Peer-to-Peer or Server?

[LiVeRwUrSt]

I'm running simple peer to peer on 6 XP machines with DSL modem, Befsr11 Linksys Router and a 16-port Netgear switch. Purpose: soft/file/print/net sharing. Everything is on static IP's and generally the LAN doesn't bitch.

Now, we also run this soft which uses 1 of the machines as a "designated server" hehe - keeps a database etc. on it. When all 6 stations are using it sometimes 1 or 2 machines encounter some kind of bottle neck and are choking trying to access the server.

Is it true that this kind of setup can only service up to 5 machines? Somebody told me that and I'm not so sure....If yes, would you recommend setting up a full fledged server? If so what hardware/OS would you recommend?
Thnx:p

[Docsta]

i just love servers buddy...so myself..hmm i would reccomend a server. Im just a server buff, just love storing a lot of stuff thats easy to get too...plus its great with transferring and sharing data..which of course a server is all about. So if i were you..id just build myself a full fledged server and have a blast :)

[twwabw]

Your actual limit for concurrent connections is 10. So, this shouldn't (theoretically) be a bottleneck. But, if you're running a database app, it may be requiring a lot of processor overhead for things like indexing, especially if it's multiuser access, and someone is also using the PC for other tasks.

I would make a guess, without knowing what app it is, that 2000 server may do a better job handling this database.

If you don't have plans to grow beyond the 5 or 6 users you have now, you could easily add the 2000 server as a standalone server, and continue with the peer-to-peer workgroup model you use now. The server will accomplish what you need in terms of getting the app off the workstation, and can still perform things like file and print services, and a single point for data backup. You do not need to set it up as a domain at this point.

For this application, I would also not even consider new- you don't need it. Go buy a good used server off of E-Bay for a few hundred bucks. It will suit your needs perfectly for a fraction of the cost of new. Decent Compaqs, Dells, and HP's sell there all the time for under $1000. I just bought another Proliant 800 PIII 550 Xeon for my office for less than 350 bucks! Raid; 3- 9.1 scsi; 2 nics; redundant PS, the works.

Here's a link to a BuyItNow 800, w/dual 500's, (4) 9.1 scsi; 2DH raid controller; 512MB ram for $ 550.00 ! Maybe I'll buy it :D
Proliant 800 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2058105187&rd=1)

[YeOldeStonecat]

/// Nods head with TWWABW///

Things to consider....

*Desktop OS's are designed for up to 10 concurrent connections...in the real world...they start to get whacky well below that 10 threshold...depending on what they're doing. Server OS's go up from there.

*Depending on the engine of the database, can really need some dedicated resources...RAM and CPU. Or is it simply access driven....running from a mapped drive or UNC path...in that case, the "server" is simply a hard drive, you can get a NAS unit for it.

*Hardware...a server will have faster drives..SCSI...which handle concurrent hits MUCH better. You'll want at least RAID1, or ideally RAID5. Server will have a better NIC....again, higher end NICs deal with concurrent traffic much better. Server should have backup....for good disaster recovery. Higher end components on a server also (if you get a good one, backed by warranty.....less chance of failure). I love Compaq Proliant servers.

Get a good anti-virus software for your network, including on the server. I'm a big fan of Symantec's Corporate Edition.

Also, consult with the software support for this application. Always build your network around what it runs...some software wants to be setup certain ways, running under certain protocols..backed up in a certain way, often by certain backup software with specific options.

[LiVeRwUrSt]

Thanks everybody - I'm already looking at server. What CPU's do you recommend it has?

[YeOldeStonecat]

Well, any Tier-1 server you buy these days will be powerful enough....it's not like you can buy old PII's, you can hardly find even the latest PIII servers these days, except some of the last ones leftover on fire sales.

Key to the CPU is.....to find out what this "designated software" on your network uses. Meaning, is it indeed something as simple as an access driven database...where all you need is hard drive space to map clients to? (no honking CPU needed, not even much RAM needed) Or is it a database driven software package running on SQL, Pervasive, Oracle, etc etc. (where you want a honking CPU..even dual CPU, and TONS of RAM)

[LiVeRwUrSt]

Thanks for your follow-ups...

The main soft we run is called Amicus (www.amicus.ca) it's a law practice supporting soft that lets attorneys/assistants manage contacts/files/calendars/time....etc. It's very sensitive to the LAN stability and eveytime it looses connection to the server it goes "off line" and it's a nightmare to bring it back on-line because it wants to sync to see what it missed while off-line (this somewhat cool feature was designed for laptops - take your office on the road.....but it just pisses the hell out of me)

1 machine acts as a server and off of a database feeds clients over the LAN. I don't know exactly what is it particularily demanding in regards to, but when I watch the server the network bandwith usage jumps up to 25%, CPU to 20% (although clients' CPU my runinto 100% sometimes) and the HDD is just working and working and working. Some clients take minutes to connect (system not responding in task manager).

Anyway, I think that it's time for a server and I'd hate to waste money on something that won't work much better or will be way over our needs.....

Thanks again

[YeOldeStonecat]

Only had a minute to look at their website....couldn't find a section on network specs. Haven't worked with this software before, although I have with PCLaw, Needles, Ch7&13 Bankruptcy, and some others.

I'd give their support a call, as them what the ideal setup is for an office of your size....how many users, etc. Also on the ideal network configuration....such as Protocols...PCLaw hates any protocol other than TCP/IP on the network, their support insists that it will freak out if it see's NetBEUI or IPX...give lots of errors.