Theoretical setup of a home network

Narph · Jul 22, 2014

Hello all,

I'm wondering about the basic set up of a fairly advanced system. Not specifically what I would need to do this or even if it is possible with current technology.

Would it be possible to set up a computing network of visual and controlling interfaces that all access the same computer?

I'm sure that is unclear.
Example: imagine you want a computer in the office, kitchen, bedroom, living room, home theater room, kids rooms, etc.

Obviously, that is possible. However, would it be possible to, rather than having full computers in each location, simply have all of these locations use the same computer and in each location, simply have the displays/ input modules. But not an actual processing unit.

USAFRet · Jul 22, 2014

Thin clients are possible, but will probably be 'more' expensive than individual units. And certainly far more hassle.

Thin clients aren't necessarily that cheap, and you'd need a pretty beefy server box to run all those at the same time.
And then you have all the cabling.

unksol · Jul 22, 2014

of course. this is just a basic server/terminal setup like was used 30 years ago. or thin clients. is it a good idea in a home environment? not really

boosted1g · Jul 22, 2014

You can use video and usb extension cables over cat5/cat6 in order to not need any machines. You would have to run several drops of network cable to each place you want to see the computer, and then you would have the problem of multiple people being able to control the mouse and keyboard at the same time.

The most cost effictive solution if you are just needing basic internet use is to get some half decent android tablets

Narph · Jul 22, 2014

USAFRet :

unksol :

Thank you for your replies. The idea is that it could have all applications and data all in one place.
Such as: Expensive applications (Adobe CS6, Auto CAD, ect.), games, movies, music, photos, etc.
But rather than having a cheep computer here and there and a powerful one in the office, they would all access a powerful computer. So the users could do weird, and I admit somewhat useless, things like: run powerful applications (Auto CAD, video editing, sound editing, whatever) in the kitchen, watch the same movie in multiple rooms, watch multiple movies from the same display or in multiple rooms, play any game on any screen in the house, and loads of other things.

Thin clients weren't exactly what I had in mind. But it does tell me that I'm not the only one with the idea. Now, what about expanding this network out, away from the home. For example to an office, guest house, shop, and second home?

Is there a possibility to use cloud based computing for something like this? (So the power would be able to increase and decrease based on demand?)

USAFRet · Jul 22, 2014

Thank you for your replies. The idea is that it could have all applications and data all in one place.
Such as: Expensive applications (Adobe CS6, Auto CAD, ect.), games, movies, music, photos, etc.
But rather than having a cheep computer here and there and a powerful one in the office, they would all access a powerful computer. So the users could do weird, and I admit somewhat useless, things like: run powerful applications (Auto CAD, video editing, sound editing, whatever) in the kitchen, watch the same movie in multiple rooms, watch multiple movies from the same display or in multiple rooms, play any game on any screen in the house, and loads of other things.

That is the standard definition of thin clients, connected back to a large server. Large = probably more than you want to spend.
Not just run one or more videos in one or more locations, but actual simulated PC's running at the same time in different locations.

You will run into several issues:
- A server large enough to allow multiple users to run multiple applications at the same time. RAM, hard drives, CPU...
- Server licensing. In addition to the physical server, you then have the Client Access Licenses(CALS). I believe Server 2012 Essentials can handle 25 CALS, and 50 devices.
- Application licensing. For most applications, you'll need a new license for each user. For instance, you and Daughter #1 both using Photoshop at the same time....2 licenses. No $$ saved.
- Single point of failure. When that server is offline, everyone is offline.

Can it be done? Sure. But do you want to manage a network, or enjoy your home and family?

And moving this out to other locations? Obviously that can be done, businesses do that all the time. Think VPN. But again...this is neither cheap nor easy.

Narph · Jul 22, 2014

Thank you. I was thinking of some sort of way to do this that would instead work by live streaming a view of a desktop to a specific screen or set of screens. But still allow the user at that location to control the interface. But after thinking about it more/ looking into it/ reading your answers I realize that isn't really possible and I would likely be better off simply setting up a home server.

I'm glad you were able to help. Have a good day.

kwombat · Jul 27, 2014

What about a remote desktop software solution? Desktop sharing could allow what you are trying to do, but be mindful of security.

USAFRet · Jul 27, 2014

kwombat :

And?
Sure, you can have each client remote in to a user account on a big server. But each client needs to also be its own PC. So you're not saving anything. And each user would still need (depending on the application) their own license.

And RDC is not really useful for a LOT of typical applications.
Games? No.

I use RDC when I need to manage the home server/movie box. But trying to play a game through RDC? Not a chance.

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