Internet cafe networking
im going to network around 12 comps on in an internet cafe, should i go for a client server or peer to peer arrangement. Also is it better to have access through a router or through the server (if i go for client sever). if i use windows 2003 server must i create a domain, for users to have access to the server?
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
May 17, 2005 10:05 PM
UPDATED:
May 24, 2005 12:07 PM
Answer Wiki:
1. Assuming broadband or some other form of "always on" connection.
2. You will have a terminating box from your ISP. Check if it is configured to connect to a single machine or a LAN.
3. Setup a server (Win2K3 or Linux)
4. Connect the ISP's box and configure the server to use accordingly.
5. Setup internet connection sharing / web proxy on the server.
6. Setup DHCP on the server.
7. Setup clients to get their IP and network information from the server.
8. Configure the browser on the clients to access the net through the proxy.
The above info could be more exact if you could give the required details.
Ami
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You may want to check out the below links. Although they do pertain to Wi-Fi hotspot systems, they may be helpful. The system I found was made by Handlink. The system includes billing software along with an account generation printer for generating logins, along with a web based user login screen ( there are pictures of the screens on the 1st web link below ). I’ve found several internet kiosk systems on the net. I’m sure that there is a gateway device designed for your purpose somewhere.. Good luck.
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/networking/wifi-hotspot.php
http://www.instanthotspot.com/
Cyber Cafe software:
http://www.sitekiosk.com/
http://cafesuite.net/
Other wise I would recommend going with the client/server solution which could being costly down the road. You would need to setup a Domain, setup Group Policies so users cannot access certain areas of your computers and/or your network. etc. Gotta run. I’ll do some more research and get back to ya……hope this is helpful.
Jeff
I forgot the linkto the gateway manufacture’s website in my previous reply.
http://www.handlink.com/
jpaul820
Generally I would recommend using a client/server setup for a network of 10 or computers for reasons of administration and security. However it will cost more than a peer-to-peer network. The steps outlined by Ami will get you started. You will also want to read up on locking down the desktop computers so that users are limited in what they can access on the computers themselves. This is easily done through group policies.
Hi
Im using http://cafesuite.net/ myself and if you a broadband connection, this is perfect:
No need for a server (win2k/linux although it’s always nice to have one as a proxy/firewall) you can just give the machine direct access to the internet (through your broadband conx i.e router/gateway) and then lock/unlock it from your desktop if and when a client needs it.
I would recommend setting it up in server/client fashion though as it gives you way more control over the whole thing.
http://cafesuite.net/ also gives you a couple of lock down options to restrict the client computer as much as you like.
If you’re looking for an “open” solution try openkiosk.
later