Hub and Router question

[edmundoab]

Hello people,

my boss has called me to do some homework on improving the current server and reliability of bandwidth in the office

as of current
we are using 1 dynamic IP (1 Mbps line) shared to like 14 users

the ADSL line goes into the 4 port router, 1 of the port then connects to a hub
the hub splits the connection to 14 other users.

then from one one of the sub line, it connects to another mini hub for the customer service people

now, we are talking about getting 20 to 30 ms of ping to a local site on a good day and it can get as bad as 2000 ms ping to the same website

so here is my question

is maintaining the current set up but with a static IP from the ISP even gonna help?
or getting say like 2 dynamic ip and ease the congestions of the hub to reduce the number of users for one ADSL line

also, having said that, how do I link 2 groups of PCs in one network with 2 separate lines?

or maybe u guys have a better suggestion on what we can do ?

 

[Slvrtg277]

I'd be getting rid of those hubs. What's the collision rates your getting there? Getting some switches instead of hubs would be my first step, then I'd consider upgrading the line if needed.

 

[edmundoab]

switches ok, thats not a bad idea, how much improvement I can expect from a hub to switch?
how about the difference between Static IP and dynamic IP for a company? makes difference? in speed and consistent bandwidth?

 

[ScottMac]

Static or Dynamic IP .... doesn't matter. An IP address is an IP address.

FWIW

Scott

 

[ktwebb]

As mentioned, static or dynamic has nothing to do with bandwidth issues. replacing the hubs will help eliminate local congestion. If your having a problem with bandwidth off the WAN, the internet...... Well first you'd need to make sure that your having problems off your broadband connection and it's not actually just local issues. If you need more bandwidth then see what other packages your provider offers. A business class dsl line typically can offer a bit more in bandwidth, if possible at your location, and reliability. Static IP's are common with business class lines but it has nothing to do with speed. That is generally for any sort of hosting you might be doing.

 

[nweaver]

The speed loss/gain from hubs to routers, with the small number of PC's you mentioned would be negligble, especially when talking about internet. This assumes everything is working oK, no rogue box storming the network, etc.

 

[JackMDS]

You are in away contrasting Apple and Pears, like always there is No Best way, but the best under your specific situation pending on how the system is used.

One Static IP with a business account might provide more Bandwidth and can be advantages in variety of situation that has to do with access in the Office system from remote location.

Two Dynamic (or static IPs) can provide Dual WAN fall back, and or might allow more flexibility in allocating Internet resources without the need to resort to very expensive Hardware.

Using Hub for 15 computers is not related to the above, however giving the current price of switches it is "Silly" not to buy a Switch and donate the Hub to the needy.

:sun:

 

[edmundoab]

ok if that is so,
then i am better off to have more dynamic IPs to ease the LAN?

its definately more cost effective as the fixed IP is so expensive

so leading to this solution,

if I have 2 adsl lines but still want all the computers to be link to one another

would it be complicated to get two switches link to each other?

coz one router can only support one adsl line am I right?

so when I get 2 dynamic IPs, i will require 2 routers, hence these routers should be link to their respective switches. unless there is another way to this?

 

[nweaver]

These are two physical locations? or are you just looking for more speed? Either get a dual wan router/bump the speed on your one ADSL (same location) or setup linux boxes as SSL tunnels between networks through the internet.

 

[bwnv]

Originally posted by: edmundoab
Hello people,

my boss has called me to do some homework on improving the current server and reliability of bandwidth in the office

as of current
we are using 1 dynamic IP (1 Mbps line) shared to like 14 users

the ADSL line goes into the 4 port router, 1 of the port then connects to a hub
the hub splits the connection to 14 other users.

Not specifically a problem for internet persay, but for all the computers in the office your bandwith will congest quickly from comp. to comp. Also, assuming the router is running in DHCP mode that will congest trtaffic even more.

then from one one of the sub line, it connects to another mini hub for the customer service people

Just more congestion on the hubs.

now, we are talking about getting 20 to 30 ms of ping to a local site on a good day and it can get as bad as 2000 ms ping to the same website

Possibly another DHCP issue, ie., the router trying to renew it's lease, or many comps. inside renewing at the same time.

so here is my question

is maintaining the current set up but with a static IP from the ISP even gonna help?
or getting say like 2 dynamic ip and ease the congestions of the hub to reduce the number of users for one ADSL line

also, having said that, how do I link 2 groups of PCs in one network with 2 separate lines?

or maybe u guys have a better suggestion on what we can do ?

What I would do: 1- get a static ip for the router, and turn off internal DHCP.
2- Buy 2 switches, hook up a router port to port on the first switch. If your hubs are in the same room hook all comps. the that switch. If hubs are in different physical locations run a crossover between the two switches.
3- assign static ip's all the way around (less traffic overhead)

Of course your internet will still be limited by your ADSL bandwidth, but all bottlenecks to your router, and from comp. to comp. will be gone.