Home networking

Zardon · Aug 30, 2003, 09:21 PM

Well I decided to hook myself up a home network and ive had a hell of a lot of fun setting this up and learning as I go..... after much tweaking and playing with hardware this is currently the setup I have.

My main rig: Athlon barton 3000+overclocked to 2400mhz, OCZ Ram DDR 3500 2 x 512, Abit NFS7, radeon 9800, DVD burner, CD rewriter, DVD player (all Liteon) dual monitor setup, illyama 22 inch and hansol 19 inch secondary. Thermalright Xaser III top end aluminium case with side window mod. 80 WD JB SE bootup + 2 x 120 gig WD SE in raid 0 hardware. Sparkle 400w PSU. WIndows XP pro.

Kid bros rig: (alot of parts courtesy of kakarot): Athlon 2400+ overclocked to 2600, DDR3000 ram 2x256, Soltek Nforce2 mobo, Sony CD rewriter, Phillips DVD player, Radeon 9600 pro, 450 watt PSU, 17 inch hansol screen. 40 gig Maxtor HD. Lian Li PC60 case heavily modded, lighting (my old one). Windows XP pro

Downstairs PC: Athlon 2000XP (stock), 256 DDR 2700, KT400 mobo, 52 liteon rewriter, onboard graphics, 40 gig maxtor HD, 19 inch hansol monitor. standard beige case. Windows XP Pro

Server Duron 1300, 512 meg DDR 2700, KT400 mobo, onboard graphics, 60 gig Maxtor HD. 15 inch sony multiscan, Windows 2000 Server. Chieftech green (alienware lookalike) case.

Im on a 1mbit line with Ntl with a netgear router/firewall, handling all four pcs, with main server always on offering private FTP, and network monitoring logging (so I know exactly whats going on).

The main rig, my own I have installed a fantastic piece of software called remote administrator which lets you log onto any of the other machines via viewer/server software and its totally secure.

this is how it works

this is a display of me logging onto my server from the main rig without leaving the main rig, you will see on the server (in the window) ive also an amazing little program which i bought last week called systracker, this monitors the network, logging everything thats going on, giving readouts for usage, url access, most used programs and also giving a live readout of every computer on the network, and what exactly is going on.

I like being able to control the server from the main rig without going to the server (which I can if needed), as I can even shut down, restart, access the internet, do updates, in fact everything I could do if I was actually sitting at it, just in a window.

Im really happy with this network, and its performing rock solid, with transfer rates between computers of almost 10 meg a second, great for online gaming and the netgear router./firewall has passed every security check on the net. (had to flash the firmware for some issues on ICQ).

I also have set up FTP on the server with the router forwarding port 21 to bulletproof server. All network shared is handled by the server and windows 2000 server, with access to certain folders.

WildChild · Aug 30, 2003, 09:25 PM

All I'll say is wow from what ya told me thats outstanding

GMan[CSR] · Aug 30, 2003, 09:31 PM

It's not fair! Everything about Zardons setup is beautiful!!!

Mac Daddy · Aug 30, 2003, 09:43 PM

Upon your advise I will be picking up a router .. not only for home network ...
But security as well

krazy1 · Aug 30, 2003, 09:58 PM

Nice Zardon!!

That Remote Administrator is some nice software. Just downloaded it after I read your post. I have been looking for an inexpensive prog like that. At work we use Intel LANDesk which is very similar to remote Administrator. Only prob is I don't have $20,000 to get it for my home network...lol THis remote administrator looks to be a good fill in for me. Thanks for the info.....

As for networks, Just set my network up today so that all my servers are on their own network segment. That way all the traffic for the servers does not interfer so much with the traffic for my workstations. Ahhh networks are fun and are an endless learning tool to.....

Dyre Straits · Aug 30, 2003, 10:20 PM

I've been networking now for a few years at home. The best thing I ever did was invest in a router!

Before this, I used something called "LanBridge". It came bundled with one of the HUB packages I got originally. It was software only. Then, with 98SE, I used the ICS that comes with that. It was 'ok' for the most part but could become unstable at times.

We moved into another house a while back and we're wiring the house in such a way that friends can bring along their 'puters for some nice LAN games. The recreation room will have LAN plugs along two walls for this purpose.

We already have about three additional HUBs in place for it.

I'm getting eager for the day we can say, "Let the games begin!"

krazy1 · Aug 30, 2003, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dyre Straits
I've been networking now for a few years at home. The best thing I ever did was invest in a router!

Before this, I used something called "LanBridge". It came bundled with one of the HUB packages I got originally. It was software only. Then, with 98SE, I used the ICS that comes with that. It was 'ok' for the most part but could become unstable at times.

We moved into another house a while back and we're wiring the house in such a way that friends can bring along their 'puters for some nice LAN games. The recreation room will have LAN plugs along two walls for this purpose. We already have about three additional HUBs in place for it.

I'm getting eager for the day we can say, "Let the games begin!"

Yep I hold LAN games here at my home everyother weekend. THere is about 8 of us that get together. I have room in the house for 12 but my network at this time will hold 50 players.....Need a bigger house and more friends..lol

Zardon · Aug 30, 2003, 10:44 PM

Lan games are awesome ! when I get the time !

glad to hear someone got a hold of remote administrator, I find its very responsive over a good network and is great for lazy people like me, as you can do updates on all 4 machines, reboot them, and install software, configure them all in the one place.

I also recommend you guys check out www.systracker.com its a fantastic app. I also know the creator, talented coder. !

**Roadee** · Aug 30, 2003, 10:48 PM

really nice system set up Z. You make me jealous

But I am working on it......I will be looking into some of the software that you are using for that set up.......thanks for sharing

peroni · Aug 30, 2003, 11:49 PM

Nice setup Allan!!

I used myself Remote Admin before but now I prefer to use Terminal Services (remote deskktop).
I find it as fast plus is already part of XP.

Using a D-link router here with 2 desktop pc's and 2 laptops + wireless cards

krazy1 · Aug 31, 2003, 12:13 AM

ok here is my network:

1 Custom P3 933Mhz (E-mail Server, File Server)
1 Compaq Celeron 500Mhz (DHCP server, Norton Anti-Virus server)
1 HP Netserver LH Pro 6x200 Dual Pentium Pro 200Mhz (Web Server)
1 Dell Celeron 400Mhz (ASL Firewall)
1 Custom AMD XP 2100 (Game Server)
1 IBM A31 P4 1.6Ghz (Laptop)
1 Gateway 450XL 1.6Ghz (Laptop)
1 Custom AMD XP 2500 (Gaming System)
1 APC 500 Back-UPS Pro
1 Linksys BEFSR41 4 Port Router
1 Linksys EFAH16W 16 Port Switch
1 Linksys EFAH08W 8 Port Switch
1 Linksys WAP11
1 SMC 6308TX 8 Port Switch

Zardon · Aug 31, 2003, 12:19 AM

nice setup man !

Necrosis · Aug 31, 2003, 12:21 AM

Zardon,

Why did you choose Server 2000 or 2003?

Zardon · Aug 31, 2003, 12:26 AM

I prefer 2000...........

Necrosis · Aug 31, 2003, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zardon
I prefer 2000...........

Well I guess it does make sense..you just doing a basic server, and 2K has a smaller shell so it would run better on the Duron.

Just wondered..btw that Systracker program is very nice, and easy to setup. NO M$ 20 engineers to change a light bulb crap!

krazy1 · Aug 31, 2003, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zardon
nice setup man !

Thanks... it has been fun building it over the last 4 years.....

and with server software I am with you on Server 2k..... 2k3 is way too much server for a small network. 2k3 is locked down pretty tight and it is too much for a small network.... still a nice prog but 2k is still good itself.....

Zardon · Aug 31, 2003, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by krazy1
Thanks... it has been fun building it over the last 4 years..... and with server software I am with you on Server 2k..... 2k3 is way too much server for a small network. 2k3 is locked down pretty tight and it is too much for a small network.... still a nice prog but 2k is still good itself.....

my thoughts exactly !

Aug 30, 2003, 09:21 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Home networking Well I decided to hook myself up a home network and ive had a hell of a lot of fun setting this up and learning as I go..... after much tweaking and playing with hardware this is currently the setup I have. My main rig: Athlon barton 3000+overclocked to 2400mhz, OCZ Ram DDR 3500 2 x 512, Abit NFS7, radeon 9800, DVD burner, CD rewriter, DVD player (all Liteon) dual monitor setup, illyama 22 inch and hansol 19 inch secondary. Thermalright Xaser III top end aluminium case with side window mod. 80 WD JB SE bootup + 2 x 120 gig WD SE in raid 0 hardware. Sparkle 400w PSU. WIndows XP pro. Kid bros rig: (alot of parts courtesy of kakarot): Athlon 2400+ overclocked to 2600, DDR3000 ram 2x256, Soltek Nforce2 mobo, Sony CD rewriter, Phillips DVD player, Radeon 9600 pro, 450 watt PSU, 17 inch hansol screen. 40 gig Maxtor HD. Lian Li PC60 case heavily modded, lighting (my old one). Windows XP pro Downstairs PC: Athlon 2000XP (stock), 256 DDR 2700, KT400 mobo, 52 liteon rewriter, onboard graphics, 40 gig maxtor HD, 19 inch hansol monitor. standard beige case. Windows XP Pro Server Duron 1300, 512 meg DDR 2700, KT400 mobo, onboard graphics, 60 gig Maxtor HD. 15 inch sony multiscan, Windows 2000 Server. Chieftech green (alienware lookalike) case. Im on a 1mbit line with Ntl with a netgear router/firewall, handling all four pcs, with main server always on offering private FTP, and network monitoring logging (so I know exactly whats going on). The main rig, my own I have installed a fantastic piece of software called remote administrator which lets you log onto any of the other machines via viewer/server software and its totally secure. this is how it works this is a display of me logging onto my server from the main rig without leaving the main rig, you will see on the server (in the window) ive also an amazing little program which i bought last week called systracker, this monitors the network, logging everything thats going on, giving readouts for usage, url access, most used programs and also giving a live readout of every computer on the network, and what exactly is going on. I like being able to control the server from the main rig without going to the server (which I can if needed), as I can even shut down, restart, access the internet, do updates, in fact everything I could do if I was actually sitting at it, just in a window. Im really happy with this network, and its performing rock solid, with transfer rates between computers of almost 10 meg a second, great for online gaming and the netgear router./firewall has passed every security check on the net. (had to flash the firmware for some issues on ICQ). I also have set up FTP on the server with the router forwarding port 21 to bulletproof server. All network shared is handled by the server and windows 2000 server, with access to certain folders.

Aug 30, 2003, 09:25 PM	#2
WildChild I'm Still Watching Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Jersey,U.S.A. Posts: 1,068 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	All I'll say is wow from what ya told me thats outstanding __________________ Knowledge is SCARY,Stupidity is REALLY frightening

Aug 30, 2003, 09:31 PM	#3
GMan[CSR] DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: South Berwick, Maine Posts: 152 Rep Power: 0	It's not fair! Everything about Zardons setup is beautiful!!! __________________

Aug 30, 2003, 09:43 PM	#4
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 79 System Specs	Nice Setup Zardon .... Upon your advise I will be picking up a router .. not only for home network ... But security as well __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Aug 30, 2003, 09:58 PM	#5
krazy1 Live from the Dungeon Join Date: May 2003 Location: Between the SubWoofers Posts: 1,395 Rep Power: 0	Nice Zardon!! That Remote Administrator is some nice software. Just downloaded it after I read your post. I have been looking for an inexpensive prog like that. At work we use Intel LANDesk which is very similar to remote Administrator. Only prob is I don't have $20,000 to get it for my home network...lol THis remote administrator looks to be a good fill in for me. Thanks for the info..... As for networks, Just set my network up today so that all my servers are on their own network segment. That way all the traffic for the servers does not interfer so much with the traffic for my workstations. Ahhh networks are fun and are an endless learning tool to..... __________________

Aug 30, 2003, 10:44 PM	Thread Starter #8
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Lan games are awesome ! when I get the time ! glad to hear someone got a hold of remote administrator, I find its very responsive over a good network and is great for lazy people like me, as you can do updates on all 4 machines, reboot them, and install software, configure them all in the one place. I also recommend you guys check out www.systracker.com its a fantastic app. I also know the creator, talented coder. !

Aug 30, 2003, 10:48 PM	#9
Roadee Never forgotten Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rest In peace, Joe. Posts: 2,198 Rep Power: 69	really nice system set up Z. You make me jealous But I am working on it......I will be looking into some of the software that you are using for that set up.......thanks for sharing __________________ We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things get worse.

Aug 30, 2003, 11:49 PM	#10
peroni DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 591 Rep Power: 0	Nice setup Allan!! I used myself Remote Admin before but now I prefer to use Terminal Services (remote deskktop). I find it as fast plus is already part of XP. Using a D-link router here with 2 desktop pc's and 2 laptops + wireless cards __________________ Gaming Rig 3DMark2k1 PCMark2k2 The Server 3Dmark2k1 PCMark2k2 Notebook 3Dmark2k1 PCMark2k2

Aug 31, 2003, 12:13 AM	#11
krazy1 Live from the Dungeon Join Date: May 2003 Location: Between the SubWoofers Posts: 1,395 Rep Power: 0	ok here is my network: 1 Custom P3 933Mhz (E-mail Server, File Server) 1 Compaq Celeron 500Mhz (DHCP server, Norton Anti-Virus server) 1 HP Netserver LH Pro 6x200 Dual Pentium Pro 200Mhz (Web Server) 1 Dell Celeron 400Mhz (ASL Firewall) 1 Custom AMD XP 2100 (Game Server) 1 IBM A31 P4 1.6Ghz (Laptop) 1 Gateway 450XL 1.6Ghz (Laptop) 1 Custom AMD XP 2500 (Gaming System) 1 APC 500 Back-UPS Pro 1 Linksys BEFSR41 4 Port Router 1 Linksys EFAH16W 16 Port Switch 1 Linksys EFAH08W 8 Port Switch 1 Linksys WAP11 1 SMC 6308TX 8 Port Switch __________________

Aug 31, 2003, 12:19 AM	Thread Starter #12
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	nice setup man !

Aug 31, 2003, 12:21 AM	#13
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Zardon, Why did you choose Server 2000 or 2003?

Aug 31, 2003, 12:26 AM	Thread Starter #14
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	I prefer 2000...........