• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Can my server be running another OS while serving?

lbmcleod

Senior member
Hello all,

3 questions about networking (i am a complete novice)

1) If i was to run a dual boot system on my server (say, windows 2k server and windows xp) could i have the network set up on win 2k server OS but then boot into winxp OS (cos the main machine would also be this server) but the network machines would still be able to log on?

2) anyone know good sites to learn bout setting up complicated client/server network, stuff bout routers and integrated wall systems, local mail servers etc.

3) what is the difference between a switch and a hub?

thankz

i wud appreciate it if you would bump this one. 😀
 
1.) No...only one OS running at one time for dual boot. You could use vmware to launch a server OS inside of windows or linux

2.) google.com

3.) What is the difference between a hub and a switch?

"Hubs and switches are different types of network equipment that connect devices. They differ in the way that they pass on the network traffic that they receive.

Hubs
The term ?hub? is sometimes used to refer to any piece of network equipment that connects PCs together, but it actually refers to a multi-port repeater. This type of device simply passes on (repeats) all the information it receives, so that all devices connected to its ports receive that information.

Hubs repeat everything they receive and can be used to extend the network. However, this can result in a lot of unnecessary traffic being sent to all devices on the network. Hubs pass on traffic to the network regardless of the intended destination; the PCs to which the packets are sent use the address information in each packet to work out which packets are meant for them. In a small network repeating is not a problem but for a larger, more heavily used network, another piece of networking equipment (such as a switch) may be required to help reduce the amount of unnecessary traffic being generated.

Switches
Switches control the flow of network traffic based on the address information in each packet. A switch learns which devices are connected to its ports (by monitoring the packets it receives), and then forwards on packets to the appropriate port only. This allows simultaneous communication across the switch, improving bandwidth.

This switching operation reduces the amount of unnecessary traffic that would have occurred if the same information had been sent from every port (as with a hub).

Switches and hubs are often used in the same network; the hubs extend the network by providing more ports, and the switches divide the network into smaller, less congested sections.

When Should I Use a Hub or Switch?
In a small network (less than 30 users), a hub (or collection of hubs) can easily cope with the network traffic generated and is the ideal piece of equipment to use for connecting the users.

When the network gets larger (about 50 users), you may need to use a switch to divide the groups of hubs, to cut down the amount of unnecessary traffic being generated.

If there is a hub or switch with Network Utilization LEDs, you can use the LEDs to view the amount of traffic on the network. If the traffic is constantly high, you may need to divide up the network using a switch.

When adding hubs to the network (to add more users), there are rules about the number of hubs you can connect together. Switches can be used to extend the number of hubs that you can use in the network". - Darron Networking


 
Token ring is a LAN protocol, like ethernet. It has nothing to do with client/server and peer to peer networks. Both types can run over both LAN protocols.
 
Your mixing completely different things in your poll.

For clarification:
Token-ring is a HARDWARE LAN protocol. Like ethernet or WiFi. This is the part that controls which NIC puts what kind of electrical signal on what wire and when. Totally independant of the NETWORK protocols like NetBIOS, TCP/IP, IPX, DLC, etc.

For example, I run a peer-to-peer file shareing on a token-ring network, and one of the computers is a (dedicated) file server (no Windows domain or Kerberos realm).



Now, are you getting more confused??
 
Q2: See www.google.com

Also, based on the questions you're asking, you should be asking for the basic networking stuff first. There are some very good TCP/IP primers, which include a lot of basic networking information as well. Once you understand the network layer, then you'll be able to make sense of the application layer--client-server apps, web-based appls, queueing, etc..
 
Back
Top