Home Forums Discussions Problems Wirless Problem vs Server vs Both

Hello,

I have posted this before, however now it has become very troublesome. This is my set up: I am a solo doc, with A Main computer (that is NOT a server) and 3 clients all connected via Wireless. All the computers run on Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit.

My problem is that at least once a week, randomly, my clients cannot find my database. I have used the great advice on these columns such as keeping all computers Awake all the time, as well as preventing the wireless adapter from sleeping, however the issue still randomly persists. Although I would prefer all my computers to be hardwired (instead of wireless), the cost will be slightly expensive because of the logistics in the office.

Therefore, I would like to know would getting a server solve this problem, or do I bite the bullet and install everything hardwired? Or do I need a server and hardwire?

I would rather get a server first just to free up the Main computer but I appreciate your feedback.

How old is your wireless router/access point?

Also, are you near any type of RF transmitters (e.g. radio station, bus station, police station, fast food restaurant)?

JamesNT

Niko:

Bert will be so proud of me for this post:

I would get a server. I was like you for about 1.5 years. I had the main computer as the non server and it held everything. I have to tell you that After installing the server everything ran smoother and I had less issues.

You definitely will need to make sure your wireless router is a good one as well.

This also helps preventing keeping all your computers on and awake all the time. The server is built to be on. I am sure your desktop isn't.

Just a couple cents of my thoughts.

Ketan

I am proud Ketan.

Here are my recommendations:

1. DEFINITELY go hard wired. If you want a slower network with disconnects, etc., then go wireless.

2. I would always recommend a server. But, that doesn't just mean purchasing a Dell T410. You need the OS (please SBS), and the abilit to set up a domain.

FYI: I don't know why it is so expensive to set up Ethernet cables. The best thing to do is find a local college with computer science or networking classes. Ask the professor if there are any students who want to make a little extra cash. I paid three students $8.00 an hour and they set up the whole network topography in six hours for that price plus pizza.

FYI2: Always, always, always do two drops for every one drop you need. You may not think so, but eventually you will need another Ethernet jack. So, one run takes two hours, the other five minutes.

You were robbed. I went to school with kids who would have done it for beer and pizza.

JamesNT

Thanks for the advice

The router is only a year old--Linksys Wireless N.

The hardwire issue is due to lack of DROP ceilings on the main floor and thus the need to drill down to the basement. This is further complicated, as the basement itself has DRYWALLED celings and thus to drop a line you would have to know where to open up the drywall

Any suggestions?

Yes. Wireless is still possible for you, you just can't use cheap home equipment. You should look for a networking consultant in your area that specializes in 3com or other name-brand equipment that can get you set up with a much more professional class wireless setup. The equipment will be more expensive, but it will also be more reliable and more secure.

JamesNT

Bert i agree i don't get why it is so much money to pull the damn wires! [censored] I am getting buildout at the new office space and they won't drop it for me. I am like wait, how about before you put the dry wall on, let me come in there and I will run the freaking wires! then put dry wall and i will markl where my wire is in the wall and go get it afterwards...they won't let me do that...sucks!


okay that is my rant! but great idea on getting kids to do it...i am sure you can find people on craigslist too!

I would tell them, "No wires, no drywall."

You may wish to speak with someone who runs network wires for a living to see if there is something going on you do not know about. I am no expert, but it would be nice to get confirmation that running these wires really is ok and there is no technical reason for them to say no.

JamesNT

But, be careful, since if a professional team actually DOES the work, they have to do it to code, which means likely using Plenum cable which costs double the amount of regular Ethernet cable.

If the building has a drop ceiling and/or basement, running cables shouldn't be that hard after the fact.

Ketan: Sounds like you need the after hours cable ninjas!
I ran all sorts of cable runs when my office was being remodeled. I did this after clinic and construction hours. I run my own cables. Put my own terminal ends on. It's not that difficult. I even got a cool tool that tells me the connections are good! I watched Bubba the professional do it once and was convinced that I could do it also. Good luck. I'd go with the server and wired network. I've never tried the powerline network, but just read an article that showed pretty good speeds(faster than wireless). I don't know how well they work...but it's a thought.

Update!

Bert, I took your advice. I got 2 computer techs, and together we hardwired my entire office with CAT 6 cable (yes, Cat 6!). Although we had to do some blind drilling from the basement upwards, I am fully connected! No more searching for databases and I no longer use wireless.

I eventually, however plan to purchase a dedicated server, but still even my "main" computer that is still shared for other uses still functions.

Now server suggestions....a Win 7 computer that I have clean installed and will be DEDICATED for AC vs purchase a dedicated SBS 2003 edition??

I am impressed. Maybe that will spur others to do the same.

You may have a decision to make on the WIN 7 vs the server. The debate has raged on here since the board started.

But, the pendulum may be swinging a little more toward client/server domain network given the fact that many are updating their hardware due to the recent glitches. So, setting up a new 64-bit server with possibly SQL 2008 may be better.

Definitely don't go backwards with 2003. SBS 2008 is much better and, of course, 2011 is already out.

You can continue on this thread and get a lot of help from three or four users but each will tell you different things although all of them will likely have merit. Or you can get into a PM with someone and keep it consistent.

How much pizza did you need to buy them?

Great job with CAT6. Did you get all of your gigabit switches and gigabit NICs too?

SBS 2011 and 2008 are quite similar. SBS 2011 basically has newer version of exchange, sharepoint, etc.

Dr. Niko,
Congrats on getting your IT issues resolved! I know it has taken a lot of time, energy and thought, but it sounds like you have taken the right steps and made the right decisions.

To all you server fans, please take the following in the playful way in which it is intended:
In January, you started a thread entitled "Do I need a server?". Some said absolutely yes, and some said no.
In April, you started one called "Wireless problem" in which some said the solution was to get hard wired and others said to get a server.
June was "Trouble finding database" and some said get wired, others said to get a server.
September brought "Wireless Problem vs Server vs Both". Some said get wired and others said get a server.

So now you are hardwired, and the problem is fixed.

And some say it is now time to get a server.
Is there a "sigh" emoticon?

I was right here, and I will be right about the server.

I was right about this, and I will be right about the server.

Do you need a Porsche 911 to get from Seattle to L.A.?
No, but it is a helluva lot more fun.

Just having fun!

Hey, I'm having fun in my '99 Camry. We can't all have the spending power that comes from the sky high income of a Maine pediatrician!

True. All you have to do is see 40 Mainecare patients a day. Unless you are the FQHC across the street who makes over $100 a visit for conjunctivitis.

But...I do have a BMW.

I just hope that Dr. Niko took the advice on two drops for every one needed. I know Sandeep will back me on that one. There are places in my office now I wish I had dropped three. I hate having to buy little 4 port switches rather than an actual Ethernet jack.

Definitely agree with the two or more drops. I had to do the same thing with the switches as well. When I do my house, I plan on 4 jacks for my room ha.

Wireless routers have assigned channels or frequencies, you may have interference from another router or device. There are a number of software downloads you can get that will do a survey of your area and identify any conflicts. If necessary you can then log into your router and change the channel

Wireless networks are still no match for a hard wired network in terms of reliability and speed.