Well? I am not too certain on how to do it? i was wondering if someone could recommend what equipement i would need down to the T. I like computers but i dont know the first thing about setting up a LAN. And i have to do it for work as i am the only one at the mission that knows anything about computers.
Any brand the best if possible. I know i need:
Ethernet Cards 100mbs.
A switch: But what type? Also what BUS and what the heck is a BUS and why is it relevant. And what is the difference if a switch is "managed" or "unmanaged".
RJ40 cables - that is pretty easy.
And a router which we get from our ISP.
Do i need anything else?
This is for around 6 computers on 1 floor. All i want to do with the LAN system is to make sure they can share files and access the internet.
I dont want to set up a server or anything. Even if we cant swap files i just want them connected to the 1 interent connect we have.
Thanks guys i know you will help me out
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? - Khalil Gibran
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" - Winston Churchill
What kind of connection is the ISP going to provide?
Any Enet card will do. Buy cheap. You could also look for wireless Ethernet to USB network cards. They're slick.
If you got a wireless switch/access point to go with wireless cards mentioned above, it would solve cable nightmares. Otherwise, you'll just need a six port switch.
BUS can mean many things, for instance their are address and data bus' on main boards. Basically, they're highways for data transport. In your instance though, you probably mean Bus network which is simply a network topology. No need to really know plus your network will resemble more of a star architecture as opposed to a bus. Forget about it.
RJ45 cables, not RJ40 and you should look for cat5e or cat6 cables
Router from your ISP, it will be preconfigured and you'll stick with the default configuration.
No server makes life easy. You'll simply need to share out drives or directories on a per machine basis and make sure file sharing is active on machines.
Additionally, I consider some security in the form of a stateful packet inspecting firewall and solid antivirus software updated daily on all clients.
This is good for now. Chew on this and ask more questions.
Crush enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women.
Don't get a switch. For a small LAN, you don't need it. something like a D-Linksys router, if you can get your hands on one, would suffice, especially if your main priority is to get them on the internet.
If he's already getting a router from his ISP, he won't need another. The router will be able to supply IP addresses via DHCP. Another router simply adds another hop to packets making it to their final destination.
A router is a packet switching device operating on the network layer. It will provide the same function as switches with more capabilities, which you won't need because your ISP is already supplying a router.
Crush enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women.
Originally posted by Ned Flanders If he's already getting a router from his ISP, he won't need another. The router will be able to supply IP addresses via DHCP. Another router simply adds another hop to packets making it to their final destination.
A router is a packet switching device operating on the network layer. It will provide the same function as switches with more capabilities, which you won't need because your ISP is already supplying a router.
True, but it may also be limited in out going ports.
Hey guys how is that for a switch? Looks pretty easy and simple and that is what i want. Something i can order that doesnt look like it is out of Star Trek.
Now that i am working at a Mission i cant go wireless. It isnt exactly safe and there is extremely sensitive information on these computers.
Plus what programs do you think i should use for firewall protection?
I will be using zone alarm and norton for anti virus. Any other suggestions?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? - Khalil Gibran
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" - Winston Churchill
Originally posted by CM <snip>
Now that i am working at a Mission i cant go wireless. It isnt exactly safe and there is extremely sensitive information on these computers.
<snip>
Wireless networks can be set up to be "safe".
You can use a "MAC-lock" in your network, only allowing network card with a thoese specific MAC-adresses to join the network.
The MAC adress is a unic number connected with one specific NIC - and all have one.
And if you are really scared, add in some cryptation (don't know any software off hand, but shouldn't be hard to find) software for encrypting the data.
( Personally though - I prefere wiered LANs compared to Wireless LANs myself, despite the cables )
@Aegis: How can you stand CISCO classes, I tried to take a certificate, but it was so boring I quit it after the first semester I hate networks
I think you could cut back a little fas. That switch has 48 ports. It's too much for your needs. Here's a couple of links to some smaller switches. I'm not endorsing the brand, I've never used them. They're just a couple of quick examples I've found.
True Ned but i was more looking at what was not there. Ie something simple with minimum specs so i dont get bogged down.
I personally have a D-link ethernet card and i am pretty happy with it. So i will see what i can get.
Xandax my major is economics and international relations you think any of that really made any sense to me?
Ok yeah it did, but you really think i could do that? I can do simple hardware and pc work. As in fix software problems, fix hardware. Format and stuff.
This is way beyond my expertise. I am learning as i go.
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? - Khalil Gibran
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" - Winston Churchill
Originally posted by CM <snip>
Xandax my major is economics and international relations you think any of that really made any sense to me?
Ok yeah it did, but you really think i could do that? I can do simple hardware and pc work. As in fix software problems, fix hardware. Format and stuff.
<snip>
The MAC-lock should be with the software provided with the wireless lan. Or at least what is my knowlegde if it, so ...
(There have been some publicity in this country lately about the safety of wireless LANs and people not takeing any meassures at all which is why I know this )
There are other smaller security meassures in regards of wireless LAN, and most of it should be provided by some configuration software or similar shipped with the LAN/Hardware, otherwise I'm sure a quick search over the web could reveal some.
Originally posted by Xandax @Aegis: How can you stand CISCO classes, I tried to take a certificate, but it was so boring I quit it after the first semester I hate networks
Well, the idea of earning about $100,000 out of college helped the notion
A beautiful part of a lot of routers these days is that they come with built in firewalls. The trick, though, is that a lot of them will not let you host internet games, or FTPs, and other such, without oening certain ports.
Just to let you guys know. I set up two lan systems, learnt how to configure 2 different routers and well learnt almost every basic thing about network management. Thanks alot guys...now i am a techie
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? - Khalil Gibran
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" - Winston Churchill
Originally posted by CM
Now that i am working at a Mission i cant go wireless. It isnt exactly safe and there is extremely sensitive information on these computers.
Plus what programs do you think i should use for firewall protection?
I will be using zone alarm and norton for anti virus. Any other suggestions?
If it is true that there is extremely sensitive information on the computers then I would get a reputable outside security consultant to audit you setup.
By the way I am v impressed.
I am of on holiday - enjoy - as I shall be back
And a little quote in the light of the US legalising toture.
"if you encourage totalitarian methods, the time may come when they will be used against you instead of for you."
George Orwell
