Rebuilding Home Network - Advice?

[Norcross]

I'm getting ready to rebuild my home network. When I started, I had 1 server acting as a web / email / FTP all in one, along with some shared files for the house. Over time, my server activity has increased, and I've added a 2nd server (soon to add a 3rd), and the number of machines themselves has increased (2 desktops, 2 laptops, and a media center). Suffice to say, my 'home' network rivals that of a small business, and I am starting to hit a wall as far as performance, file sharing, etc.

All the PCs & laptops run a flavor of Vista 64 bit, and both servers have Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard.

Here's what I'd like to do:

1. Split the network into two separate LANs, "home" and "servers".
2. Put line drops in various parts of the house for the "home" LAN.
3. Add a NAS or Media Server for the "home" LAN for music, video, etc.​

Here's my current hardware:

1. Linksys WRVS4400N 4 port Wireless N router
2. Linksys SR224 24 port 10/100 unmanaged switch
3. Netgear WNDR3300 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router (won here in a contest!)​

Currently, all my networking equipment is in the attic office of my 1 story house. I plan on putting as little downstairs as needed, other than the drop lines themselves. I know I'll need to add some hardware (other than the NAS, which I have yet to purchase / build), but wanted to get ya'll opinion / experience on what hardware I'd need to purchase, and where in the layout it should be.

 

[Tamarin]

I would say that you don't want to split your network into two separate segments unless you have a router that can connect them at full speeds. I don't know if Tim has tested LAN-LAN vlan routing, but you will probably be bandwidth limited, unless you have a very high-end router.

Also, depending on what you're trying to do, and what your licensing options are, a virtualization environment might be a choice for you, having a single host server that is powerful and then make several VMs to run your various applications. I've loved my quad core 8g ram box and being able to run 3, 4 and 5 different VMs at the same time, and be able to bring new machines up almost at will.

Tam