Networking Problem

[Today&Tomorrow]

I have been trying to learn networking for possible use in my Team room & when we deploy forward. My goal is to have (2) separate networks. One for unclass & one for class. Each network will have approx. 2-3 toughbook computers running windows 2000. My goal is to get the computers networked together with a external hard drive & to a printer. The hard drive will basically be a share-drive where all information & work can be centrally located.

I have been goggling "how to build a network", however I having a difficult time figuring out which network idea would be the best for my situation. My question is , does anyone have recommendations on how to network all of these components together? If so, what hardware do you recommend? What size/type of cables? Should I use a hub or a switch? Is there a kit out there that provides everything you need to network? If so, is there a recommended version/brand?

Thank you in advance for all your help.

[Dan]

Use a NAS (Network Attached Storage) for each network for the data storage; caveat talk to your S6/J6 before buying/setting up the classified one.

For ease of use and availability go get some Cat-5 cable from your S6/J6; tell them how long you want the lengths and the number of cables required and have them crimp them up for you. If they ask have them crimp them for full duplex.

Get a 100Mb hub; a switch will work for your situation also, but to save money use a hub instead of a switch.

Setup a shared printer on a main computer that will normally always be on; you could use a printer with a built in NIC, but it's not needed as you likely already have a printer you can use.

You need to also think about a backup solution for the NAS's.

You can do all this quite cheap.

[SF_BHT]

On your unclass do you wish to have internet on it?

[Today&Tomorrow]

SF BHT- I am planning on having internet access on the unclass network

Dan- what do you recommend for a back-up for the NAS?

Originally Posted by SF_BHT

On your unclass do you wish to have internet on it?

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Today&Tomorrow

SF BHT- I am planning on having internet access on the unclass network

Dan- what do you recommend for a back-up for the NAS?

Since you want to have Internet connected to the LAN, you need to secure it. Talk with your S6/J6.

For your backup solution you have many options. Use one of your computer HDDs that is large enough, an external HDD, etc.

[SF_BHT]

Get your self a router ( WGR614L), then put a NETGEAR FVS318, PROSAFE™ VPN FIREWALL 8 W/8 PORT 10/100 SWITCH.

Your Router will facilitate the INTERNET connection and your Netgear FVS318 will provide interface for all your laptops, desktops, firewall, VPN configuration, etc. You can hang your data drive on it also. Network printers (Ink jets) are also cheap now and it would be good to get one also.. You can Make a kit by getting a Med Pelican, set up all your items in it (Cables, router, Switch, printer, power-strip, etc) and it only takes a few minutes when you configure the kit.

just my 2 cents

[Today&Tomorrow]

Dan & SF BHT; thank you for all your help on this. I am going in today to place some orders for gear for a upcoming mission and that was one of the major issues I have been trying to get resolved. Instead of everyone having all their personal work/references on their thumbdrives now we can centralize it. Thank you for all the help. One last question for both of you, do you happen to have a simplified diagram, or know a good website to go to for one, on networking? Also what do I have to do on the individual computers so they can see/share each others folders along with the printer & harddrive?

[SF_BHT]

1st get Network for Dummies..... Yes they are good books with a lot of basic down to earth explanations. I have a series of them with my other Tech Speak books.

2nd I would recommend the following "Fantom MDN1000 G-Force MegaDisk Network Attached Storage - 1TB" it is priced just right $360.00 at tiger direct....

3rd You will have to set up the router. It does not matter if you have INTERNET but you will need to set up the closed network. You can use a 192.168.1.XXX numbering scheme.

You will need to setup all laptops with an IP, setup the printer with a IP and the storage device with an IP. For security you can use MAC addresses when you configure your switch and router. This will limit anyone not in your listing from accessing your equipment. The firewall will then have to be setup.
You can share your printer if it is not network capable.
Attached is a basic Network layout.

Hope this helps.....

network basic.pdf

[Today&Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by SF_BHT

Attached is a basic Network layout.

Hope this helps.....

Attachment 9222

That does help alot... thank you for all the information. I am going to do my best to learn as much as I can about networking... with all the gear and technology today you have to.

[Aoresteen]

Originally Posted by Today&Tomorrow

My goal is to get the computers networked together with a external hard drive & to a printer. The hard drive will basically be a share-drive where all information & work can be centrally located.

.

I might be miss-reading this but you can not share a hard drive across CLASS & UNCLASS networks. I assume that you will have a shared drive on EACH network.

The easyest way to do this is to partition one of the computer hard drive and share the partition out.

You really need to get your IMO involved in this as what you can do vs what the Army lets you do are two seperate things.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Aoresteen

You really need to get your IMO involved in this as what you can do vs what the Army lets you do are two seperate things.

He's a Marine...and like I said he needs to get the S6/J6 involved in this.

[SF_BHT]

Aoresteen
I agree with Dan's posting. You need to make sure what you are allowed to do on deployments with your high and low side ADP.

All I gave you is where to look and a little guidance but you have to make sure you are not violating any protocalls.....