Network setup...?

[IntelInsideIdiotOutside]

Hello guys. I need some help and advise on how to put up my small business network.

I have 5 computers:

• 1 HP Proliant G5 server (running windows 2003 network)
  4 HP dx2300 computers (running windows xp)
  1 Linksys SR224R unmanaged switch
  and a bunch of cables running through the building

The 4 computers will be running a program thats on the server. Plus there will be printing from 2 of the dx2300 computers.

Is this the best hardware (especially the switch) to setup a good network? I was thinking to get a router? Been having a little trouble getting ip addresses assigned....

All help is very welcome, I've been out of computers for a while, so I kind of lost here. Thanks!

 

[MustISO]

That switch should be fine for what you need. Is the Windows 2003 the domain controller or are you just running workgroups?

 

[IntelInsideIdiotOutside]

Originally posted by: MustISO
That switch should be fine for what you need. Is the Windows 2003 the domain controller or are you just running workgroups?

MustiSO, thats a question I can not answer. My feeling tells me I should be going with domain controller. What is the difference?

Here is the thing. I have the sever (I get the area connected icon in the notification area) connected to the switch and all other 4 computers. The other 4 computers do not connect. Should I asign ip addresses manually or auto? Think I'm doing something wrong here....

 

[JackMDS]

The computer hardware per-se is a secondary issue in Networking.

The way you provided (or actually do not provided) the information, there is No way to give you a countable answer.

This statemet "running a program thats on the server" provides No useful information since there is no reference to waht the program is doing and what resources are needed.

Unless there is a special consideration, I doubt Domain Controller for 4 computers.

 

[IntelInsideIdiotOutside]

This network is for my pharmacy, and I will be using these computers (3 on the work floor, 1 in my office) to print the labels that go on the prescription medicines (via 2 Star Micronics TSP442 thermal printers).

Anyhow the company selling me the software told me to get the network setup before they arrive. And the company selling me the hardware tried to setup the network but not good enough. Thats why I'm trying this myself now. After running somekind of setup server program on the server the computers seem to get their ips assigned correctly now.

 

[JackMDS]

Giving the sensitive issue (pharmacy) I would pay an independent 3rd party consultant that is familiar with pharmacy regulation and HIPAA to evaluate the whole project.

 

[IntelInsideIdiotOutside]

Thanks for your concern and advise, but my pharmacy isnt in the USA. Ofcourse we do have regulations that go about patient privacy etc. which we surely have taken into account.

 

[Slowlearner]

You have the basic infrastructure for a network set up, and getting all the pcs connecting to the server or running an application off the server is an hours worth of work. You will need a router to access the internet - it will hook up to the switch.

However if you are running a server OS, you can set it up as a plain file server or use it in its intended functions as the network controller - recommended for a work/office setup - every user must login, you have centralized access and control over what programs can be accessed, and have assigned storage space in the server etc. This is more difficult to set up and trouble shoot if there are problems - but once set up requires minimal maint - so its best to have an expert do this for you - it can be done remotely too- I would recommend going with some one who has done installation/configuration for similar businesses before.

Wiring - normally the network cables terminate at the server end to a wall panel called patch panel, and short wires connect to the switch. You dont have to use a patch panel, but make sure all the network cables are properly labeled at both ends and have been tested by a competent installer.

You haven't mentioned if there are POS devices /cash registers connected to the network. This would add to the complexity, and you will need additional software and hardware for back up, with the emphasis on short uptime.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: IntelInsideIdiotOutside
Thanks for your concern and advise, but my pharmacy isnt in the USA. Ofcourse we do have regulations that go about patient privacy etc. which we surely have taken into account.

I've seen networks set up by folks who have a minimal understanding of networking. One was a lawyer's office where a public wide-open FTP share was set up (it was supposed to be open only to the internal network). 'Bot's loaded 30 GigaBytes of nearly undeletable files into that FTP share, filling up the hard drive.

Like JackMDS, I recommend bringing in somebody with network and security expertise for help in setting up your network. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money.