Connecting 2 sites with Eithernet

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:45

Got 2 sites about 60 meters apart.
One has the server and 15 Devices connected to Gigbit Switch(es).
Other site is going to have 7 Devices connected to a Gigabit switch.

Can I connected the two sites(switch to switch) via cat 5e(or cat6) cable?

Sin_Chase · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:47

As 1 network - Yes.
As 2 separate networks - Not as simple, you will need a router and/or properly configured L3 switches and/or properly configured servers with relationships.

Need more info about your sites and what you want to achieve.

From what I can see from the fact your other site only has clients and a switch it would appear it is just for one big network. With additional clients at a remote location then a simple connection between switches will work fine.

Beerbaron · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:49

yes but might involve more than just plugging in cables

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:49

Sin_Chase said:
Yes.

I kind of knew it but just wanted to make sure

Thank you.

Sin_Chase · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:50

I made an edit above to clarify the point further.

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:50

Beerbaron said:
yes but might involve more than just plugging in cables

Oh yes, it is going to be a full on cabling job(for some one else) - it will be a challenge to route the CAT5e cable on the roofs of at least 4 other shops!

Sin_Chase · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:52

Depending on whether you are making redundant links etc you MAY want to look into STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)

For a simple 1 to 1 switch uplink however this should not be required.

Beerbaron · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:53

i wasnt just referring to the cabling. it depends on how these 2 networks are setup.

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:54

Sin_Chase said:
I made an edit above to clarify the point further.

Yes it is just an "extension" of the existing network.
Current office has run out of space for the expanding needs! We were looking to get the place next door which is vacant but due to a lot of red tape with a supermarket who owns the building downstairs, we had to look for the next nearest building.

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 15:59

Sin_Chase said:
Depending on whether you are making redundant links etc you MAY want to look into STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)

For a simple 1 to 1 switch uplink however this should not be required.

It is going to be a simple 1 to 1 switch connection.
I have thought about redundant links but it makes things too complicated for the
needs.

Beerbaron said:
i wasnt just referring to the cabling. it depends on how these 2 networks are setup.

Please explain??

Sin_Chase · 22 Feb 2013 at 16:03

Avathar77 said:
Please explain??

He basically is referring to what I have already posted. There are many many many network configurations, clarifying all you want is a network extension means the job is as simple as uplinking switches.

If it were 2 separate Windows Domains on two different subnets for example then the job gets far more complicated than just linking the networks with a cable.

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 16:09

Ahh yes I was thinking of putting 2 servers at one point, but no use when I can connect 2 networks in the same domain and in the same subnet using a CAT5e cable.
What is the maximum distance CAT5e cables can be used to connect 2 switches? Is it close to 100 meters?

Sin_Chase · 22 Feb 2013 at 16:12

Avathar77 said:
Ahh yes I was thinking of putting 2 servers at one point, but no use when I can connect 2 networks in the same domain and in the same subnet using a CAT5e cable.
What is the maximum distance CAT5e cables can be used to connect 2 switches? Is it close to 100 meters?

On paper 100 metres is your upper limit. The closer you get to it/past it the bigger the chances are of transmission issues.

BuZ · 22 Feb 2013 at 18:12

Full full answer is yes, but it requires a lot of work and setting up/configuration to make it correct and to be able to receive great speeds at both ends.

Think about what they do in Colleges, Schools and much more. They connect a switch to another switch to create a "big" and "wide-spread" network.

randal · 22 Feb 2013 at 18:22

Do both sites have internet? Could you VPN between the two instead of trailing 60m of cable over other people's properties?

Unless they don't mind, in which case run a couple of cables at least for resiliency and/or throughput and expansion.

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 18:28

randal said:
Do both sites have internet? Could you VPN between the two instead of trailing 60m of cable over other people's properties?

Unless they don't mind, in which case run a couple of cables at least for resiliency and/or throughput and expansion.

VPN is plan B

but to answer the question, no we don't have a separate internet connection in New place.
Going to run 3 cables together.

On a side note;
If I connect more than 1 cable between switches will it improve things?

nutcase · 22 Feb 2013 at 18:49

You can do that if the switches support port trunking. That also allows an element of redundancy as if one cable is damaged it just means the bandwidth drops.

What bandwidth do you need? Is it worth considering a wireless bridge? If you're considering VPN over the internet then bandwidth requirement isn't high? We use a 100mbps repeatit wireless bridge at work over a 90m distance (actual real world throughput 104mbps as it's good for a MUCH greater distance).

Avathar77 · 22 Feb 2013 at 19:38

Not sure exactly what switches they are but they are not high end ones. I think they are procurve something

In terms of bandwidth, we mostly need for internet access to submit data as forms or attachments and accessing the server.
Server is used as a data store for IRIS and Sage so all of the users will need access to them.

Dave L · 22 Feb 2013 at 20:27

Metres and not meters........

KIA · 22 Feb 2013 at 20:43

Dave L said:
Metres and not meters........

Wow, incredible contribution there bro.