Setting Up Small Office Lan

[webgyrl]

Aren't I just the chica with a zillion questions this week! LOL

 

Ok... here's one for the more technically able around here

 

Say I wanted to set up a LAN for 5 computers... just for fun (yah right ha ha)

 

Any books or tutorials that will step me through the process?

 

Also, what hardware, cables and software will I need? Is it very costly? Would they need an internal server that all the applications are installed on or does one computer act as the motherbrian type thing that runs the rest of the computers. Does everything store to the main computer or does it just share applications and then whatever is on everyone's PC's is stored on thier own drives?

 

A friend of mine works at an Embassy here in DC and they are finally trying to get out of the dark ages and get some computers, but they want to share a DSL connection, software and printer capabilities.

 

I'm the only 'computer person' they know and they don't have a huge budget to hire an outside IT company to do this. It's a 3rd world country Embassy, so they really don't have an IT dept or anything... in fact they can barely send email... but they need help and I feel like it would be a nice thing to do to train them up and improve the productivity in their office.

 

From the very little I have read on networking, it seems feasable to do it without having a computer science degree... but I have never done this sort of thing before and before I even offer to help I want to know what's involved in case it's way out of my league.

 

Also, does anyone know if it matters if they get Windows XP Pro or Home if one wants to do a LAN? I am also assuming that for any software they purchase they will have to get licenses for each computer that the software is going on? I think they want Office 2004 with Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher etc., and also they will need Norton Antivirus, Zone Alarm Pro and Pest Patrol to protect them when they are online.

 

Thanks for any insight you may have regarding this topic

 

Nat

[HCSuperStores]

Hi Webgrl,

 

I haven't set up a whole bunch of networks, but I have my own LAN at home on normal CAT5, LinkSys router and LinkSys cards running a 100Mb/s. There's nothing fancy about it, and you probably don't have to do anything fancy either.

 

If you have at least 2 computers in your own home, you could do some testing at home. Hooking up 2 is like hooking up 20 (almost). So once you get the first 2 on-line, I believe the rest will follow behind easily.

 

For a wired solution, you will need your DSL Modem, a single router with at least 5 switches (think of growth and maybe 2 - 4 port routers leaving 3 open slots), and NICs for all (Network Interface Cards). The CAT5 cable is what my clients refer to as the "fat phone like" cable. It can reach as far as 100 meters between stops.

 

You may want to consider wireless. The CAT5 cable can add to the cost very quickly, so if the computers are more than, say 20 ft. away, wireless would be the way to go. As long as security isn't the most top priority. Wireless is, in my view, inherently more insecure than a physical line. For a wireless set-up you'll need your DSL modem, a wireless router, and a wireless NIC for each computer. The range varies from one version to another, but I believe that 300ft. is achievable by most. The number of ports available per wireless router varies too.

 

As far as hook-up, it's just a little threatening to do it the first time. Most provide a picture that does a very good job at giving you an idea on how things go together.

 

I went into my first LAN setup job not ever doing it before and setting up my first one with the client over my shoulder the whole way. Everthing came together without a hitch with the picture on the box telling me 90% of what I needed to know.

 

I do recommed trying it out at home if this is a paid job, just to be sure. If not, and your client is comfortable with a little trial and error, do it on-site.

 

Check out Tom's Hardware Guide for lots of great hardware type links. Somewhere in there he talks about setting up a LAN. Tom's my hero of the hardware world!

 

Good luck and have fun learning!

[kaseytraeger]

Nat,

 

My husband and I have a small local LAN at home for our two computers. I didn't set it up, and to be quite honest, I don't know how my hubby did it, but I can give you a few general comments to get you started.

 

#1 -- Neither of our computers acts as a server. Rather, we use a router. Basic ethernet (I think) cables connect our computers to the router. We purchased the router from a local electronics store. I don't remember it being terribly expensive. Probably less than $100. I'm not sure what the price of cables are, and I hope someone will have better numbers than I, but I think you can get ethernet cables for a few pennies (actually, about $10 per cable???).

 

#2 -- Our two LAN computers share the same internet connection and can be on the internet at the same time. We have a DSL line, and our DSL modem plugs into the router. Again, it that connection uses a basic ethernet cable.

 

#3 -- We currently have one computer running Windows 2K and the other running Windows XP Pro. They both work fine and have been configured to "see" each other and the various drives on each machine. You may be able to do the same things with Windows XP Home. The reason I think this is so is because up until a few months ago, the two computers were running Windows 2K and Windows 98. Since Windows 98 was primarily for home computers (versus Windows NT, Windows 2K or Windows XP for business computers). If Windows 98 could handle it, then surely Windows XP Home can handle it, too.

 

#4 -- For the various software packages they want to install ... yes, they will need a separate license for each computer that will have the software installed on it. However, from previous business experience, I know that Microsoft has a program available for companies where you buy something along the lines of a bulk license for whatever number of computers you want to install it on. Microsoft will send you periodic software updates as long as you keep your maintenance agreement current. I want to say the program was called Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, but my memory is not serving me as well as I would like it to. I don't know the cost of this kind of setup, but I imagine it may be pricey. That may preclude your organization from getting it.

Different software companies have different End User License Agreements (EULAs), so you'll want to read them carefully. Some will allow you to install the software on one primary computer (say, a desktop unit) and install a secondary copy on what they deem to be a "portable" device (I'm not sure if a laptop computer qualifies for this distinction, so be sure to read up on it.)

For your Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook needs, you should consider purchasing the full Microsoft Office Suite. There are varying packages of it. The "standard" version usually includes Word, Excel, and Outlook. The "professional" version has the first three with one or two additional products. The "premium" version will typically have all of the Office products, with perhaps the exception of Visio and maybe Publisher. I have Office 2000 Premium installed on my computer, and it came with Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Frontpage but not Publisher or Visio. I purchased Visio separately and did not have a need for Publisher.

 

I hope this helps!!!!

[Madmanmcp]

Hi Neighbor, before setting up a network there are lots of questions to be asked and answered. The place I send for who what to read about it is here.

www.practicallynetworked.com/networking/

 

Some of the main issues you need to think about are cost, security, operating systems. I would like to steer you toward a wireless network but am afraid to because of the possible security issues involved. You said an "Embassy" and I have a pretty good idea security WILL be a driving force. And being in the middle of the Spy Capital of the world, wireless would be too easy to tap into...unless you really know what you are doing. So I would say go with a wired Network.

 

Cost is hard to figure without knowing other pieces to the network puzzle, one of those would be the number of PC's, whether you will expand later and the distances between these PC's. The longer the distance the longer the cable and the higher the price.

 

Sharing the internet and printer and files is simple and sharing programs is the difficult and expensive part. You either buy stand alone software packages for each PC or buy a Lan version or site license which is more expensive. I would suggest separate packages. With the Lan version you install on the "server" and each PC on the network can have access to it, bad point about this is the speed is a little slower loading.

 

Operating System, I would recommend Windows 2000 or Windows XP Pro or a combination of these. These will give you all the networking cababilities you need plus all the security.

[DarqFlare]

Moving to hardware...

[webgyrl]

Hey Everyone!

 

Thanks for the great replies and your personal insights.

 

I've been sequestering myself over at the local Borders doing tons of reading on the subject. What would I do without the "For Dummies" series! LOL

 

I've gleaned a lot of info.

 

This LAN is going to be a basic peer-to-peer as they have already bought the computers and each system has its own software package. They basically just need to all have DSL access. Wireless is not an option as security is important in this case. They just got into a new office (the old building that housed the Embassy burned a year ago and they have been in transitional places and working from the Ambassador's residence since then).

 

Anyway... it should be a really interesting excersize and great learning experience.

 

As always, I appreciate that the TCH family is so willing to share insight and knowledge and I very much appreciate it!

 

Happy Sunday

 

Nat

[kevan_j]

Hey Nat,

 

How is the networking project going?

 

Your first post was right. You don't need a degree in Comp. Sci to do this.

 

Most of the input I would have given you has been given already by others, so I just wanted to check to see how things were going. I live in MD too, BTW, so if you need some help, I might be able to chip in.

 

Kevan

[webgyrl]

Kevan,

 

They are still waiting for budget to get DSL and approval to network. There is a new Ambassador who just took office this week. Not sure when or if it will happen at this point as they are due for elections in June and the gov't is in a state of flux right now.

 

I will keep you posted tho and if I need help, may just take you up on your very kind offer!

 

Peace,

Nat

[vengavenga]

Interesting thread as I'm in a similar situation ...

 

Some people we know have just bought an internet bar. They asked me to take a look at the computers to find out why they never seem to work properly. The 3300 viruses that I found one PC alone might be something to do with it!

 

A few beers later and suddenly I've managed to find my self in the situation where I've got the job of re-arranging, moving, reinstalling and protecting everything on Tuesday

 

Should be a fun day - they know that I'm no expert on it though, so at least there is a little room for trial and error - I'm secretly looking forward to it!

 

A quick question that I was about do some research on, but that I might as well ask while I'm here ....

 

At the moment, they have two rows of 5 PCs running along opposite walls.

They want them moved so that it's one big long row of 10 PCs.

The cables are only going to be long enough to reach the first 5 - can you "join" ethernet cables using some sort of connector block, or is it better just to get 5 long cables?

 

Thanks,

 

Ali.

[Madmanmcp]

The cables are only going to be long enough to reach the first 5 - can you "join" ethernet cables using some sort of connector block, or is it better just to get 5 long cables?

 

How is the network currently setup? Do you have hubs or routers or a combination of both? If the cables are not long enough to reach the new locations its best to get new cables long enough to reach. If you have two hubs, one for each row, then you probably just need one longer cable to extend the 2nd hub to reach the 5 further PC's.

[vengavenga]

Thanks Madmancp

 

I had a quick look yesterday at the mess of wiring that's there and yes, there does seem to be two hubs (strangely with three or four more cables coming out of them than there are computers, but maybe some of them don't go anywhere). I won't know properly what's what until Tuesday when builders rip down wall partitions etc (all at the same time as I'm meant to be sorting things out!).

 

If that's the case, then your suggestion is perfect

 

Not sure if I'm looking forward to this or not!

 

Thanks again,

 

Ali,

[Rennemo]

Maybe you could use something like m0n0wall or ClarkConnect to be DSL router. They are easy to install and configure. Add a DVD burner and you got cheap backup as well.

 

edit: those are great firewalls as well, I wouldn't connect to the internet for a second without one.

Edited April 13, 2004 by Rennemo

[schussat]

The 3300 viruses that I found one PC alone might be something to do with it!

Ahh, another opportunity to relate real life to a cartoon.

 

Doctor: Mr. Burns, I'm afraid you are the sickest man in the United States.  You have everything.

Burns: You mean I have pneumonia?

Doctor: Yes.

Burns: Juvenile diabetes?

Doctor: Yes.

Burns: Hysterical pregnancy?

Doctor: Uh, a little bit, yes.  You also have several diseases that have just been discovered -- in you.

Burns: I see.  You sure you haven't just made thousands of mistakes?

Doctor: Uh, no, no, I'm afraid not.

Burns: This sounds like bad news.

Doctor: Well, you'd think so, but all of your diseases are in perfect balance.  Uh, if you have a moment, I can explain.

Burns: Well ... [looks at his watch][the Doctor puts a tiny model house door on his desk]

Doctor: Here's the door to your body, see?  [bring up some small fuzz balls with goofy faces and limbs from under the desk]  And these are oversized novelty germs.  [points to a different one up as he names each disease] That's influenza, that's bronchitis, [holds up one] and this cute little cuddle-bug is pancreatic cancer.  Here's what happens when they all try to get through the door at once.  [tries to cram a bunch through the model door.  The "germs" get stuck] [stooge-like] Woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo!  Move it,  chowderhead! [normal voice] We call it, "Three Stooges Syndrome."

Burns: So what you're saying is, I'm indestructible!

Doctor: Oh, no, no, in fact, even slight breeze could --

Burns: Indestructible.

 

So, 3000 viruses? No problem! Zoink!

 

Okay, back to LAN talk...

[vengavenga]

LOL - Thanks for that - needed a laugh after today!

 

Just got back from the bar now after 10 hours sorting things out - it's all gone pretty well actually (apart from the fact that the ISP has cut off their internet connectionm as the previous owner hadn't paid the bill )

 

Everything is clean and working now - tomorrow it's a case of physically moving them, so here's my question for today ...

 

8 PCs

1 ADSL Router

1 Switch (8 ports plus uplink)

1 Hub (4 ports plus uplink)

 

I'm assuming that the excess of ports is because they had more PCs at some point.

 

As I mentioned before, the computers are in two "rows", but they are to moved into one long "row".

 

We don't really need the hub, as (if I understand it all correctly) the switch will be fine as it has the correct number of ports, but the cables are only long enough to reach the first 4 workstations.

 

Can the hub be moved further down the line (connected to the switch) to deal with the furthest away 4?

 

If so, where does it connect ("normal" port to port, or does uplink on the hub come into it anywhere?) and with what type of cable (straight through patch?)

 

Any advice would be very much appreciated Thumbs Up

 

Thanks,

 

Ali.

[MikeJ]

Can the hub be moved further down the line (connected to the switch) to deal with the furthest away 4?

 

If so, where does it connect ("normal" port to port, or does uplink on the hub come into it anywhere?) and with what type of cable (straight through patch?)

Yea, you can use a standard (or "straight through patch") ethernet cable to connect the hub to the switch. Just plug *one* end into an uplink port.

 

Now, for the technical description, should you want to know why, or you want to put yourself to sleep:

 

Standard ethernet uses two pairs of wires, one send pair (wires 1 and 2) and one receive pair (wires 3 and 6). In order for Computer A to communicate with Computer B, those pairs have to be reversed (so that the send pair on Computer A connects to the receive pair on Computer B, therefore allowing Computer B to receive data sent by Computer A). Standard Ethernet cables are essentially straight through, which means that if you were to connect the cable between two computers, they won't be able to communicate.

 

A hub or switch port automatically reverses the pairs so that the hub or switch can communicate with the PC on the port, which is why often ports will be listed as MDIX (medium dependent interface crossover) ports, the X representing the crossover... i.e., it exchanges the pairs. The uplink, or MDI port, does not. When you connect two hubs or switches together, if you plug both ends of a standard cable into an MDIX port, you end up cancelling out the crossover. This is why one end needs to be in an uplink, or MDI port (non-crossover port).

 

This also explains why, for those doing the cheap 2 system network, you can take a crossover cable (pair 1,2 on one end is wired to pair 3,6 respectively on the other, and 3,6 is wired to 1,2) and plug the two systems directly into each other without any hub or switch.

[vengavenga]

Excellent - thanks for the info and explanation Mike Thumbs Up

 

Much appreciated,

 

Ali,

[kevan_j]

What type of hub is it? If it is a 10baseT it will introduce collisions (more ethernet tech-speak. I can explain collisions if you really want) if you plug in 3 PCs and uplink it to the switch. Probably not noticeable, but something to look at if you see those 3 PCs performing poorly on the network. Switches are pretty cheap. If you can, I would replace the hub with a switch. Also with 1 8-port switch, you *may* not have enough ports. Some switches will allow you to use all 8 ports to plug PCs into, but if you use the uplink port (which you will have to do) they sometimes make one of the regular ports unavailable.