[saeidj]

Hi everybody,

What is the best topology for setting up a network for a small business. 60 computers all together which are divided to 20 per room plus a server.
So what is the best possible way for setting up a network?
I'm thinking of hybrid star or just star.
Can you also please tell me what hardware/software do I need? I think it's just router, switches, Ethernet cable isn't it.

Thank you

 

[Wizmo]

The simplest way to set this up would be to connect the server to a router and then install a switch for each room (24 ports or more - provide room for expansion) and connecting each switch to the router. The only other consideration would be using STATIC or DYNAMIC (DHCP) IP addresses. This would depend upon the software requirements of the various workstations. Some software requires static IP's and others are fine with dynamic IP's and workstation network names.


If you are planning to use VOIP telephony, the network complexity will increase, as you will likely require programmable switches (to provide QOS for the telephony). Connection of the workstations through the internal pass through switches on the IP phones will simplify the implementation considerably.

I recently set up a system for a grocery store with 96 workstations and 35 IP phones (14 credit card and POS terminals) with this type of configuration. So far it is working, but it can get much more complex if you require multiple internet connections and/or more robust redundancy for telephony or data throughput.

See:
http://www.hh.se/download/18.2515361d1351369447180007197

Any other questions??

 

[Wizmo]

One additional caveat is the selection of your CAT-6 or CAT-6A cabling. Please see:

Your Cat6 cabling not behaving as you would expect? Turns out that is not a Fluke | PC Perspective

You should make sure that the cabling you install is CERTIFIED by the manufacturer to meet the standards as labeled. It should include a test report of a testing device certifying compliance.

An associate who does extensive installation work has a Fluke tester and has recently rejected several batches of CAT-6A cabling that failed to meet even CAT-5E specs!

:grin:

 

[saeidj]

Thanks for the reply.

So you are saying star topology is the best and simplest for this. It's a Uni project and it's up to me what software or OS to be used on the workstations. I don't know how to set the IP dynamically cause at the moment the only thing I can do is to set every computer statically.

 

[Wizmo]

Thanks for the reply.

So you are saying star topology is the best and simplest for this. It's a Uni project and it's up to me what software or OS to be used on the workstations. I don't know how to set the IP dynamically cause at the moment the only thing I can do is to set every computer statically.

If the server is a domain controller, it should also serve as your DHCP server to allocate IP addresses if desired. All you do is set up that role on the server and specify the "scope" of the service - IP range to be assigned. The server can assure that group policies are established and enforced. You can set up file shares on the server and set up a backup schedule for workstations. Be sure you have enough drive space to allocate to each user! :grin:

Be sure that you have enough Client Access Licenses (CAL) for every user, and every device that is server connected (printers, scanners, etc). Of course I'm assuming you are going to use a MS server.

 

[Techie19]

Very important that I didn't see here as a hardware device is UPS. This is crucial in order to keep equipment up and online in case of power outages and for power diversity. Router, switches, and server should all be connected to UPS.

Also, Star topology would be the best option in this scenario. Easiest to troubleshoot but can get a little pricey because of the extra cabling cost. Will these devices be installed in some kind of rack or small cabinet? You're also going to need patch panels, and cable managers. Will fiber cabling be used to interconnect the switches between each room? You can go with one MDF where your smartjack and router will be located. And then two IDFs, one for each of the two remaining rooms housing an access layer switch.

Just my two cents.