how to set up a network

[saeidj]

Hi everybody,

What is the best topology for setting up a network for a small business. 60 computers all together which are divided to 20 per room plus a server.
So what is the best possible way for setting up a network?
I'm thinking of hybrid star or just star.
I also to know what hardware/software do I need and how can I secure it? I think it's just router, switches, Ethernet cable isn't it.

Thank you

 

[Fardringle]

Do the individual computers need relatively high speed access to the server? If so, it's best to have them all connect directly to the main switch(es) attached to the server. If not, then you can run one ethernet cable per room from the switch linked to the server out to 24 port switches in each room, and from those switches run ethernet cables to the individual desks.

The second option is easier to set up since you won't have to run 60 separate lines to the server room, but heavy usage on the network by 20 computers could easily exceed the bandwidth limits of that single link back to the server.

We can give you some basic ideas, but it's really best to hire a professional to do an analysis of your precise business needs and then design and install the network hardware and cabling for you.

 

[jardows]

Sounds like someone's homework assignment. If it isn't, I suggest calling a professional IT company to recommend a setup for you, as if you have to ask these types of questions (what software to run on network, what hardware do I need) then it really is beyond your scope to setup reliably for business use. Don't want to sound harsh, but I have to deal with people every day trying to setup their own network with no clue how to do it, and it causes so much frustration and downtime, that having a professional do it is the way to go. If this is a homework assignment, read your textbooks!

 

[Red Squirrel]

I would start with a Cisco Nexus 9000 and go from there. Always good to have room for expansion. You may want two for redundancy and a spare in storage for a quick swap out should one fail. You also want to use a red cable for the server, as they are faster.


Ok, on serious note, I would do as suggested and get a pro.

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'd suggest getting 1 48 port switch and 1 24 or 36 port switch depending on how much room you need or may expand. setup a central wireing closet and make all 60 runs to a patch panel in a rack which is centeralized, this should be the most reliable setup and the best performance as everything is centeralized. I would suggest 10gb or better for the uplinks between the switches and the server at a bare min.

getting a pro to design this would be a good idea aswell.

note if you are using POE or Ip phones you should prolly run more cat 6 and I'd suggest segmenting your ip phone and normal lan traffic.