This is my first post here. I have read quite a few of the posts, but I'm still not sure if this is the proper place to pose this question.
I need to expand my home business ASAP. Right now, it's being run on a single PC with no file sharing setup (XP Pro). This was fine -- until the need to expand and share files, email, data, etc.
I have a small home office, a new nearby warehouse and a 2nd home for family / worker nearby. I need to connect this all together, and upgrade what equipment I have to make it happen.
Computer needs:
File server to run Access intensive application (or buy the Enterprise version which requires Microsoft SQL). I'm told by the vendor of this application that gigabit speed on LAN will be needed, so all hardware requirements must keep this in mind. I am WAY overdue to do this.
Two - Four workstations: one located in home office, two in warehouse, one in second home (optional).
Here is my proposed physical layout -
From within the home office (best physical security for the equipment):
Server
Router
Switch? Someone told me to get a hub, but that's half-duplex, and I think what I really need here is a switch.
1 Workstation
Wireless capability for everyone else (family on laptops) to the Internet.
I will very often work out of this location myself since I like "pajama employment".
From the warehouse (about 100 ft from home office):
Two workstations physically connected to the server with gigabit speed.
(optional) - 2nd Home 700 ft away:
Workstation connected to server
Internet for family
I'm looking for equipment recommendations, cabling requirements, etc., on everything from the file server to the router / switch, cabling that I'll need.
Not concerned about costs to be honest -- just want to do this right the first time. I can bury any cabling I need as part of the workstation / server connections.
I'm not that hardware literate, unfortunately. My existing router has 4 ports, all used (we have 5 or 6 laptops in use now) and is simply used for Internet access. I'm ready to buy everything I need / upgrade to achieve the file sharing / network / software / hardware needs I've identified.
The only thing I "know" for certain is what software I'm getting! I've picked out that application, but this will require a major upgrade on everything else to make it all work for 2 - 4 workstations, and this is where I need some advice on equipment I should buy.
I'd prefer "simple is better" approach. I'll never expand beyond the above needs / size (I'd sell the company first), and would like this to be easy to manage so I can concentrate on the business itself.
I need to expand my home business ASAP. Right now, it's being run on a single PC with no file sharing setup (XP Pro). This was fine -- until the need to expand and share files, email, data, etc.
I have a small home office, a new nearby warehouse and a 2nd home for family / worker nearby. I need to connect this all together, and upgrade what equipment I have to make it happen.
Computer needs:
File server to run Access intensive application (or buy the Enterprise version which requires Microsoft SQL). I'm told by the vendor of this application that gigabit speed on LAN will be needed, so all hardware requirements must keep this in mind. I am WAY overdue to do this.
Two - Four workstations: one located in home office, two in warehouse, one in second home (optional).
Here is my proposed physical layout -
From within the home office (best physical security for the equipment):
Server
Router
Switch? Someone told me to get a hub, but that's half-duplex, and I think what I really need here is a switch.
1 Workstation
Wireless capability for everyone else (family on laptops) to the Internet.
I will very often work out of this location myself since I like "pajama employment".
From the warehouse (about 100 ft from home office):
Two workstations physically connected to the server with gigabit speed.
(optional) - 2nd Home 700 ft away:
Workstation connected to server
Internet for family
I'm looking for equipment recommendations, cabling requirements, etc., on everything from the file server to the router / switch, cabling that I'll need.
Not concerned about costs to be honest -- just want to do this right the first time. I can bury any cabling I need as part of the workstation / server connections.
I'm not that hardware literate, unfortunately. My existing router has 4 ports, all used (we have 5 or 6 laptops in use now) and is simply used for Internet access. I'm ready to buy everything I need / upgrade to achieve the file sharing / network / software / hardware needs I've identified.
The only thing I "know" for certain is what software I'm getting! I've picked out that application, but this will require a major upgrade on everything else to make it all work for 2 - 4 workstations, and this is where I need some advice on equipment I should buy.
I'd prefer "simple is better" approach. I'll never expand beyond the above needs / size (I'd sell the company first), and would like this to be easy to manage so I can concentrate on the business itself.
