Selecting components for system enhancement
Selecting components for system enhancement
I've received approval from my employer at the church, which has recently shifted its focus to online content due to the pandemic. If you've read my previous post, you'll understand our current network situation is quite limited. I suggest checking that earlier article if you're interested in the details.
Looking ahead, it seems we should aim to have the enterprise ISP cut off the fiber connection at our building and let us handle the rest. This would mean the Storinator purchase must align with a broader network upgrade.
I anticipate needing to buy a server rack, a robust switch (preferably with several 10GbE ports for the Storinator and PoE ports for access points), and new APs. This is where your expertise would be valuable.
Given my limited background in equipment suited for such a large network, I'm unsure about the right hardware choices or placement of APs. Should I be missing something? Do I need a router or switches that manage DHCP and other advanced features?
I've attached the network blueprint from my last post for reference. Please let me know your thoughts.
I’ll look for someone experienced to confirm everything is set up correctly and avoid problems. From the photo alone it’s tough to determine the exact configuration, but I’d add more equipment on the left side near the classroom. You’ll need a router since there are devices requiring Wi-Fi. The size of the building matters—standard Ethernet with Cat6/6A/5E has a 100m limit, so plan accordingly. For the NAS/server, consider the required TB and bandwidth. I’ll explore options from Supermicro and others. Regarding the switch, estimate how many ports you need; likely a 48-port power switch with some 10GbS ports (additional 10G base transceivers if needed). There are many choices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand depending on requirements. I might prefer buying a switch, AP, and router from one vendor for easier management and support.
100% agree! @GearheadMV - If these agencies are in your area, I’d recommend you contact them, even if it’s just for advice or to point you to other businesses closer to you that might be able to help with this setup. Crosstalk Solutions | Lawrence Systems This is a project that you want to get right the first time, so invest in setting it up properly. As an aside, I’d also suggest you invest in power redundancy and circuit protection solutions with all that expensive gear you’ll be using.