Network structure..

[Ch@n]

Hi guys,

I need some basic info about network structuring. This may be out of windows 7 scope, but I need help. Hope, I am getting it too.

Ok here we go..

We are in the process of relocating to a new location, where I have to structure the network from scratch.

My existing setup is,
Modem - Firewall - Switch - Server, desktop, laptops
Desktop and laptops are connected using domain in the server.

My new setup,
Modem - Firewall - Wifi Modem/Router - Switch - Server. All these components are physically connected using lan cables.
Desktops and laptops should connect using wifi. This should serve 2 purposes,
1. Internet through wifi modem/router
2. Domain through server (No cables, through wifi)

Is this possible?

Is anything else needed?

Please help.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[pparks1]

Yes, that should work just fine.

 

[ionbasa]

this is just a preference of mine: I would put the wifi router after the switch. either way it still woks.

 

[Ch@n]

Thanks for the response

So, desktop and laptops can connect and work with a domain only through wifi..am I right?? As a reminder, only the network peripherals will connect through a cable. Rest all are only through wifi. Please confirm this.

Also need some advice on the below,
This setup is for a total of 51 computers/laptops. Each grouped into 13 and assembled in separate enclosures or cabins. As a precautionary measure, from the switch one ethernet cable will be provided in each of the cabin. So, a total of 5 cables will come out of the switch. So, thinking of getting a 8 port switch. And in each cabin, we will put another 8 port hub, which can connect to the single ethernet cable and distribute it to 8 other nodes. Is this a wise method?

 

[ionbasa]

EDIT::

So, desktop and laptops can connect and work with a domain only through wifi..am I right?? As a reminder, only the network peripherals will connect through a cable. Rest all are only through wifi. Please confirm this.

that sounds correct, but if you going "all wifi" why do you still need the switch?

umm i dont think i am understanding something correctly? each group has 13 computer in a cabin? correct? if so you will need a 14+ switch per cabin, not an 8 port switch.

 

[Ch@n]

Ok, let me clarify.
For us wifi will be the primary connectivity. Connectivity through LAN is only for emergency purposes. This is the reason, we get a switch(4 cabin(so 4 cables needed), so 8 port is enuf) and provide one ethernet cable in each cabin consisting of 13 computers. This one cable will then connect to a hub(again 8 port) kept in each cabin and can be distributed to 8 more desktops/laptops in case of an emergency. Fact is, not every laptop/desktop goes down on wifi.

 

[ionbasa]

okay now i understand. i though you wanted all computers in a cabin to use a port(ETHERNET). also dont use hubs!! very important, that will cause a botle neck and your network security will be vurnible becouse when a hub recieves a packet it "relays" that packet on all ports!! other than that i see no other issue.

 

[Ch@n]

Point noted. But what is the alternate then? I need a cost effective solution. The reason why we are going to wifi is to cut the cost in purchasing ethernet cables.

 

[ionbasa]

well your method sounds good, with wifi and then ethernet for backup, but please stay away from hubs. instead of hubs just use switches, but that will be more expensive. the reason i bring up not using hubs is becouse lets say you have sensitive information being transfered on the network / over the internet. now when a hub reads those packets it gets relayed evry where in your network, so if you have a wifi acess point functional at that time those packets might end-up being transmitted, and you never know who may be ease-dropping on your wifi even with wpa2

 

[Ch@n]

Agreed..So, should I go for a managed switch?

 

[ionbasa]

That's exactly what I would do. good luck with your project!

 

[Ch@n]

Thanks bunches pal..I will keep this thread open, so I can raise all my queries related to the same until I succeed

 

[Ch@n]

Another help!!!
Now I need to choose the wifi router, which can be used for my organization. This wifi router should connect around 50 desktops/laptops. Which brand should I go for. Belkin, Linksys et all. If poss, spill the model number too.

 

[ionbasa]

well in my experiance i would chose linksys or netgaer, ill post back some model numbers, also what wireless range, and what mode: " N, G, B, A,?"

 

[Ch@n]

How do I tell you the range?
I believe N is new. I would go for G. Is this my network bandwidth related? If yes, as of now, we will be using a 2MBps broadband connection. It is a shared connection.

 

[ionbasa]

well it is bandwidth related, N provides up to 300Mb/s in your network, ex: 1 computer transmits a file to another computer, the theoretical bandwidth between those to computers should be 300Mb/s. Note this would only aply to computers in your network. as for the range, how many feet/meters away would/should the access point reach? also what is your budget in getting an AP?

 

[Ch@n]

This is the reason I have mentioned my bandwidth restriction. Anyways, is a AP mandatory? Approximately our new premise should be around 2500-3000 sq.ft.

 

[ionbasa]

EDIT: an AP is your access point for WiFi connectivity

Okay here is some more info, while browsing the Belkin website I discovered that they have completely new WiFi access points, unfortunately the Belkin WiFi APs will max out at 16 connections Belkin wireless networking, wireless N routers, and wireless apps.So now lets take a look at Netgear. The PROSAFE WIRELESS-N ACCESS POINT WNAP210 only supports up to 30 connections, but you could buy two and pair them.


so with that you might want one AP so then PROSAFE® 802.11N‡ DUAL BAND WIRELESS ACCESS POINT WNDAP330 will get you were your going, but will set you back ~$330.
but that might not be the best solution, the PROSAFE® WIRELESS ACCESS POINT 802.11G WG302 is about $180 and supports up to 50 connections. and is cheaper, but you will loose some bandwidth/future upgrade-ability by going with G.

Then there is Linksys/Cisco. At our workplace we have this router: Cisco Small Business Pro AP 500 Series Wireless Access Points - Products & Services - Cisco Systems , but will set you back about $350, unless you find it cheaper on the internet, this page might also be useful: Wireless - Main Page - Cisco Systems

 

[Ch@n]

Is there a router which takes care of connecting 50 connections? I believe, you are suggesting a AP, since not many routers support this much connection. Am I right?

So, I would require a AP using which all 50 computers will be seamlessly connect through wifi.

 

[WindowsStar]

Here is a simple network diagram to help you setup your network. -WS