[willymacmusic]

I currently have a customer with a small law office. I have a basic network with MS Server, a half dozen ethernet workstations, and a WAP all connecting to the ISP via an 8-port SMC ez5808ds hub. Occasionally, especially after a storm, the entire hub/router/modem set-up will have to be unplugged and reset before the network will work properly. As usual, all users complain about the internet access speed, and the ISP tech was in the other day and noted to the staff that the hub wasn't adequate for the office. I've been asked to look into it, so I'm leaning towards an upgrade... definitely going to a switch versus another hub... but I'm also considering up-ing the capability to include the newer 1000 Mbps available and maybe putting an adapter card in the server pc to allow gigabit interface with the switch. Will increasing the number of available ports help keep the temperatures down? ...and then there's GBIC, SFP, and god knows what else to consider! Naturally, cost is a factor, but I won't install crap and then have to maintain it! Any advice would be appreciated... testimonials? bad experiences? recommendations!!!!! Thanks for caring enough to ask! Peace.

[kratak]

Hi

For the server i would def make sure you have a gigabit switch and make sure the server has a gigabit nic in it, otherwise you'll have to buy one and install, which shouldnt take to long.

users will notice a difference with the switch instead of the hub as hubs create unnecessary traffic as they repeat whats been sent to them, whereas switches have better flow control as it creates a table as to what device is on what port, whereas a hub doesnt

For a small network i wouldnt worry about GBIC, a standard ethernet gigabit switch would do, netgear usually do some good ones

[willymacmusic]

Thanks! That's just what I'm lookin' at! Actually, I'm probably going to recommend the Netgear GS116NA and then put GA311 adapters in the server, the boss' pc. and his secretary's pc. There's no need to put one of the higher-priced "server" adapters in the server, is there?

[kratak]

No as long as it runs at gigabit you should be fine, and one nic should do for 6 users

[craigal]

Just be aware that depending on the speed of the internet link, upgrading the HUB will probably make no difference to the speed of the internet.

I would also suggest getting some form of UPS and/or surge protector for the Server and the network equipment. This should help prevent the lockups during a storm and in the case of a UPS, help prevent possible data loss if the power is lost.

Cheers

Craig

[willymacmusic]

Thanks for the quick responses! I don't really expect the switch to directly effect internet speeds, but I do expect the pipe to work more efficiently. These girls are online all day, as well as shuffling around big folders and calender data, so I would expect the full duplex aspect alone to make internet access appear to be a little faster. They really do notice the subtlest differences!

I do have the system on UPS/SP, but I may need to look into what's plugged in where. Since I'm usually only there once a month for routine maintenance (updates, spyware, etc.) I really haven't given much thought into this problem until lately. Anyone have any thoughts on the Netgear choices? Thanks again! Peace