Noob Server Question

JQLeitch

Member
Feb 3, 2014
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I plan on buliding a server over the summer and am wondering if you can access the files on the server without being connected to a network. I would prefer accessing the files via hardline to the server rather than wireless to router to server, as wireless is inconsistent and slow. I don't even know if it's possible but it would be nice.

Thanks
 

ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
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Are you asking if accessing the server via wired ethernet instead of wireless is doable?

If so, then yes. And yes....that's the preferred method for servers.

My rule of thumb == if I want it reliable 99.9% of the time, wired it is.

IP is IP is IP. If the computer/device has an IP address on your network then it's accessible.

Don't get confused between wired and wireless. The difference isn't in the TCP/IP area, it's the way that they physically connect to the network that's different.
 

JQLeitch

Member
Feb 3, 2014
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Are you asking if accessing the server via wired ethernet instead of wireless is doable?

If so, then yes. And yes....that's the preferred method for servers.

My rule of thumb == if I want it reliable 99.9% of the time, wired it is.

IP is IP is IP. If the computer/device has an IP address on your network then it's accessible.

Don't get confused between wired and wireless. The difference isn't in the TCP/IP area, it's the way that they physically connect to the network that's different.

That's not what I asked, I know servers are typically connected via ethernet. What I was asking is if I can connect my clients to the server without connecting via the network to access files so like Ethernet(client) to Server rather than Ethernet(client) to Router to Server. Thanks
 

ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
38,803
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That's not what I asked, I know servers are typically connected via ethernet. What I was asking is if I can connect my clients to the server without connecting via the network to access files so like Ethernet(client) to Server rather than Ethernet(client) to Router to Server. Thanks

You want to direct connect a client to a server? Sure it's doable, but it's defeating of the purpose of the network.

Home routers are multiple devices in one. When you plug into the router with a cable, you're really plugging into a switch.
 

JQLeitch

Member
Feb 3, 2014
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You want to direct connect a client to a server? Sure it's doable, but it's defeating of the purpose of the network.

Home routers are multiple devices in one. When you plug into the router with a cable, you're really plugging into a switch.

Okay, so do you think I could use Powerline Ethernet. My server will be in the bedroom, my main PC is in the bedroom and my router is downstairs. Transcoding 1080p videos over wireless is awful would the inferior speed be a factor with powerline or would it work?
 

ch33zw1z

Lifer
Nov 4, 2004
38,803
19,392
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Okay, so do you think I could use Powerline Ethernet. My server will be in the bedroom, my main PC is in the bedroom and my router is downstairs. Transcoding 1080p videos over wireless is awful would the inferior speed be a factor with powerline or would it work?

Ok, so now were getting to the problem. Powerline is always YMMV (your mileage may vary) by nature because electrical wiring has everything to do with it.

Others will chime in, but Powerline could be a workable alternative.

Is you PC in the bedroom on the first floor?

Is the router downstairs in the basement?

The reason I ask those questions, is if this is hte case, and you basement has easy access to the ceiling (not drywalled ceiling in the basement), then dropping an ethernet cable down there may be a better solution.
 

JQLeitch

Member
Feb 3, 2014
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Ok, so now were getting to the problem. Powerline is always YMMV (your mileage may vary) by nature because electrical wiring has everything to do with it.

Others will chime in, but Powerline could be a workable alternative.

Is you PC in the bedroom on the first floor?

Is the router downstairs in the basement?

The reason I ask those questions, is if this is hte case, and you basement has easy access to the ceiling (not drywalled ceiling in the basement), then dropping an ethernet cable down there may be a better solution.

My PC is upstairs (2nd Floor) and my Router is on the 1st Floor, I have no basement, here in the UK you'd be surprised to find one. Running a cable downstairs just isn't an option I'm afraid, mainly due to the aesthetics, not mine, but my housemates don't want it :p.
 

smitbret

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2006
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It seems that you may not be completely clear on what a network is/does.

Anything connected to your router should be on the network whether it's wireless or not. True, streaming of 1080p video of wireless can be problematic, but streaming over a wired connection on the same network should be fine. Whether that wire is Powerline or a direct ethernet, it is still probably better than wireless, unless the power lines in your home are not in very good condition.

Do you have coax (cable connections) throughout the house?
 

JQLeitch

Member
Feb 3, 2014
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It seems that you may not be completely clear on what a network is/does.

Anything connected to your router should be on the network whether it's wireless or not. True, streaming of 1080p video of wireless can be problematic, but streaming over a wired connection on the same network should be fine. Whether that wire is Powerline or a direct ethernet, it is still probably better than wireless, unless the power lines in your home are not in very good condition.

That's what I've heard, I'll try powerline before I build the server because a server that buffers media isn't worth the money I'm willing to spend, I'd be better with local storage.
 

smitbret

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2006
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When you do a speed test, what kind of speed are you getting with your wireless connection?
 

JQLeitch

Member
Feb 3, 2014
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When you do a speed test, what kind of speed are you getting with your wireless connection?

After a lot of thinking, I think I'm gonna pass on the server. I don't want to deal with diminished speeds, slow file transfers etc. Trust me I'd love a server but money is finite and there are many other things I'd love to buy. Defiantly when I have my own home I will make sure there is ethernet connections in each room lol. Anyways thanks for all your help Guy(s).
 

smitbret

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2006
3,382
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81
Around 8.5Mbps DL and 0.7Mbps Up, pretty bad, but we pay for bad speeds.

I apologize, I should have been more clear.

Are you able to run a speed test on your LAN, between 2 computers that are both connected to your router?
 

JQLeitch

Member
Feb 3, 2014
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76
I apologize, I should have been more clear.

Are you able to run a speed test on your LAN, between 2 computers that are both connected to your router?

I said I've given up hope on the server in my other post but man it's pretty much the exact same maybe 0.2Mbps better.
 

smakme7757

Golden Member
Nov 20, 2010
1,487
1
81
After a lot of thinking, I think I'm gonna pass on the server. I don't want to deal with diminished speeds, slow file transfers etc. Trust me I'd love a server but money is finite and there are many other things I'd love to buy. Defiantly when I have my own home I will make sure there is ethernet connections in each room lol. Anyways thanks for all your help Guy(s).
The only way to connect computers together is by networking. It doesn't matter if you do it with a coax cable, a serial cable or any other sort of cable you are still creating a network. That's how computers communicate.

If you purchased your router in recent years then it will most likely be capable of doing 1Gbps, around 100 Megabytes per second. That surely, should be more than enough speed.

If you already have a router or a switch then you already have the equipment you need.
 
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