Choosing a home network layout

Posted by James M. on Super User See other posts from Super User or by James M.
Published on 2011-01-07T14:15:46Z Indexed on 2011/01/07 14:55 UTC
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linux

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networking

I have a server, 4 PC's, a network printer, a switch and an ADSL modem. Currently the server runs Red Hat 9 and sits between the internet and the other PCs like in

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/12/Sample-network-diagram.png

I have bought a new server PC to replace the old one, and I plan to install Fedora Core linux on it. The server acts as web and file server. The PCs all run Windows.

Alternatively, I could connect the new server and all PCs to the switch, and connect the switch to the modem. (Sorry, couldn't find an image.)

What are the pros and cons of these network layouts? Eg. in terms of reliability, security and flexibility?

I am not a Linux guru but know of (and am not afraid of) iptables, dhcpd et al.

Thank you for any tips, pointers and links.

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