eliokh Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Hello friends, I am having a network course, part of my undergraduate requirements in computer science... The thing is that a i have an assignment where i should do the following: 'Design a simple ethernet local area network (LAN) for your home. The LAN should contain 3 or 4 workstations, wireless coverage, and access to the internet. Since this network implementation will have to continue to be functional for a minimum of 7-10 years, all design considerations should include a growth factor.' The thing is that i dont know how to connect them... OKay i need to get internet connection, 3-4 workstations... Now if i want to have a server and people on the network will log in to their account from the server, should they also get their internet from the server?? how should the design be :s I really dont know about such things and we didnt take them in the course.. so im supposed to research subject matter, but im overloaded with projects.. any small help would be appreciated .... THanks in advance :-) Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick H. Supervisor Posted January 11, 2011 Supervisor Share Posted January 11, 2011 Internet in to router, router to switch (which is probably overkill for a home network, but it does mention growth). Multiple workstations and/or servers connected to the switch via LAN cables, bearing in mind that the router will be be Wi-Fi for Wi-Fi coverage. That would be my way of doing it. Basically think of your network at home (although I guess I am assuming that you have a home network)... Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580230 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR_Candyman Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I know this is going to sound like me being mean, but I really just mean it because I'm curious: How can you be taking a networking course for your undergrad in computer science, and not know how to connect a wireless router to a modem and workstations? Also, it doesn't mention a server anywhere there, so why would you complicate matters by putting one in? Intrinsica's suggestion of a switch is a good one. I would also add to use Cat6 cable for further future proofing. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580250 Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliokh Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 12:09, Intrinsica said: Internet in to router, router to switch (which is probably overkill for a home network, but it does mention growth). Multiple workstations and/or servers connected to the switch via LAN cables, bearing in mind that the router will be be Wi-Fi for Wi-Fi coverage. That would be my way of doing it. Basically think of your network at home (although I guess I am assuming that you have a home network)... Thank you ! :-) Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580252 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick H. Supervisor Posted January 11, 2011 Supervisor Share Posted January 11, 2011 No problem. But a question I have for you is, "do you understand why you need each piece in that position?" There's little point in writing that down as the answer if you can't back it up should the professor ask you about it. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580254 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Chronopoulos Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 ^ what he said. That said, we're not going to do your homework for you. Part of school is researching, not asking for the answers online. Designing a LAN is one of the most basic concepts of networking, so you can't be too far into the course. You should still already be somewhat familiar with it regardless. You're on a LAN right now, so you should have some idea of how it works. If you don't, go exploring and figure it out. It's not that hard. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580256 Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliokh Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 12:18, Intrinsica said: No problem. But a question I have for you is, "do you understand why you need each piece in that position?" There's little point in writing that down as the answer if you can't back it up should the professor ask you about it. Yeah i think im fine with the parts.. i justed wanted the order of connection... thanks :-) On 11/01/2011 at 12:19, Mr. Chronopoulos said: ^ what he said. That said, we're not going to do your homework for you. Part of school is researching, not asking for the answers online. Designing a LAN is one of the most basic concepts of networking, so you can't be too far into the course. You should still already be somewhat familiar with it regardless. You're on a LAN right now, so you should have some idea of how it works. If you don't, go exploring and figure it out. It's not that hard. Hi... i didnt ask from u to do the HW... im just lost with the order of how should i connect them.. and he helped. :=) anw we took the network course from application->trasnport->network->link... So we focused more on the algos and protocols... that's it :-) thanks anyway Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580270 Share on other sites More sharing options...
thejohnnyq Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Actually lets get the terms and design correct, (if you want a good grade) Internet Router (CABLE/DSL) connection into Firewall/WAP device (NetGEAR 3700/3800 dual band wireless and SPI firewall). Workstations connect into the Firewall/WAP on the inside port, and this configuration allows public wireless (Public wireless that can not interact with wired LAN). Simple and easy, and will be low cost and works. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580280 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeoo_andy_ni Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Internet into router. One with Wireless N capapbilities. Router into switch, say something with 12+ interfaces (for growth) Clients into switch. All cabling should be CAT6 and come back to a central patch panel (situated under the stairs or in a basement etc). Patch panel should have the same number of ports as the switch. So if the switch has 24 ports, so should the patch panel. Cabling the rooms - how many rooms have you got to cable? 3 bedroom house with 2 receptions, kitchen as an example. Main workstation location (2nd reception) could have 4 to 6 ports, 2 ports in each bedroom, 4 ports in the living room and 4 ports in the kitchen. Total of 18 to 20 (depending on how many you provide at the main workstation), leaving 4 to 6 for growth. With Wireless devices, you can have up to 250ish connected to router/access point wirelessly (this may have been changed as I've not looked at wireless device specs in a long time). As all that seemed to be asked was for a simple network designed and implementation, would you really want to start talking about servers and other devices. Maybe a simple NAS (single or dual drive) for shared file and folder access. Also consider the size of the home. Wireless can only go so far depending on the size of the place and the material it's made from. Consider a wireless access point at the opposite end of the house to provide more coverage if necessary. I can only speak from experience, this is how I've done it. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580288 Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliokh Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 12:17, MR_Candyman said: I know this is going to sound like me being mean, but I really just mean it because I'm curious: How can you be taking a networking course for your undergrad in computer science, and not know how to connect a wireless router to a modem and workstations? Also, it doesn't mention a server anywhere there, so why would you complicate matters by putting one in? Intrinsica's suggestion of a switch is a good one. I would also add to use Cat6 cable for further future proofing. we focused more on protocols and algorithms in the known layers (app, transport...) now we're moving into the other part thanks Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580290 Share on other sites More sharing options...
majortom1981 Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 12:17, MR_Candyman said: I know this is going to sound like me being mean, but I really just mean it because I'm curious: How can you be taking a networking course for your undergrad in computer science, and not know how to connect a wireless router to a modem and workstations? Also, it doesn't mention a server anywhere there, so why would you complicate matters by putting one in? Intrinsica's suggestion of a switch is a good one. I would also add to use Cat6 cable for further future proofing. This response Is very mean. It does not just sound mena. That is why he is taking this course. To learn these things. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580318 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan~ Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I'd have the following setup + Wireless Router N (most routers have 4 network ports, I believe the router being N, there capable of gigabit?) + Gigabit Switch - 10port? + Cat5e/Cat6 lan cable + Gigabit ethernet pci if internal isn't gigabit, but if its laptops tough This should now get you sorted! Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580320 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR_Candyman Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 12:41, majortom1981 said: This response Is very mean. It does not just sound mena. That is why he is taking this course. To learn these things. As I clearly stated, I knew it would sound mean but it really wasn't. I was curious. His response above answered my question. If I was going to be mean to anybody in this thread I found my candidate in you though. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580360 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggz Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Whilst a server isn't necessary for this type of implementation, as yeoo_andy_ni said, using a NAS is a MUST considering the pre-requisite for growth. Growth means more workstations/users which means more data, which means more risk, which means you need to properly mitigate that risk. Using a NAS to backup your data from the relevant workstations connected to the LAN is essential in today's home networking. I think leaving that area of the implementation out would seriously hurt any grade. One more thing that, whilst isn't directly related to your particular course, but shows a good understanding of the importance placed on LANs in the home is EoP adapters. Ethernet Over Power has become a mainstay in many homes to avoid the sort of cabling that is mentioned in this thread. I'm certainly not saying using it instead of any Cat6 cabling, but I would throw an adapter or 2 in there to show technological knowledge depth and implementation options. Other than that, Yeoo-andy_ni's seems perfectly acceptable. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580376 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeoo_andy_ni Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 13:04, MR_Candyman said: If I was going to be mean to anybody in this thread I found my candidate in you though. Can't help but lol Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580380 Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLateNite Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Here is my home network. All cabling is CAT6. It has just about anything you could use on a home network (or home office). I always find that seeing something is better than having it described to you. Hope this helps you some. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580478 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggz Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 13:48, IndyLateNite said: Here is my home network. All cabling is CAT6. It has just about anything you could use on a home network (or home office). I always find that seeing something is better than having it described to you. Hope this helps you some. Indy, I think that will be of great help to him. If you added a bit of rhetoric around why you have two routers (presumably for expansion) etc, and where the data is backed (again presumably to the Home Server) up to I think that would be the icing on top of an already glorious cake :) Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580506 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherITguy Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I think we lost track here, it is a home network we speak of So CABLE MODEM > WIFI ROUTER > 10 PORT SWITCH > As a previous poster said Use CAT6 for futureproofing machine wise you didn't specify how many so i'll go with an averaged sized family 1 Windows Home Server 2003 with 2tb of storage 4 Windows 7 Computers, 3 wired, 1 wireless * As a crude wifi network intrusion detection id use NETWORK MAGIC as it tells you any unwanted party joining the network To stream media id setup an Apple tv or xbox 360 Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580564 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggz Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 14:12, AnotherITguy said: I think we lost track here, it is a home network we speak of So CABLE MODEM > WIFI ROUTER > 10 PORT SWITCH > As a previous poster said Use CAT6 for futureproofing machine wise you didn't specify how many so i'll go with an averaged sized family 1 Windows Home Server 2003 with 2tb of storage 4 Windows 7 Computers, 3 wired, 1 wireless * As a crude wifi network intrusion detection id use NETWORK MAGIC as it tells you any unwanted party joining the network To stream media id setup an Apple tv or xbox 360 I don't believe we did lose track. I thought the majority of the suggestions were centred around the quality of the network and not the quantity of the workstations, albeit providing for growth from a few workstations to many. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580600 Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyLateNite Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 13:57, Wiggz said: Indy, I think that will be of great help to him. If you added a bit of rhetoric around why you have two routers (presumably for expansion) etc, and where the data is backed (again presumably to the Home Server) up to I think that would be the icing on top of an already glorious cake :) The two routers are due to us having Vonage for our phone service. Vonage requires that their router go in between your cable/dsl modem and your network router. It actually ads another layer of security against outside intrustion to your network. You're right about the homeserver providing backup service for all of the workstations on the network. We also have a Drobo box on the network that provides Raid5 file replication for all of our important media files. The Drobo is a type of NAS. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580626 Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliokh Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 On 11/01/2011 at 13:04, MR_Candyman said: As I clearly stated, I knew it would sound mean but it really wasn't. I was curious. His response above answered my question. If I was going to be mean to anybody in this thread I found my candidate in you though. No worries man... it's okay :-) neowinians should not fight :p lol Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593580674 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishfish0001 Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 Or you could go nuts and get CAT7/CAT7a Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/967436-lan-design-for-home/#findComment-593581120 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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