Tom's Hardware > Forum > General Networking > Network General Discussions > Network with file server (can I do this??)
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slazzy2k   04-17-2004 at 08:13:24 PM

Hi All,

I will soon be setting up a home network for the 5 people in my house to share. I also want to set up a file server that everyone can access to deposit movies/music/etc. The network will be an ethernet network with 100Mb/s connections at all locations. I plan to use a switch to provide the connectivity.
My question is this: Can I have the file server *inline* between the modem and switch? I realize that I could easily connect it to the switch as an extra computer, but I would really like to avoid buying an 8-port switch as opposed to a 5-port one. I talked to a guy at a local computer shop and he told me that if I did it, I'd have to use ICS, that I would lose 30% of my bandwidth and that the server (a PIII 733 with 768MB RAM) would never handle it. I want a second opinion.
He also said that if I used Linux insead of WinXP for the server that I could get away with it. If so, what are some good places to find out how to do this? All other machines will run WinXP.

Any thoughts?

Alec

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jihiggs   04-17-2004 at 09:37:54 PM
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your a bit confused i think. if you have 5 computers, your not going to be able to get them all online at the same time. one of the switch ports has to go to the modem. that leaves 4 ports. not to mention the fact that you will need 5 ip addresses from your isp. i dont know of many that give them for free. then you will have to put a firewall on each computer, this makes sharing files very difficult. your best bet is to buy a router, if you can find one with 8 ports your gold. if not just get the router and a hub if your strapped for cash. but between the 5 of you it shouldnt be that hard to invest at the begining.

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sparky853   04-17-2004 at 11:59:45 PM
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Definatly go with the router. An 8 port Linksys will run you about $80 US, and you will be able to do all you want with it.

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upec   04-22-2004 at 03:29:29 PM
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I agree. Router is the easiest way to go. It also provide some protection for all the computer on the network

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