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network 400 computers together

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LeonBar

MIS
Mar 31, 2003
127
US
My issue, I have inherited a 400 computer network with 4 locations, each has a separate PDC with active directory. They work fine. each network is static IP addressed because of special software requirements. that was no issue but now our city is running fiber to connect them all together. I am using 192.168.1.2 to 102 for the 1st and 192.168.25.2 to 102 for 2nd 192.168.30.2 to 102 for 3rd and 192.168.38.2 to 102 for 4th. If I change the subnet mask to 255.255.224.0 will all of the computers be able to talk to each other? If not any suggestions on how to make this work. I hope I gave enough information.
 
I assume each location has a gateway router now. Adding static routes to the other locations should allow you to keep your current addresses and subnet masks.

Using routers between locations should also keep the broadcast traffic out of the fiber.

If you do not currently have gateway routers, a layer 3 switch at each location may be the cheapest way.

Only if you NEED broadcast or multicast traffic to be company-wide would I consider a flat network with a 255.255.224.0 subnet mask.

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.
 
Putting 400 computers on one network is an absolute horrible idea.

/

tim@tim-laptop ~ $ sudo apt-get install windows
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
E: Couldn't find package windows...Thank Goodness!
 
Keep the mask natural class C to give yourself room to grow in each of the locations and route traffic between the sites.
I agree with mister bees that a flat network of 400 PC's is not a good idea in today's networks.

Not knowing how your fiber will be strung together, its difficult to arrange a proper topology, however, if its arranged in a manner to have at least one redundant path, or multiples in a mesh, that's the best scenario.
The mesh would ideally look like this:

192.168.1.x=========192.168.25.x
| \ / |
| \ / |
| \ / |
| \ / |
| \ / |
| \ / |
| \ / |
| \ / |
| / |
| / \ |
| / \ |
| / \ |
| / \ |
| / \ |
| / \ |
192.168.30.X 192.168.38.x

You can use weighted static routes for something this small, or you can use RIPv2 or a tiny area of OSPF if you think RIP is a dirty word. :)
Many layer3 switches can run dynamic routing protocols if you can do it, so I do agree with mister palmer on the idea of purchasing a Layer 3 switch for each site..be careful as some may require a higher end license cost/switch.
Each switch would ideally have at least 1 gig, or a gig Etherchannel/multilink bundle to each location..check your distances and fiber types to determine which Gig optics to obtain (LX, SX, Zx, etc).

I hope this helps.
-HH



Real trouble call:
Customer: "I have a huge problem. A friend has put a screensaver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears!"
 
I had a meeting with our fiber people and they will do the routing using routers from there end. thanks for all of the information it will help me. this should be a lot of fun making this work.

Leon
 
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