So I know little to nothing about home servers and networks. For the past years I've been using a Lynksis WRT54G for my needs...it's been ok but nothing special. I've been reading around but am just getting confused between; switch, hub, router, etc...and most guides are for small little networks.
Now that I have a number of comps in the house on different floors with different functions and we're getting ready to upgrade our home I want to sort out a good home network before we make the move so I can set it up properly during the building phase of the home instead of after. Wire everything in behind the walls etc...
Here are the specifics:
Computers (currently):
- HTPC
- My gaming rig
- folding rig
- wife's comp
- garage comp
- laptop
- additional 10 systems or so during annual LAN party.
What I want:
- all on one network
- network all in one printer/scanner/fax etc... that is available and on 24/7
- wireless access
- plenty of ports for gaming and additional expansion at new home (24 ports ideally)
- 24/7 storage I have a couple of TB HDDs to set up accessible 24/7 from any comp in the house.
Currently I have everything running through my primary comp so if the comp is off then no printer or storage etc...
Questions:
1) do i need a server? The LANs are getting bigger every year and was thinking that might be a good idea....what other advantages would a home server be for daily use? Could I turn my 24/7 folding rig into a server? Two birds with one stone? What would I be sacrificing?
2) What kind of hardware do I need to set up such a network? switch? etc...
Thanks, appreciate the help/guidance.
Now that I have a number of comps in the house on different floors with different functions and we're getting ready to upgrade our home I want to sort out a good home network before we make the move so I can set it up properly during the building phase of the home instead of after. Wire everything in behind the walls etc...
Here are the specifics:
Computers (currently):
- HTPC
- My gaming rig
- folding rig
- wife's comp
- garage comp
- laptop
- additional 10 systems or so during annual LAN party.
What I want:
- all on one network
- network all in one printer/scanner/fax etc... that is available and on 24/7
- wireless access
- plenty of ports for gaming and additional expansion at new home (24 ports ideally)
- 24/7 storage I have a couple of TB HDDs to set up accessible 24/7 from any comp in the house.
Currently I have everything running through my primary comp so if the comp is off then no printer or storage etc...
Questions:
1) do i need a server? The LANs are getting bigger every year and was thinking that might be a good idea....what other advantages would a home server be for daily use? Could I turn my 24/7 folding rig into a server? Two birds with one stone? What would I be sacrificing?
2) What kind of hardware do I need to set up such a network? switch? etc...
Thanks, appreciate the help/guidance.