New to Networking: What parts to use for a Terminal Server and why? =)

[anonymouschris]

Hi, I am ENTIRELY new to networking, but because bexOrs has enlightened me to terminal servers, I now have an interest to build one for fun. I will most likely have 3 - 4 computers connected to this server. I need help on what components to look for and also, if you have the time the reason behind it. Also, if you have any good webpagees, link me and I will read up on it

processor speed (whats a decent to good processor speed to use)?
ram - how much do i need?
mobo - any special ones to take into consideration?
hard drives - scsi or ide? what speed? specifics please
any cool cases to use?
do i need a cd rom drive?

please let me know.
thanks,
chris

 

[L3Guy]

I have never tried to build a terminal server. However, I did support for the Xylogics
boxes "in the day", so I have an idea what might be required.

The xylogics is/was nothing more than a 486 running unix with several serial ports.
If I needed to build one, I would use a modest machine that was capable of running Linux, and start from there. You need only a small hard drive to boot, and a cd to load the distribution.
The key is finding a multi-port serial card with linux drivers. Any network card with linux support should do, as well.

Unless you are straped for cash or really want the chalange, I would pick up a cisco 2600 with an 8 or 16 port async card and use that. Much easier for other people to support.

HTH

Doug

 

[randal]

above is the linux implementation, but I think he's talking windoze ...

first off, you'll need microsoft windows 2000 server or NT4 Terminal Server Edition - both pricey beasts.

As for hardware, you'll need the requirements for whatever programs you want to run, plus about 30% for overhead. At work, I do a *TON* of terminal serving; I rarely walk the 100 feet to the server room simply because I can do almost all administration from my desk. Anywho, our servers or from 400mhz up to 1.2 ghz, from 128mb ram to 2gb of ram; I have term served into all of them, and they all act pretty similarly, depending on the current load that the system is bearing. I can use our 400mhz mail servers from remote with very little problem -- maybe 20ms lag, not noticable at all really.

I personally would *NOT* go below 128mb of ram if the server is going to be doing *ANYTHING* else.

$.02
randal

 

[CBuxton]

A Win2k Terminal Server in remote administration mode will allow only 2 simultanous connections while the application mode will allow unlimited, BUT you can't use application mode unless you buy licenses. I run a terminal cluster of 3 servers, all dual 933s w/512mb ram. These can run about 15 clients each without the processors being maxed out. Here's my configs:
Dual P3-933s
512MB ram
SuperMicro 370DL3 mobo
2xAtlas 10k II 18GB drives
Mylex 352 RAID card
Antec SX1040 cases (VERY awesome!)

 

[anonymouschris]

thanks for the help so far guys. anymore would still be appreciated. any links to read up on?