How to create a Client-Server Set up using a computer as a server

Pipay

Reputable
May 1, 2015
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Hi, We are a small company with 9 computers that needs to create a client server set up type of network. I was able to set up a work network by using the Ethernet cords to run the router to the modem and from the router to all the computers. The network was working but I found out that it was not the network set up we need. We need the Client-Server set up type like modem to computer server to router to switches, and I don't know how to do it. Since we are a small company I prefer to use a computer as the main server but I have no idea where to connect the router to the computer because there is only one internet port in the computer. If there is another way to set this up I'd like to hear it, any help will really be appreciated.
I'm not a computer savvy person, I'm just lucky to follow simple instructions.
Thanks a lot!
Pipay
 

Pooneil

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Apr 15, 2013
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Unless you have a particular reason to do route the internet through your server, the easiest setup is Modem>Router>16 Port Switch>>>>>>Server and Workstations. All computers will be able to talk to the server and each other and access the internet. The modem plugs into the WAN port on the router. It may also have some LAN ports and the server and/or workstations could be plugged into those too.

This setup is how I do my home and office networks and is the simplest and certainly within the ability of non-professionals.

If you want to use your server as a firewall or the like, then add another Ethernet port. One will connect to the router and one to the switch.
 
Client-Server is a very generic term, just means there is a central computer doing something that other computers connect to. It could be file sharing, network access, account authentication, running programs on, many things.

What exactly do you need from this setup?