Home Network Configuration
Cabling, DHCP, DNS, Hardware, Hubs, Networking, Networking services, NIC, Routers, Servers, Switches
I need help with configuring my home network setup.
I'm not sure if this is the right way to do this but please advise.
Cable Modem -> VPN/Firewall Hardware -> 8 port switch
8 port switch -> 2000 Server, PC1, PC2, PC3, and Wireless AP
PC1, PC2, and PC3 will join the 2000 Server Domain.
Is this the rigt way to configure this. Will all pc's be able to access the internet?
Should I use DHCP or Static?
Any advice appreciated.
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
August 28, 2005 7:57 PM
UPDATED:
August 30, 2005 10:23 PM
Answer Wiki:
As long as everything is set up correctly that will work. DHCP from the router will work but it's easier to just set it manually so that you can point the DNS at the 2000 server if you will use it for that and the gateway at the router.
To see all answers submitted to the Answer Wiki: View Answer History.
Make sure your AP is locked down before you connect it to the rest of your network. As I was configuring my AP for MAC filtering, there were two unknown addresses trying to access my network. My war driving friends say they can get into an AP at up to two miles away with an external antenae. Maybe put another leg on the firewall and attach it there for a little more security.
First two replies certainly have merit and should be considered/followed…
My question is this: if you have your devices (PC1/2/3 and your Win2K server) attached to the 8 port switch directly leaving 4 available ports, why are you attaching a WAP? Unless I misunderstand your setup and it’s more like Cable Modem =>Firewall => Switch => WAP => devices, a security “policy” much like that of “least privilige” should apply: why take the risk of adding a (potentially compromised/compromising) WAP to your set up if all devices are hardwaired anyway?
Just something to consider…
I forgot to mention that two laptop will be using the AP.
Thanks everyone for our help in this.
Hello,
As stated you look fine for the setup, I have found that in the setup of the Wireless AP, if it has a switch integrated into it, it may also have a DHCP service, if so then turn that off and let your VNP/Firewall handle that function.
I don’t like using WEP unless you have something serious that needs to be concealed (Overhead), and use as suggested the MAC filtering for the Wireless devices in your home so only they have access. If a hacker wants to go to the trouble to spoof your MAC then they would also have the ability to crack WEP.
To answer your question “Will they all get internet?” is yes for all units, make sure your ISP doesn’t register MAC address, which could cause a problem on the first time connection, you should know as soon as you plug in your first PC and try to get to the internet.
Regards,
BK
Depending on how well read you wish to be. I would configure the DNS on the server for forward only to the Internet cable modem’s DNS’s. I would set up DHCP for all of the PC. The PC’s can be configured to work only with the local 200 server DNS. Once you have established the server as the DNS and the DHCP serice for the local PC thne disable the DHCP on the router. Connect the PC to the server’s domain you’ve established. The PC should be configured to directly access the internet and the response time is typically excellant. I would hold off configuring the AP until you have all PC’s configured. Make sure you read up well on all of the security features available for this AP and if possible reduce the power level down to the work area you wish to operate in.