Network project

[Electron]

I would be glad of any help, or direction to internet sites for a college assignment.
The assignment is to network 21 standalone computers with local hard drives. The computers are relatively new with the latest operating system. There are 7 laser printers which are each shared by 3 computers using switching devices. The network has to allow for future update to 30 computers, and also to link to other floors of the office building at a later date. Do they need to be grouped into 'workgroups' for those using a specific software, as opposed to just regular spreadsheets and word processing, to share files?
I am also unsure what software should be loaded onto a server and what should be loaded onto the local hard drives.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, we have done a lot of theory but not much in the way of practical networking.
Thanks in advance for any help.

[Nutrocker]

Hi Electron

Only suggestions, throw em in the bin if you like!

Need:
Cat5 cables and Patch Cables
1 x 8 port switch 10/100Mbps
2 x 16 port 10/100Mbps hubs min (3 better)
All systems need NICS 10/100Mbps RJ45 connections
Get rid of the Print switch devices
Server? NT 4 minimum & BDC if poss.

Connect NT server PDC and BDC to the switch
Connect the 2 or 3 hubs to the switch (hub uplink port to a switch port each)
Spread the Printers across the client system and share them (or use print servers for each one, bear in mind this option would need another hub!)
Protocol? TCP/IP only no other needed.

Cannot answer question on software as this depends on current configs/installs and whether you plan to tighten down the hatches and use an Application Server with System and User Profiles. Or just go for a File server with home dir's and mapped directories. Software on local hdd is not too bad in a small network.

Need any more info?


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Regards
Don
Nutties bit o the web

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[This message has been edited by Nutrocker (edited 06-09-2000).]

[Electron]

Thanks Nutrocker, I think that covers the hardware. The software setup at present is:-
1) Word Processing and Spreadsheets for all.
2) 5 Analysts with Database software (not sharing files).
3) 4 Payroll and Invoice clerks sharing files, at present on floppy discs.
4) E-mail software for use internally on the network.
Thanks for you help.

[Nutrocker]

Hi Electron

1. For the WP and Spreadsheets a mapped drive where all can save to would be cool. Say map F: to a dir called Cabinet ? This could be mapped usinf a small login script. And use the same login script to ensure the software packages save to location is F: by importing a registry key (previously created on a test PC)

2. Databases could still be located in a central location shared map dir maybe with sub dir if needed to keep them seperate. Again something like G: and call the Share Data?

3. Hmm Payroll! Again a mapped shared dir with security so only the Payroll clerks and any "special" users that need access to the files can get to them. e.g . H: map a share and call it Payroll! Duh!

4. For the email you could use Outlook along with MS MAil set up on the servers for the users.

5. All "local" software can be left on the client systems, just ensure any mappings used these software packages point to them

Hope this helps.





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Regards
Don

http://www.nutrocker.co.uk

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[Electron]

Thanks for all your help NutRocker.