jamessmith174

Hi all,
Can any one tell me what is the best way to setup a Client/Server network.

Information,

40 Computers
File Sharing, Networked Printers, Internet Sharing
Broadband connection
Security
Secure Server.

What would the hardware be and what is the best topology.

Anyhelp

Thx

Zedric

WELCOME jamessmith174!

That depends on a few things.

First off, you look like you need a Win2k Server with a domain. All user accounts can be administered centrally and it's secure. I suggest you also have a file server (can be the same machine) with backup for all the files stored in the system (minimal or no files get saved on the local machines).

About the network. Do you get one IP from the ISP or one for each machine? If you only get one you will need a NAT router (either a standalone or software in the server).

There's a lot more, but I leave that to those who know what their talking about. They'll probably be around shortly.

---

jonifen

extra hardware required:
- broadband router
- vpn/firewall (zywall 1 is a good hardware firewall)
- 2x 24port routers (or 1x 48 port - are they available?)
- a LOT of cat5 cable (but you knew that )
- 1x 48port patch panel
- rack cabinet

- 1 server running win2k server (can host files, accounts, secure server etc here)
- 39 clients running winXP pro

topology is erm... is it the tree topology? it'll be using a hub with the systems branching off (cant remember if it is tree or what - forgot a lot since uni lol)


connectivity is like this:

INTERNET!!
|
ROUTER
|
FIREWALL/VPN
|
24/48pt SWITCH
|
PATCH PANEL
|
LOTS OF CABLE (connecting all the PCs to the PATCH PANEL)
|
EACH CLIENT PC


if I think of anything extra, I'll post up later when I get home from work

I'm sure someone might know a better way, or be able to explain it all in a better way


(is it possible this question is related to a university coursework? )