Network Topology

[BigAl.nz]

Hi Guys,

Got a few questions I hope some of the pros here can help with.

How many computers on a workgroup before you should really look at going to a server?

I have a workgroup with 8 computers and are looking at installing a NAS with storagecraft shadow protect desktop on each computer to run nightly incrementals and weekly fulls to the NAS. Good way to do things?

Also with respect to the users documents, better to leave on the workstation or redirect each users my docs to a folder on the NAS?

And finally what about backing up the NAS (in case of a bugrlary etc?) Most seem to have a USB port, but some only support FAT (no good because 2gb file size limit, or some ext2 - ok)

Curious on opinions...

-Al

 

[thiggins]

There is no hard and fast rule. Your situation does sound like it could benefit from centralized backup.

If you are automatically (and reliably) backing up client files to the NAS, there is no need to have the work files on the server.

The NETGEAR ReadyNAS and Windows Home Server systems like the HP LX195 have online ("cloud") backup built in. That can be a good offsite backup solution.

If you are going to use attached backup, I would recommend a NAS with eSATA. Backups are much faster. Check the NAS Chart Backup charts to check performance for FAT, EXT3 and NTFS for both USB and eSATA.