Advice/help with business network.

[masshass81]

We currently have a router going to a hub, and from there, we have about 20 computers hooked up to the hub.

We want to keep the server at the current room, but we are expanding into the next suite. What would be the best solution to connect the new computers in the next suite to our server?

Currently everyone is under the same IP and we would like to have at least five network groups, with each group having their own unique IPs.

Also, what is the best anti-virus/firewall for a business network (~20-25 computers)? I would like something that takes up little resources, user-friendly GUI (auto updates), and provide the best protection.

 

[amdskip]

Symantec Corporate AntiVirus is one of the best out there in my opinion. Much better than norton.

Sounds like you are going to need something better than a consumer based router if you want to control ip's, etc. I'm not expert but wouldn't you want to use switches instead of a hub? What kind of internet connection are you sharing?

 

[ktwebb]

Some budget NAT routers do support RIP so you could try to use the cheapie routers to segment. I would be suprised if it worked flawlessly however. You definitely want to replace your hub(s) with switches.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: masshass81
We currently have a router going to a hub, and from there, we have about 20 computers hooked up to the hub.

We want to keep the server at the current room, but we are expanding into the next suite. What would be the best solution to connect the new computers in the next suite to our server?

How far apart are these suites? Drop ceilings? Is the new suite cabled? Cabling is just about the hardest thing to help with online, because unless you post blueprints/schematics of the place, no one knows what you're working with really. But essentially, you can just get a couple of switches, one for the existing network and one for the new area. Then you only have to run one cable between the two.

Currently everyone is under the same IP and we would like to have at least five network groups, with each group having their own unique IPs.

I don't understand why you would want to segment such a small network...although I don't exactly understand what you are stating.

Also, what is the best anti-virus/firewall for a business network (~20-25 computers)? I would like something that takes up little resources, user-friendly GUI (auto updates), and provide the best protection.

For a network that size, I like Trend OfficeScan. I'm just about fed up with Symantec, which is what I've previously been using with most clients. What sort of environtment is it? Windows Domain? Any MTAs?