Network advice needed

[Charlain]

At the present time, my office computers are not networked. When we begin using the new A5 database the first of next month, we want to be able to use the database on all three computers. I have purchased the Runtime 3-user license.

Other than installing the Wi-Fi Cable Access Point and 3 Wireless USB receivers on my home computers, I have no networking experience.

Would this type network be ok for running A5, or should I have someone install a wired network? I'd really appreciate any advice and recommendations on the type of network to set up.

FYI: my office computers are: celeron w/Win98 SE, PIII with Win98/SE and a new Dell PIV with XP Home Ed. We use a 900 mhz. wireless phone system in my office, as well, so this might be a consideration in whether or not the wireless network will work for us.

Thanks!

[JerryBrightbill]

RE: Network advice needed

Charlain

A wired network will be faster than any wireless and less prone to problems. Whatever hardware configuration you use, put the database on one computer as the server and network optimize the other computers as terminals. The documentation is fairly good about that. There were also some newsletter articles about networking that might help.

If you set up a home wireless network, you shouldn't have many problems with a hardwired setup, other than running the cabling.

Jerry

[russ Boehle]

RE: Network advice needed

To add to what Jerry said: Check your computers, most newer motherboards have ethernet built in, so you may not need cards. If you buy cards, make sure they are 10-100 ethernet. Use a switch to connect it together, rather than a hub, and make sure the switch is also 10-100. You can either get precut cat 5 cable with the RJ-45 plugs on them, or buy a spool of cat 5 cable ($50-100) and a crimper to put the plugs on your self. This has the advantage in that you get the length you need and save $. There are instructions for doing all this on the internet, do a search.
You will find that while wireless will work, the speed difference using 10-100 ethernet is huge.

Russ

[Raymond Lyons]

RE: Network advice needed

Warning: If your switch and system is to run at 100Mbps rather 10 (and it should in this day and age) be sure to get Cat 5e (e for enhanced) cable instaed of just regular and somewhat cheaper Cat 5. The latter in some cases just can't handle the faster speed (because of who knows what). Also the faster 100Mbps setup is more susceptable to interference from things like aquarium pumps. If you have problems in that regard try switching the workstation to an electrical circuit that isn't running the pump. Sounds strange but I have seen this problem and other than throwing out the fish (or the pump) switching electrical outlets was the only solution. At 10Mbps it was no problem, but 10mips is so slow compared to 100Mbps.

Except for a home situation where there is no other practical choice, I would not mess with wireless. Not only are there security issues but distances and walls and who knows what else can give you one big headache after another.

As for making and running cables yourself, I for one would not bother. For no more than $100 per run you can have a pro run the cables in the ceiling and down the walls and not have to wonder if you are doing right, and they know how to run the cables near florescent lights, in walls, etc. On the other hand, if all the machines are in one room, just buy some premade cables of the appropraite length and run them around on the floor if that seems sanitary enough.

Just my 2 cents.

Ray

[David Mason]

RE: Network advice needed

Hi Charlain,

I have limited experience in wetworking and am sure others may know more. I did wire about 300 Car Dealers in Florida for the same purposes you need and some much more extensively.

My 2 cents: you can use a Hub/Switch/Router and crossover cat5 cable. Computers do best with a 10-100 card either installed or from the factory. They are all easy to installed. With a switch or router, you can add internet usage to all computers easier and more economically than with a hub. Doing your own cable and ends for the first time can be a hard task. I suggest you buy premade. I would not use wireless at all. Maybe in a few years, it will be better.

Good Luck.
Dave

[George Pelkofer]

RE: Network advice needed

If you intend (either now or later) to share high-speed internet access (or even a modem), you may also want to consider a router with a built-in switch, rather than just a switch.

Many of the network hardware companies are producing units that combine routers, switches and print servers in a single unit.

At home, I use a D-Link DI-704P, which combines a 4-port switch, a DSL/Cable router and a print server/port that allows all the networked computers to share a parallel-port printer (not a USB printer).

Currently, you can purchase this unit at provantage.com (I use them alot for computer purchases) for about 53 bucks, plus there's a 15 dollar mail-in rebate if you buy it in June. Also, their pre-built category 5e/6 cable prices are very reasonable.

If you think that your network may grow a bit in the future, there are other similar models available with more switched ports.

I also like the Netgear line of switches/routers. Some of their models add built-in firewall capabilities via stateful packet inspection (SPI). This can provide security above and beyond the protection that the router alone provides.

Good Luck,

George

[Charlain]

RE: Network advice needed

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions.

Charlain