General Info Question about setting up network...

Question

I'm in the very early stages of starting a small business.  I was looking for any ideas about how to set up our network for the business.  We're most likely going to start out with about 3-5 employees, each with a desktop.  We'd also like to have about 3-5 wireless computers on the network as well (laptops and tablet PCs).  Does anyone out there have any suggestions for how to set things up initially.  Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.  Message Edited by ScottyBee on 04-25-200612:43 PM

MRF4700 · Answer

ScottyBee It would depend on what your preferences are for your network. A wired or wireless network? In my opinion, having that small an office I would probably go with a wireless router( Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, etc.)from a DSL/Broadband cable modem. You could connect up to four desktops by wire to it, and it would also support an additional 40+ peripherals wirelessly.

MRF4700 · Answer

ScottyBee The wireless router can be configured rather easily to be the DHCP server. It will take the IP address from the modem and assign subnet IP addresses to the peripheral components. This would allow you to share files back and forth through the network.

ScottyBee · Answer

Thank you for that insight.  Do you think that there is a need for a server in this instance?  I'd like for the computers in the network to have access to a common set of files.  I'll be the first to admit that I don't know much about networks and servers work.  Should the computer that the cable modem and router are attached to be strictly used for that or could one of the desktops that I'd like to use be that computer?  Am I making sense?  I really appreciate the input so far.

ScottyBee · Answer

Great!  Thank you very much for the information that you've provided.  I really appreciate your time and input.

BBraxton · Answer

Are the shared files going to be static (just read)? If not, how many people will be making changes simultaneously? and what software will be used to make the add/change/delete?

ScottyBee · Answer

Most of the users will be read only, but 2 or 3 will need to have full access to the files to edit them as necessary.  They're going to be ArcView files (a GIS software program).

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

General Info Question about setting up network...

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