A journey to the world of server-based

[Bloodfire]

Need a little help. I want to create the experience of setting up my own server-based network. The purpose of the network will be to control my users, print, and weekly automatic back-ups. I may possibly add email server functionality in the future.

• I have 3 computers to be connected, a net-gear router, and I have a copy Windows Server 2008 to use for an NOS.
• 1 computer is a laptop and will connect wirelessly and I plan on buying a wireless printer to have all computers use.
• Current encryption I use on the router is WPA2.
• 2 computers run Win7 pro(one 32-bit another is 64-bit) 1 runs Win XP pro SP3
• I have Symantic Endpoint and F-Secure available to use for anti-virus

Now my plan for the layout would go something like this:
MODEM>ROUTER>SWITCH>
Server, 2 wired and a wireless access point to connect printer and Laptop will be connected to the switch.

I will probably use IPSec and sharing permissions for security, nothing fancy.

Now here is my questions to the community.

• What hardware would you recommend for those tasks I mentioned above?
• Is a switch really necessary?
• For obvious reasons I will get a UPS, but what brand is reliable and can you recommend one that can send an automatic shutdown signal in the event of a power outage?
• Is there any other advice I can use that you think might make my experience fun and cost effective?

[chiyio]

don't really have time to go into it right now, but I'll answer the switch question fast. You'll only need a switch if your router doesn't have enough ports built into it to handle everything you want to connect to it. Most usually have 4+, so you should be ok. Just make sure it's 10/100/1000 and not 10/100.

as for UPS, I've only ever used APC stuff, so couldn't really recommend anything besides that.

[Bloodfire]

well, the good news is that the router is a wired/wireless combo so I don't need a AP. Bad news is that it is only 10/100...

already looking at this router here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-326-_-Product

I wonder though, is win server going to give me any compatibility issues with your run-of-the-mill routers?

[Isiolia]

I wonder though, is win server going to give me any compatibility issues with your run-of-the-mill routers?

Shouldn't. Generally speaking, you won't usually use them for the same things. If you are, then your router is redundant. For a lot of services, it's effectively just another PC on your network, albeit differently purposed.

The purpose of the network will be to control my users, print, and weekly automatic back-ups.

What hardware would you recommend for those tasks I mentioned above?

From what you're planning to do...whatever the minimum requirements for the copy of Server 2008 you have are (Foundation requires a 64-bit CPU if I recall, others can work on older hardware). Frankly, what you're planning to do sounds more in line with what Windows Home Server offers - though personally, I'm using Server 2008 R2 at home 'cause I can get it free (legally) too.
What do you mean by "control your users"? Are you planning to run a domain for 3 PCs?

For a new router, I'd buy something that's compatible with DD-WRT, as that will generally spank the hell out of stock firmware for consumer level routers.

1 computer is a laptop and will connect wirelessly and I plan on buying a wireless printer to have all computers use.

Or just plug whatever printer you have now into the server, and share it. Or consider a printer with an ethernet port to just plug in that way. Unless positioning -really- requires it, wireless is just going to limit your options, and add cost.

[sruon]

Most UPS will have an USB (or serial port) cable for communication, never tried with a Windows Server but I'm almost sure it can handle that very easily.

[Killgannon]

also for a router may i suggest this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-031-_-Product instead? its faster/better/and supports dd-wrt out of the box...

you dont necessarily need a domain with just 3 users, i mean it could be advantageous to lock down some non power users computers, but if you're the only one using them and know what you're doing, its just going to be more annoying to you when you start working on a GP and lock down your other computers and have to login as an admin

[Yabby]

I don't get the point of using a server to manage users at home. Unless your just wanting to learn how server 08 works. If it is for practice why not just use VMware and create a virtual network to practice with.

[Bockage]

I'd recommend using Virtual Machines for setting up a test domain. If you're comfortable with Virtual Machines you can just set up a few of those on their own Virtual Network and not have to worry about buying any new hardware. It'll act as it's own network separate from your own. That way you can learn about client/server setup and not have to worry about it screwing your home network. Also with virtual machines you can take snap shots just in case you blow everything up.

[Blabj]

The WZR is great but with DD-WRT it's actually slightly gimped for wifi performance. If you're only using it as a gigabit router/switch with some occasional wifi use then great, otherwise get the WHR-HP-G54 and a decent switch and use the router strictly as a wifi broadcaster.

[Bloodfire]

The VM idea sets with me, only because of the point of, if I fuck up the network, it is only a virtual network and I can reset stuff easier. Plus, I already have VMware workstation anyway, so it will be cheaper, which is what I want.

Thanks for your input everyone, please keep the ideas coming if you have any that might seem relevant.

[Yabby]

If you want to practice with routers/CCNA shit here is a good program to play with.

http://www.packettracer.info/packet-...downloads.html

[Bloodfire]

also for a router may i suggest this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-031-_-Product instead? its faster/better/and supports dd-wrt out of the box...

you dont necessarily need a domain with just 3 users, i mean it could be advantageous to lock down some non power users computers, but if you're the only one using them and know what you're doing, its just going to be more annoying to you when you start working on a GP and lock down your other computers and have to login as an admin

This router looks promising, but will it support xbox and ps3 on it? I only ask cause I've had routers tell me "fuck you" when it came to consoles.