Print Servers and Switches

[joesil69]

Hi,

If I have 17 printers among which 3 are laser, I would like to know how many print servers I would require.. And why would you choose that number.

Also, for a small network of 17 pc including 20 printers, what kind of switch would you recommend (i.e. 12,24, or 36 ports)?


Thank you,
Joesil69

 

[tf1]

Print Servers: How many you require is almost dictated by the locations of the printers, their proximity to convenient network points and whether they have parallel or USB connections. In an ideal world, every printer should have its own server, its exclusive network point and port on the Switch. Back in reality land, this probably isn't practical or necessary.

If you have some printers that are really busy - say large workgroup lasers that get most of the use - try keeping them on separate print servers with their own network points. Otherwise, the 3-port JetDirect is a good print server and will allow you to share three printers to one point.

Make sure that you get the correct print servers to match the printer connections.

Network Switch: Get a quality, managed network switch and go for at least 36 ports. Why? A good network switch will have a very fast backplane which will guarantee a fast throughput. If you get say a 24-port switch now and later have to expand, you will need to stack the switches and that immediately introduces a potential bottleneck unless you go for an expensive fibre stacking option. You may as well save that cost by buying a bigger switch now.

Why managed? Because with most managed switches you can use a simple browser front end from any PC in any location to monitor your network traffic and diagnose poor connections, bad network cards and predict any potential bottleneck.

Regards: tf1