[newbienet123]

hi guys,

I've currently got a business with a 3 pc setup (see red section in picture). These are connected to a BT 2Wire linksys four ethernet port router. The 4th port is connected to an oki network printer.

My question is that I want to add an additional 2 computers, and a 3rd computer which i want to act as a server (see green section in picture).. Is this possible and if so, what other hardware will i need? Also how difficult is it to setup a server to allow me to backup data from other computers on the network?

Please see the picture below:-
FYI, I am using vista business on all computers and simply want to be able to share the network, internet and also be able to take backup of a small amount of data...thats all.



I eagerly look forward to your replies.

[Billyd65]

Since all four ports of your router are in use, you will need an additional switch. You will need to disconnect one of the other systems/computer and uplink the switch to the router. Linksys has an unmanged 8-port switch that will wok very well for that very task. So your layout will be:

modem - router - switch - all devices

Not able to see your image from this computer, but will try to look when I get home and provide a better diagram.

[newbienet123]

Thanks...now some people recommend a NAS server instead of a proper computer server for backup...what do you recommend?

[JohnWill]

That "some people" was me that recommended the NAS.

I also recommend a gigabit switch.

[newbienet123]

oh sugar! lol...ur on two forums!!!

I'm sorry if you think i'm asking the same questions mate, but its just that i need to be sure and also i'm somewhat confused with a NAS setup (see other forum questions).

I do appreciate all ur help though m8.

[Billyd65]

I use FreeNAS on a USB stick as my file/back-up server OS. The only difference is the OS the hardware is just an old computer I had laying about with an upgraded HDD and it serves my purposes just fine. And if I had it to do over (and will someday) I would go gigabit.

[LinuxHacker]

a NAS in a 5 computer network is a waste of money. get a standard PowerEdge server from Dell and put all your files on there so you don't have to backup the computers. SBS would work great for you.

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by LinuxHacker

a NAS in a 5 computer network is a waste of money. get a standard PowerEdge server from Dell and put all your files on there so you don't have to backup the computers. SBS would work great for you.

Pleeeease! A $200 NAS is a waste of money, but it's OK to really spend big money on a server, not to mention the need to buy a server O/S, maintain it, etc. Now, for a 5 computer network, THAT'S a waste of money!

[LinuxHacker]

Where are you getting a NAS for $200?

[Billyd65]

Originally Posted by LinuxHacker

Where are you getting a NAS for $200?

Old hardware just lying about: $0.00 (Already paid for)
FreeNAS OS: $0.00 (Google is your friend here for the image)
1 TB HDD: Currently about $100.00 ea, depending on source
Cables and such lying about: $0.00

Yep, $200.00 for a NAS with 2 TB of storage is about right.

[LinuxHacker]

Only if he has hardware just lying around.

or he could put a little more money in and get a server that will host active directory and exchange. expanding networks can't stay P2P forever. 2 birds one stone.

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by LinuxHacker

or he could put a little more money in and get a server that will host active directory and exchange. expanding networks can't stay P2P forever. 2 birds one stone.

Good grief! Active Directory and Exchange for five workstations when the requirement is for some backup network file storage?

It sure is easy for you to spend other folks money, isn't. it?

DNS-321 $119.99 ( or $89.99 after the rebate ).

A pair of WD 500gig drives for $54.99/ea.

Looks like $200 to me.

It boggles the mind to consider spending thousands to build up a fancy server for a simple backup file server. It's not like you can't move to a fancy server when and if it's ever warranted.

No reason to even get into the issues of configuring and administration of your server configuration, I suppose that's free?

[Billyd65]

And since the OP indicates that he ALREADY has a computer doing that exact task, or will, one could presume upgrading the HDD and installing an OS that runs from a USB stick would serve his purposes very well.

[newbienet123]

right sorry guys for not replying earlier...been very busy lately. My god, i wasn't expecting a war of words just over a few computers, lol.

I think John and Billy have hit the nail on its head...i was very simple backup solution with the least costs. I too at the time was thinking of a server, but my office isn't going to expand more than 6 computers at most, so spending thousands on servers doesn't make sense and neither is it affordable for me.

Now I have a few questions regarding this NAS setup and a switch:-

1. I'm in the UK, so which ones of these systems are okay?

Network Hard Drives:-
http://www.cclonline.com/product-cat...ategory_id=588

or NAS Drives:-
http://www.cclonline.com/product-cat...ategory_id=543

2. What is the difference between a NAS and a Network Hard Drive?

3. When I get a switch, do i use normal rj45 cables or crossover?

So far these are the questions...i will keep adding more questions :P

Thanks again.

[JohnWill]

I prefer the D-Link DNS-323 or DNS-321 to those Netgear NAS drives, but they'll work for what you are looking for.

There is no difference between a NAS and a Network Hard Drive, that's just because some people don't realise that NAS is the correct term.

For most devices you'll use , plain patch cables are proper. Most network switches nowadays have auto-MDX ports and will correct for any swapping. In addition, if you go gigabit (which I recommend), all gigabit devices are auto-MDX.