50 Computers, best way to Network?

[Daroncs]

Lets say I have 20 PC with ISA Ethernet cards, 20 brand new PCI Ethernet PC's and 10 PC's with token ring technology, and a network printer. What would be the best way to hook up all these computers together in terms of routers, patch cables, servers, and hubs?

[skhips]

Do you have these or is this a homework question ?

[Daroncs]

It is actually for homework. I just want some help on it, thats all. Like the best web sites and companies to go to look for these certain products. Also a good website that shows how I would exactly configure these computers together would also help. Since this is a homework question, that means I could theoritically spend a large amount of money on the products so I woudl go for the best there is.

Thanks

[skhips]

People dont generally like to do homework for people as you may not be learning, post yuor own thoughts though and areas where you are stuck or getting the wrong idea people will help you.

Give a man a fish and he'll feed himself a day,
Teach a man to fish and he'll feed himself for life.

Hope to see your ideas soon and there are plenty of people that will enjoy helping you.

:)

[Daroncs]

I agree with you on that. I just need some basic help on how to hook up the computers I picked to the router, server, hubs and backbone line. I was thinking about getting a Cisco 805 Series Serial Router(http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps380/products_data_sheet09186a00800e16c2.html) but don't know how many? Also I waas going to get a 3Com® SuperStack® II Dual Speed Hub 500 12-Port(http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3C16610-US) but again I am confused on how many. Do I need 3 rounters for each type of computer configuration(the ISA, Token and Ethernet) or what? Also do you know of any good websites that talk about how to configure everything together from routers, servers, hubs and computers. I know what each of these does but my biggest problem right now is how I woudl ezxactly connect all of that together. My book isn;'t the most helpful on this. Get what I am saying.

Anyway, thanks again

Daron

[skhips]

Its hard to know how much knowledge you have, you seem to be going to deep i.e look at the design of the network before identfying the exact parts.

1. Do you have geopraphy of the machines to consider e.g Is it all oin one building.

2. I presume you are going to do a Client / Server network as opposed to peer to peer.

3. So unless you have geography issues and asssuming you have to implement both ethernet and token ring you proberly want to deal with the two seperate halfs seperately and thenidentify a piece of equipment e.g Bridge to link the two and change the protocols from ethernet to token ring.

4. Ethernet first, doesnt matter about pci or isa in the plan as long as the CPU can have them installed, what topology are you planning on using e.g bus, star, ring etc and what cable media e.g coaxial (Thin or Thick), fibre, or twisted pair (UTP/STP). Which you choose starts effecting things like max length, network equipment decisions.

I have my own thoughts but you need to look at your options and post your plans and people will share their knowledge and experience and guide you along.

[Daroncs]

1. Everything should be built in a 60 foot by 60 foot room
2. client/server is correct
3. ok, thanks, I wil look into that
4. I guess the idea of a daisy chain sounde3d the most interesting to me due to the fact that if I ever went beyond 50 computers I could expand easily. Think this is a good idea? Also I have to use CAT 5 with the ability to upgrade to CAT 7. Thus this means I woudl use 100BaseTX ethernet standard.

Do you know of any websites also that coudl help out with this?

Daron

[chewychewy]

#1. Your network is 50 computers in a 60X60 room?

[bassman]

Look here (http://practicallynetworked.com/) for a little more info on network developement.
This site appears to be gearing itself more towards wireless but with a little research here, you should find what you want.

If cost is not an issue, you should upgrade the token ring machines to ethernet. Archaic technology.
With 50 machines you will have to have servers. I would recommend 3. You need to decide what all functions this network will handle and what your different servers will do.
Internet, file storage, apps, printers,...

[Bogart101]

have you tried a simple LAN before? say 10 PC ethernet CAT 5 a single hub and a file server? if so, you can easily set up these 50 PC. use a star topology with a max of 4 switches, so buying a hub or a swith with extra port (say a 24-port) will help.
network traffic will be a different subject.
hang around for more options.