Network Setup

[arvebme]

Hi

I'm new to the speedguide forum and also new to networking, i was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction.

I have been given the task of finding out how to setup a network which contains 10 Computers and a Router and Switch and a Server, the problem i have is that their is so much to choose from i don't have a clue on what to go for.

It has to be able to be upgraded, Contain 2 VLANs and connect to the internet. Any help on this would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Dave

[YeOldeStonecat]

What is it that your network needs for a server? What are your business needs as far as a server goes? What software do you run/share?

Router and switch that supports VLANs is easy...but finding optimal server options...that's the part that requires some looking into...
The operating system itself
Power/capacity of the server
Backup
Antivirus
e-mail
remote access

Microsoft Small Business Server is a great package..one that I do a lot of installs with...

[arvebme]

Hi YeOldeStonecat

Sorry it took so long to get back to you:

After your recomendation on Microsoft Small Business Server and checking it out i have decided to implement that into the network, all of the computers will be running XP Pro and have Norton firewall and Anti virus.

I will also need the following types of software to be installed on the various computers:

stock control program
finance, Accounting
Database

Up to now i have designed the network as follows:

Firewall and then the Router, which will connect to a 16 or 24 port fast Ethernet Switch and then from their connect to a Server???. From the Switch i will run Cat 5 STP to the Various computers arround 10 in total and allow for future upgrades, a shared multifuntion machine and a couple of small office printers.

A Rep will also need to be able to access certain parts of the network while out on the road finding and handling new orders.

I hope this is of help, as i said earlier i am only just starting to learn networking and this is the first assignment i have had to do to try and find out the best way to install a network of this size into a company.

All help is much appreciated as i have no technical ideas on the makes or models of equipment needed.

Cheers

Dai

Edited

I do have a network diagram which has all the details mapped out, but i don't know how to add the image to the post