I need help with a project. For my networking class we have to set up a network for a small office with 14 employees. I'm starting off with 11 desktops, 3 laptops, and 4 printers. I know I need a router,and as of now I have a 1x 8 hub but I was thinking of switching to a Switch. That's as far as my knowledge on networking goes so my question is what else would I need to build a working network? Any tips or advice will be welcomed thanks.
Tez
Are there going to be any servers? If so, what kind (ie: Linux, Unix, Windows) and if Windows, will you be creating a domain? Will you require internet connectivity?
What the heck is a "1x 8 hum"?
You will most definitely need a switch. One with enough ports to accommodate the number of clients (PC's, laptops, printers and servers) as well as some extra's for expansion.
You said, "I know I need a route". Why do you think that? A route from where to where? Since you have so few clients, there's no reason not to keep them all in a single subnet (unless you have some unmentioned specific requirement for more than one subnet) which means you won't need, or have, any 'routes'.
A basic network setup including internet connectivity is best achieved using a SOHO (small office/home office) router. You will still need a switch (plugged into a LAN port of the router) and your basic setup should look as follows:
Internet >> SOHO Router >> Switch >> Clients/Servers/Printers
Thanks for the quick responds Curt, and excuse me for the typos. Yes there will be a server, and I'm using Windows. When I said 1x8 hum what I was trying to say was 1x8 Hub, and the network will also have the Internet that's why I thought I would need a router* not a route. So you would go with a switch instead of a hub?
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