[K12OSN] Networking Guy needed for home networking question

[Gentgeen]

On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 08:04:26 -0500
Bob Cataldo <rcataldo at mfvexpo.com> wrote:

> Gentgeen wrote:
> 
> >Dear List,
> >
> >I know this is "School" list, but I am hoping some of you with formal
> >network training/understanding can help me out some.
> >
> >I have LTSP set up on my home network, with "linuxbox" being used as
> >my main box and as the LTSP server.  I have an IPCop box that is my
> >DHCP server and my firewall.  I have a 4 port router (with wireless) 
> >which is being used as a switch and WAP (i.e. not using the WAN
> >port/router features) and an 8 port switch.  Everything is running at
> >100 Mbps.
> >
> >Two of my computers, "emachine" and "aptiva" are win98/LTSP clients -
> >depending on what the kids want to do/play.  a third computer "boss"
> >is a dedicated LTSP client. (Real clever with my host names;-)  Below
> >is a wiring diagram, showing the general layout and IP address (all
> >are in the 192.168.0.* range).  The layout is mostly dependent on the
> >wiring and location of the computer in the house. (i.e. the switch
> >services the house, the router services just 1 room).
> >
> >There does not appear to be any problems between the clients and the
> >server, but my question is -- is the a networking no-no?  Should I
> >have the clients all on the same switch?  Would I get better
> >performance if they were?  Making the physical changes would involve
> >a lot just to "test" my questions -- so I thought I would throw it
> >out there before I started drilling any holes, or rearranging desks
> >:-)  Thanks in advance for any input.
> >
> >Internet -- Modem -- IPCop Box
> >                         |
> >	              192.168.0.*
> >                         |
> >                      Switch 
> >                         |
> >			 |___ boss (.0.4)
> >                         |
> >                         |___ Router ~~~ Wireless Connections
> >                                |
> >          emachine__(.0.1)______|
> >                                |
> >          aptiva____(.0.2)______|
> >                                |
> >          linuxbox__(.0.3)______|
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Kevin Squire
> >Math Teacher, PAVCS
> >
> >  
> >
> Kevin,
> 
> It really depends on traffic generated on the network on how/where the
> switch and router should be. In most setups, the router goes between
> the  network and the "world" as it provides some filtering and
> provides some  services - ie: vpn, remote control/access, dhcp, etc...
> 
> Are you using the router as a router or just another switch with a 
> wireless access point? You probably do not do anything with the router
> other than provide connectivity so it is functioning as a switch with
> a  wireless access point.

Correct, just as a switch with a WAP.

> There is nothing wrong with you setup. If you have a switch as opposed
> to a "hub" you get some traffic filtering. Another variable is where
> the  traffic from the 3 pc's go. How much is to Boss and how much is
> to the  internet. 

This is one of the things I was wondering.  'boss' is a dedicated LTSP
client (no other OS on it.  Now once it is booted up, and someone is
using a web browser - does the web traffic travel to the LTSP server
then to the client, or just to the client?  I know there is a lot of
traffic between the client and the server, but just how much/when is my
question I guess.

> If it is like most home ( and small office ) setups,
> the  majority of the traffic is to the internet. The bottleneck or
> slow point  of the network is the speed of the line from the ISP not
> the internal  setup. The only limitation is the number of routers or
> switches is a  setup ( hops ). Five is considered max ( switch to
> switch to switch to  switch... ). So as long as you don't plan on
> adding too many more  computers and switches in you home, you should
> be fine ( or just run a  cable from all you switches/hubs back to the
> main switch ).

I never knew that limit (5 hops) - thanks.
 
> The only think I consider wrong ( just my opinion ) is your internal
> IP  addresses. I never leave any router with it's default IP address.
> I  always change the address to something ie: last 2 digits on year 
> married, birthday, etc - ex: 192.168.70.x or 192.168.86.x.

I saw a discussion like that either on this list or on the IPCop list,
made me start to wonder.  I think I might change the addresses, but I
have to do some thinking first.  Since the .0.3 is used for so much in
my network (Samba-, print-, file-, email-, LTSP- server) not sure how
much of a pain it would be in comparison to what it would save.
 
> Hope this helps a little.

yes, thanks a million.
 
> Bob Cataldo
> MFV EXPOSITIONS
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> K12OSN mailing list
> K12OSN at redhat.com
> https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/k12osn
> For more info see <http://www.k12os.org>
> 




-- 
*****************************************************************
 Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem    
 your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone then in bad 
 company.        - George Washington, Rules of Civility