First Time Networking

[Drew Learns Tech]

Okay so I'm a Networking noob and doing this for the first time so please put up with anything that really simple/obvious ignorance.

 

Anyway onwards:

 

1) I'm networking my room with several PC's (currently 1 gaming desktop, 2 Servers, 1 raspberry pi, and sometimes a laptop wired connection) and want them to be connected to each other and the internet. Would I just need an appropriate network switch, any recommendations if so.

2) I am limited to a router/modem combo from my ISP so if I were to attach a network switch would it use the full power of it or would I need to use all the ports?

3) Do I need a physical firewall to protect my servers from attacks if so what would you recommend I do or get?

4) Any recommended relatively cheap KVMs?

5) What CAT cables should I use?

6) Do I need network cards in each of my computers to get all of this to work? I know I'll need them if I want to get better than a 1Gb connection.

7) How can I maximize my 1Gb connection?

[Dingdongding]

3. Most likely... No, generally even the cheapest of ISP routers (assuming your isp supports opening ports) will have a competent firewall. 

[Drew Learns Tech]

1 minute ago, Dingdongding said:

3. Most likely... No, generally even the cheapest of ISP routers (assuming your isp supports opening ports) will have a competent firewall. 

Okay, thanks!

[Donut417]

26 minutes ago, Drew Learns Tech said:

Okay so I'm a Networking noob and doing this for the first time so please put up with anything that really simple/obvious ignorance.

 

Anyway onwards:

 

1) I'm networking my room with several PC's (currently 1 gaming desktop, 2 Servers, 1 raspberry pi, and sometimes a laptop wired connection) and want them to be connected to each other and the internet. Would I just need an appropriate network switch, any recommendations if so.

2) I am limited to a router/modem combo from my ISP so if I were to attach a network switch would it use the full power of it or would I need to use all the ports?

3) Do I need a physical firewall to protect my servers from attacks if so what would you recommend I do or get?

4) Any recommended relatively cheap KVMs?

5) What CAT cables should I use?

6) Do I need network cards in each of my computers to get all of this to work? I know I'll need them if I want to get better than a 1Gb connection.

7) How can I maximize my 1Gb connection?

1) Most routers come with at least 4 ports built in. Anything more than that and you will need a switch. 

2) Depending on where you live. I live in a Comcast area, we can and have bought our own modem. But this is purely depending on the area of the world you live in and what type of internet service you have. Most modem/router combos should have 4 LAN ports. Outside of that you would just hook a switch to any of the LAN ports. 

3) Most if not all routers have a decent firewall built in. Also, Windows has had a firewall since Windows XP SP2. 

5) Cat 5e can do up to 1Gbps or you can opt for Cat 6. But either of them will do you good. 

6) All computers need a network card if they dont have them. However most computers Id like to say from the last 5 years maybe longer, come with 1Gbps Ethernet standard. 

[Drew Learns Tech]

4 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

1) Most routers come with at least 4 ports built in. Anything more than that and you will need a switch. 

2) Depending on where you live. I live in a Comcast area, we can and have bought our own modem. But this is purely depending on the area of the world you live in and what type of internet service you have. Most modem/router combos should have 4 LAN ports. Outside of that you would just hook a switch to any of the LAN ports. 

3) Most if not all routers have a decent firewall built in. Also, Windows has had a firewall since Windows XP SP2. 

5) Cat 5e can do up to 1Gbps or you can opt for Cat 6. But either of them will do you good. 

6) All computers need a network card if they dont have them. However most computers Id like to say from the last 5 years maybe longer, come with 1Gbps Ethernet standard. 

 

Great Thanks!