The switched network. I need help!

[peter_k]

Hi guys
I need some help with networking in a new location for our business.
In total about 12 PCs, 6 phones, 3 server and a printer will be connected in the beginning.

I've drawn up the worst case scenario, where but the far easiest way to do it while not going for WIFI.

See I know this is a bad way but I can't figure out another way to do it. Unless I put in One big switch and lay out multiple very long Ethernet cables.

Now that I'm writing this I'm getting some more thoughts in the head. I could skip the daisy chaining and lay out an ethernat cable for each of the 4(5) switches. That would be better right?
That there would only be two in a chain, and not 5...

 

[Someone Somewhere]

I don't believe having a long chain causes any issues, unless you're using Spanning Trees (and even then, it's in the dozens).

That should work fine.

 

[peter_k]

I don't believe having a long chain causes any issues, unless you're using Spanning Trees (and even then, it's in the dozens).

That should work fine.

OK, I was hoping for that answer. I'm always up for the easiest way out !
If anyone else have any other input, bring it.

Thanks

 

[Alabalcho]

Having direct connections between the "central" switch (the one where servers and router are connected) and "PC/Phone" switches will make it easier for you in the future to diagnose problems with networking. In your diagram, a bad switch in the beginning of the chain will bring the whole network down, not just the two PCs connected to it.

 

[jsmithepa]

I could skip the daisy chaining and lay out an ethernat cable for each of the 4(5) switches. That would be better right?

That is correct.

While there is no issue daisy chaining as per pictured, having a "backbone" switch with individual cat6 to each individual "local group" switches improves performance.

If you REALLY want to tweak this, let say server1 is mainly used by workgroup1, the most efficient way, if cabling allows, is to hook that server directly to that workgroup's switch.

The backbone switch should be the one with the fastest backplane speed.

 

[hang-the-9]

If it's for a business location, have them wire up jacks and do things the right way, not run cables all over the room. Switch by the servers, cables run to patch panel, patch panel to deskside jacks.

 

[peter_k]

If it's for a business location, have them wire up jacks and do things the right way, not run cables all over the room. Switch by the servers, cables run to patch panel, patch panel to deskside jacks.

Yeah that would be the best way to do it. We are trying to cut some costs and do a lot of things ourselfs as it's a pretty small business moving to a new larger place. I'll take this suggestion into account though. There sure are benefits not doing things half-assed and having to do more work later on.

Thats why I'm here asking questions.

 

[hang-the-9]

There is not a network wired in the new location already? Many places are already wired up for ethernet you just need to setup your computers and switch(es) and wire it to the in-wall jacks. You can get pretty long runs of cable working (up to 300ft) and just run through conduits with exterior jacks at the ends.