Switch Selection for Small Film Production WorkGroup
I've been tasked with the revamp of our novice network. We currently have 8 workstations (3 Mac, 5 PC), a slew of FW drives, and a networked multi-function printer/copier.
We are adding a MS SBServer which will act as our business and interactive media storage in addition to running exchange, ftp, and low volume web content.
My first challenge is trying to figure out which swtich will work for our work group. The editing stations share/access large media files across the network and will be adding storage (ide raid array, not sure if these are stand alone or connected to workstation).
Most of the workstations have giganet cards in them.
First Question:
Which switch will be suitable for our needs? Managed or Unmanaged? Brand? We are on a budget!
I am assuming this will be built out with the SBS Server sitting off the switch and the group plugged into it. Our current connectivity is 800Kbps cable modem which has been fine for our needs.
Second Question:
How do I structure the network? I realize that is a loaded question but I have to start somewhere. TIA
We are adding a MS SBServer which will act as our business and interactive media storage in addition to running exchange, ftp, and low volume web content.
My first challenge is trying to figure out which swtich will work for our work group. The editing stations share/access large media files across the network and will be adding storage (ide raid array, not sure if these are stand alone or connected to workstation).
Most of the workstations have giganet cards in them.
First Question:
Which switch will be suitable for our needs? Managed or Unmanaged? Brand? We are on a budget!
I am assuming this will be built out with the SBS Server sitting off the switch and the group plugged into it. Our current connectivity is 800Kbps cable modem which has been fine for our needs.
Second Question:
How do I structure the network? I realize that is a loaded question but I have to start somewhere. TIA
SOLUTION
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I am not clear on how your Internet connection works. Does the modem connect via a router or directly into a PC?
You need to consider purchasing a firewall, to protect your information from the rest of the world.
You need to consider purchasing a firewall, to protect your information from the rest of the world.
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ASKER
Thanks for the replies.
scampgb, I'm in Canada with access to American pick up as well.
I guess the real question is how much bandwidth do I need? 32, 48, or 72 Gbps
Our connection to the internet is a cable modem (dynamic IP). The colo webserver will have mail forwarded to the exchange server.
So I'm assuming cable modem gets connected to firewall which connects to switch. Other systems including SBD is connected to the switch. FW would forward ports accordingly. Each machine would have an IP like 192.168.0.*** and the same subnet.
Is there a better IP range to use for the internal network?
scampgb, I'm in Canada with access to American pick up as well.
I guess the real question is how much bandwidth do I need? 32, 48, or 72 Gbps
Our connection to the internet is a cable modem (dynamic IP). The colo webserver will have mail forwarded to the exchange server.
So I'm assuming cable modem gets connected to firewall which connects to switch. Other systems including SBD is connected to the switch. FW would forward ports accordingly. Each machine would have an IP like 192.168.0.*** and the same subnet.
Is there a better IP range to use for the internal network?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Well, summer vacation is come and gone and this project is now on the front burner. Thanks for the replies.
Wondering if anyone has opinion on the 3 Switch options or another to offer:
LinkSys SR2016: $299.83
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=42&prid=568
NetGear JGS516: 308.00
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/JGS516.php
3COM 2816: $425.00
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3C16478
What solution should I look at for the firewall? Beater Box with nix based firewall or are the firewall appliances a more efficient solution?
Wondering if anyone has opinion on the 3 Switch options or another to offer:
LinkSys SR2016: $299.83
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=42&prid=568
NetGear JGS516: 308.00
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/JGS516.php
3COM 2816: $425.00
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3C16478
What solution should I look at for the firewall? Beater Box with nix based firewall or are the firewall appliances a more efficient solution?
Van_G,
Glad I could help ;-)
I've not had any direct experience of the switches you suggested - but for a small environment I'd say that they're pretty similar.
Unless you want to do anything complex on the firewall front, I'd suggest a fairly straighforward appliance. I've personally been happy with the Linksys WRT54G.
This box has the benefit of being Linux based, and you can replace the whole OS if you like :-)
Glad I could help ;-)
I've not had any direct experience of the switches you suggested - but for a small environment I'd say that they're pretty similar.
Unless you want to do anything complex on the firewall front, I'd suggest a fairly straighforward appliance. I've personally been happy with the Linksys WRT54G.
This box has the benefit of being Linux based, and you can replace the whole OS if you like :-)
ASKER
scampgb,
that product you mentioned is a wireless expander. any chance you made a typo?
the only thing advance I would be considering is VPN.
that product you mentioned is a wireless expander. any chance you made a typo?
the only thing advance I would be considering is VPN.
Van_G,
It's always possible I made a typo, but I didn' t this time ;-)
This is a router that has basic firewalling capabilities. It also happens to be a wireless access point.
Take a look at http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=508&scid=35
It's always possible I made a typo, but I didn' t this time ;-)
This is a router that has basic firewalling capabilities. It also happens to be a wireless access point.
Take a look at http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=508&scid=35
Simple question, complicated answer.
Given that you'll be transferring large files across the network, I'd say you need to be looking at a Gigabit switch.
In your environment, I wouldn't see the point in spending a lot of money on a managed switch. It'll tell you lots of things about your network, and give you a great deal of control - but I don't think you really need it.
You didn't say which country you're in, so I can't look at comparitive pricing for you.
One thing I will say, is that you generally get what you pay for - and switches are no exception to this. You need to consider the total switching capacity (backplane speed) as this will help you understand what contention you'll get.
If I was pressed for a snap decision, I'd say look at the Linksys range of switches
As for the arrangement of everything - just plug the server, printer and workstations into the switch.