Hi all, I have a question regarding putting a file sharing server on tow networks. I currently have a server 2003 file server / proxy server on a CAT5 network servicing four PC's, including a domain controller @ home. I then want to setup a Media Centre PC with can access the file server via CAT6, on a separate switch to the CAT5 network. This would mean putting two NIC's (1X CAT6 and the existing CAT5) in the server. I would do this so that the streaming of HD video to the media centre won't slow up the file sharing for the Cat5 network. Would this work? Tim

I think you are saying one nic goes to your fileshare network and one nic goes to just the media pc. This does not mean you connect the media pc to the file sharing network and then from the switch to the second nic. That would not seperate the network traffic. I think you are focused on the network bandwidth and forgot both are coming from the same server. Any streaming from the server to the media pc will effect the file share network since its coming from the same system. This means the disk, cpu and system memory are all being used for the file share and streaming media. Give a person a fish, they eat for a day. Suggest they internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

Cat6 and Cat5 make no difference either. We have both of those as well as fiber optic in our network at work. You don't segment networks by cabling types. If you're using the same IP addressing scheme (ie: all PC's are in the same subnet) then they're all on the same "network". Networks are segmented by subnets.

What do you then suggest if: a) I want the media file server accessible to the media centre but not slow traffic on the rest of the network b) The computers to be able to access the recorded content on the file server. Tim

you connect via crossover cable from one nic in the server to the media pc. You connect the other nic to the switch via crossover or uplink port on the switch [unless your switch supports mdi/mdix]. that seperates your networks. you still have the issue of server utilization. Are you ready for where Microsoft wants you to go today?