that Windows provides more than makes up for its cost.

Answer 4

Well the easiest is to just get a wireless router and get 8 wireless cards for the pc.



other way is to just get a router and cat5 and go that way.



Server - all depends on what you want and what you need for your company. file storing? Email? and so on.



o/s - i would suggest windows xp pro with sp2. i would still stay away from vista because its still a new platform and not everything is compatible yet with vista.



Internet connection - for only 8 pcs jsut a cable modem should be fine.

Answer 5

I prefer UNIX - Sun solaris for a network

Answer 6

i'd go for workgroup / Peer to peer Setup. It saves from alot of problems...... and you can setup ICS and Share Drives or Folders......



This link Explains more....



http://www.ehow.com/how_108552_network-computers.html

Answer 7

ASK YOUR CABLE COMPANY IF THEY HAVE THE REQ ELEMENTS FOR SETUP AND IF THEY CAN SETUP IT ALL FOR U FOR WHAT PRICE