Win98 peer-to-peer network size

[Sejuras]

Got a small office with about 15 PCs (most run win98, some run 98SE). All are using TCP/IP to connect to single "file server" which is a PII-400 running Win98. Network is built on 24-port Netgear 10Mb mini-hub - not a switch, only a concentrator. Does anyone have any experience as to at what point is it a general rule of thumb (or just plain good ol' idea) to replace the file server with a REAL server running NT4.0 or Win2K? I don't think there are any latency issues yet, but for budgeting purposes, we are looking to double the amount of PCs in the office this next year!

Any thoughts would be appreciated!!!

 

[Workin']

I usually use 25 clients as the "break point" between peer-to-peer psuedo-server setups and "real" file server installations. Also depends on the level of security required - whenever ANY security is required, that means you need an NT Server or Linux server set up by someone who knows what they are doing.

You can get by OK just daisy-chaining another hub onto the one you already have. Even 50-75 users on the same segment shouldn't be a problem for the typical office, I would say save the money that would be spent on a switch for the next year's upgrade.

 

[Sejuras]

Yes, I agree with you. Been using NT server for a few years myself in corporate environment (I am network anlayst with MCSE, and CCNA) but this is a small business with small budget. They have been running just fine for now, but I am helping them prepare their IT budget for next year. With that said, they are anticipating to double their desktop counts. As usual with small business they have no "policies", just make it work for as little $$ as possible.

I am leaning on installing a real server with at least Raid 1 and installing an NOS (NT or 2K). Was really just wanting to back up my plan with some comments from the real world.

Thanks...if anyone else has comments let me know!!!!

 

[vi edit]

I manage a peer to peer network with 25 Win9X machines, and one NT Server 4.0 machine. I use a Freesco box as my internet router/firewall.

Having the server has really proved useful. With it, I can setup users and adminster permissions down to a file level. This is very handy in my office. We do a lot of accounting and only certain people should have access to certain files. If you house all data on the file server, and assign permissions from there, I can lock users out of files they shouldn't be able to get into. Win98 won't give me that luxory. I can lock down folders, but I can't lock down individual files.

If money is in question, really look into puting Win2k professional or NT 4.0 Workstation and using that as the server. You get the security of NT Server minus the $$. You just loose some of the domain/administration tools that come with server. If you are still on peer to peer, then it doesn't really matter.

On top of my NT Server, I also have an NT 4.0 Workstation with a 20 gig travan TBU that backs up data directories on all of the local machines harddrives on a nightly basis. It is MUCH more stable than a Win98 PC. If anything, pick up an NT 4.0 licsence and throw that on there.

You can still lock down and assign individual user rights with it.

 

[Sejuras]

Using Win2K-Prof or NT 4.0 workstation as a "server" sounds pretty good, I wonder if having more than 25 desktops warrants using a server. Doesn't NT workstation have a 10-user connection limit? Are you setting up personal directories on the "server" to backup user's data or just having the backup software backup each desktop's user directory?

 

[vi edit]

We basically have a shared drive on the NT Server that all the Win9X boxes map to. Users store all office documents and program files on the shared drive. The NT server has a DLT drive that backs up all of it's drives nightly.

The NT workstation that I have backs up all the workstation PC's. I just have it look in the network neighborhood and back up the "my documents" and "windows" directory. I pick those because My docs is MS's common place to save things too, and I went with the windows directory because a lot of important things are kept in there like emails, contacts, bookmarks, ect.

I am aware of Win2k's 10 user limit. I don't think NT Workstation 4.0 is connection limited.