Last Updated: 15/8/03
"The Network"
As you can see by the diagram, the network is highly expandable, with many other "undocumented" features.
There have been MAJOR upgrades to the network recently.
The network has a firewall/router that is currently connected to DSL with 6 static IP's via a Cisco ADSL modem/router. I will see what havoc can be caused with these.
There is a switch with 7 ports, which is currently the nexus. It is 10/100 (obviously?) SMC & takes most of the the load.
There is another 5 port 10/100 switch - which came from a great first home - only one owner, low mileage.
I recently bought a 10 Mb hub from the markets at North Rocks. It is a 3Com & only cost $15. The testing so far seems as though it could be dead ... uh argh. I suppose you get what you pay for, but it also gives me a chance to have a look inside & not be too worried if it never works again.
I have cabling running to wall sockets in the lounge room as well as each bedroom where we could plug in a hub or switch & connect a few more computers. The newly acquired 12 port hub would probably go there as it is not in use currently.
"The Servers"
Currently I have 3 servers running Linux - these are known as Dell, Apus & Deb.
Dell is a P2 333Mhz - does basic mail & backups & a testing server running RedHat 9.
Deb is a P1 233Mhz - running Debian Woody (hence the name) which is mainly for learning Debian & also to do DNS at a later stage. This is the box that I will give people access to if they would like to learn some *nix or think they have some skills.
Apus is the twin processor P3 1Ghz with a stack of ram. This is the "ballbreaker" of a power-horse. She came to me with Win XP running on it, so I quickly changed that to Linux.
This is pretty lame isn't it - naming your computers ... what kind of person does that?
We are currently setting up a VPN so that Paul & Brad can connect from their respective homes. It is
going quite well.
If others want to try & connect up from the internet, let me know & we will try to hook you up as well. You will require a native linux box, a broadband connection (& skills or a trusting nature).
This is the current network setup.
The left is the hub with 12 ports, although not actually connected it is shown for expandability. The 5 port switch is on the right. The middle is the 7 port switch.
There are up to 6 computers running in the house at any one time, witrh a minimum of 3. For those interested these cost about $20 per month in electricity - the trick is to not run monitors as these chew through the power
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Wireless Access
Is anyone into wireless networking? (Morgan?)
I was hoping to set up a wireless link between myself & someone else - pretty much anyone, its just for fun & maybe network gaming etc.
If so, please let me know & we will try to set up a wireless network access point for testing & hopefully the next LAN Party! I will probably require some help.