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I'm trying to network 30 computer to either a cable or DSL line (haven't decided which one to get yet) and I'm a bit confused as to what the differences between a router and a switch is. All computers would share the same IP address and I want them to have the fastest and most efficient connection possible. I've seen 32-port switches, would I need one of those, plus a router? or just the switch, or do they make 32-port router/switch combos? please help!! thanks.
30 computers with the same IP address? That probably won't give you "the fastest and most efficient connection possible."
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Al's got a point, with 30 clients sharing one DSL or cable connection the bandwidth will be a little chewed up if say, 20 or more clients are all accessing the internet at the same time. However, it will still be faster access than say, dialup.
To be honest, I don't know if you can get a 32 port highspeed internet router. I haven't played with them at all. I use a 2000 server that's multihomed to do my RRAS/NAT for internet access for my LAN at home and most big companies use something a little more substantial than the highspeed routers you can buy for home use.
You have a couple of options though if you can't find a router that has 32 ports. You can use a setup like mine (dual NIC's in the server, one for the LAN, one for internet with proxy and firewall software running on it) Or, you could use a highspeed router, connect it to a 32 port switch and plug your clients into the switch.
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not to be insulting here so don't take it the wrong way but...you are in way over your head, you should have a consultant come in and quote a price for a network. you should consider a T1 for that many users as well...
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actually, I'm just trying to get internet access for my fraternity house. We're going for something very inexpensive and informal so that's why only one IP. I just want to be able to run a cable to each room in the house without the use of a "server" computer. Is that were the router comes in?
It seems like I would need a router to go from the cable/dsl modem to the 32-port switch.
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It will get expensive depending on what type of Switch or router you buy.
Here is a list of equipment you could use.
Router BEFSR11
Switch EF24G2But like some one said above you'll see a big slow down with 30 users browsing the internet at the same time using just one cable connection.
You might want to look into getting a T1 or fractional T1. If you go that route you will need a better router. Preferably a Cisco router, they are very expensive and are very complicated to configure.
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Not sure if Mike has a problem or Curt. Ok that is besides the problem. It would interest me to know the final result. Please do post your results mike.
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Mike
Your cheapest option would seem to be configure one machine in a internet sharing configuration where one machine has connection to the internet and the LAN connecting your 30 machines together.
To overcome the 30 port switch problem one can daisychain or cascade smaller switches together with crossover cables. 3 twelve port switches cascaded would give 32 available ports.
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I disagree on the switch selection of EF24G2. That model has dual gigabit ports. You dont need two gig ports, it's only going to cost you more. Get the EF2S24. It's non blocking which means the backplane wont bottleneck your connections even if everyone is transmitting at maximum.
If you really want to save money, let me know what you are about to pay for the dsl/cable router, and the switch, and I'll bet I can get you a better price. Just fire off an email to me.
D
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If you really want some sweet action consider going wireless on some or most of the computers and then you don't have to worry about daisychaining switches, nor cabling rooms. I can get you the hook up on that action as well.
Unless you are going to dedicate a computer to act as a internet server, I would be a little leary of going with ICS in a 30 computer enviroment - though it would be cheaper (no denying that). Better to get a standalone dsl/cable router.
D
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