Thread: computer set up in office

You could just get a multi port ADSL router. A lot of ADSL modems have four network connections that will allow you to plug in 4 different computers.

Originally Posted by Gaza

i have just moved into a new office and it is networked cabled, the cables all run back to a "rack" stlye thing.

Does the rack have a patch panel, you use patch cords here to patch between ports or to your switch/router or server.

do i need a switch and a pc to act as a sever now,

How many workstations(PC's) are you intending to use?

is the internet (adsl) connected to the "server" pc then sent through the swicth to the other computers?

The answer to the previous question will assist in determining how this question is answered.

can some one explain the bits that i need before i go and get ripped off blind.

thanks

See the previous answer.

First thing you need is a clear list of your requirements:
how many PCs?
how many printers?
how many scanners, backup devices, projectors, etc. etc.?
what resources are going to be shared among all PCs? A laser printer? A scanner?
do all PCs get to connect to the internet?
do any PCs have to share files/directories with other PCs?

This will help you (or someone knowledgeable in networking) to work out what you need in terms of hardware.

I suggest a bit of googling about basic networking, so that you can identify your "rack style thing", because to me, saying "I've got a rack style thing. What do I need?" sounds an awful lot like "Please rip me off blind".

A hub lets multiple PCs talk to each other.
A switch lets multiple PCs talk to each other, but costs more because it is smarter about what network traffic it sends where.
A server is a PC which provides some resource to multiple PCs. Unless you are running a piece of software like a webserver, a shared database, or a faxing program, you may not need a server.

You DO need some sort of labelling system for the cables!!!

Cheers,
Andrew

Originally Posted by arose62

First thing you need is a clear list of your requirements:
how many PCs? 5
how many printers? 2
how many scanners, backup devices, projectors, etc. etc.? scanner
what resources are going to be shared among all PCs? A laser printer? A scanner? printers and scanner
do all PCs get to connect to the internet? yes
do any PCs have to share files/directories with other PCs? if possible but not required

This will help you (or someone knowledgeable in networking) to work out what you need in terms of hardware.

I suggest a bit of googling about basic networking, so that you can identify your "rack style thing", because to me, saying "I've got a rack style thing. What do I need?" sounds an awful lot like "Please rip me off blind".

A hub lets multiple PCs talk to each other.
A switch lets multiple PCs talk to each other, but costs more because it is smarter about what network traffic it sends where.
A server is a PC which provides some resource to multiple PCs. Unless you are running a piece of software like a webserver, a shared database, or a faxing program, you may not need a server. a few years ago we had a basic set up at my old work where they had a PC out the back that acted as web sever and sharred files were saved onto, things like the multi user accounting software.

You DO need some sort of labelling system for the cables!!! they are all labelled by old tennant.

Cheers,
Andrew

thanks for your help guys

You should be able to get a 8 port switch for less than $80.

If there is a room where there is more computers than network outlets you may have to by another 5 port switch. You can just plug switchs into switchs.


The ADSL router/modem will either be provided by your internet service provider or you can by a fancy one for less than $200. You probably only need to spend $100 to get one that will do the job and provide a firewall to protect your network. Most have a web page interface that allows you to configure what is allowed in and out. You can normally download the manual online and read what each can do and see how the interface works, so you can then buy the one that seems to make sense and will do what you want.

For the file sharing buy a NAS (network attached storage) $200 - $3000 and that will also act as a seperate backup device.

Originally Posted by Gaza

i have just moved into a new office and it is networked cabled, the cables all run back to a "rack" stlye thing.

Funnily enough the rack type thing is called...a rack

Originally Posted by Gaza

do i need a switch

Yes.

Originally Posted by Gaza

and a pc to act as a sever now,

No, not unless you want one.

Originally Posted by Gaza

is the internet (adsl) connected to the "server" pc then sent through the swicth to the other computers?

Nope. Just plug the adsl modem into the switch. When you set the networking up on the computers, either use the modems dhcp (easiest) or you need to set them up to point to the modem as the gateway.

Originally Posted by Gaza

can some one explain the bits that i need before i go and get ripped off blind.

thanks

A bunch of short patch cables to go from the switch to the patch panel.

My advice for a switch is Netgear or LinkSys, get a 16 port as minimum.

As the cabling is all there, you should be able to sort that for around $300-$600.

If I was estimating on doing a job like that and supplying the hardware, for a small office with maybe 10 outlets/devices I'd guess around 3-4 hours and in the region of $800-$1k.

i found this switch on ebay is this the kind of thing i need

Cisco Catalyst 3548 XL 3500 48 Switch PN

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Cisco-Catalys...d=p3286.c0.m14

or is something like this better

Netgear ProSafe 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Netgear-ProSa...d=p3286.c0.m14

i have my existing telstra adsl box which i will plug into my "switch" all i need is a basic computer to act as a file sharer / firewall.

i will also need a network cable to plug my printer / scanner into the offices network sockets on wall that run back to the room.

thanks for your help so far hopeful have all this worked out for next week.

Network cables should only be a couple of dollars a meter.


Configuring a Cisco requires knowledge.


The Telstra ADSL modem should have a firewall

Gaza, I would recommend that you use a plug and play switch, not one that requires any configuration. I use a Netgear Prosafe 16 port gigabit switch, no mucking around, it just works. The router provides access to the outside world and secures the internal network from harm. If you like, PM me your email address and I will send you a visio file of my network configuration.

Buy gigabit if you really think you need it, but I'd say for normal office type stuff, 16-24 port 100Mbs should be plenty, and much cheaper.

Originally Posted by q9

Buy gigabit if you really think you need it, but I'd say for normal office type stuff, 16-24 port 100Mbs should be plenty, and much cheaper.

Yes, good point. My network was designed to carry video and is CAT6, for data and some video 100Mbs is fine. As far as the switch goes just make sure it does not become a data bottleneck and does not need to be configured.