Networks for LAN events
- Thread starter seb500
- Start date
How many people, will they also be file sharing?
If it's just a basement/garage LAN then try your best to get a single switch with enough ports for everyone - 100mbit is more than ample for any game. To go gigabit would simply help you increase the speed of any file transfers (not to be underestimated if one person has all the map packs and patches downloaded)
If you're looking at a larger event, let us know.
If it's just a basement/garage LAN then try your best to get a single switch with enough ports for everyone - 100mbit is more than ample for any game. To go gigabit would simply help you increase the speed of any file transfers (not to be underestimated if one person has all the map packs and patches downloaded)
If you're looking at a larger event, let us know.
Well im looking to host an event, about 50 pc's. They won't be file sharing, purely gaming ;D
I did a bit of networking last year and thought about x amount of switch connecting the pcs and switches together.
thoughts?
EDIT:
Max of 50 pc's.
I did a bit of networking last year and thought about x amount of switch connecting the pcs and switches together.
thoughts?
EDIT:
Max of 50 pc's.
Last edited:
If you can guarantee it's only gaming you COULD do a ghetto rig of just unmanaged 16 port switches in central locations under the tables, with 100mbit (ideally gigabit) links back to one core switch. Remember that most games will demand at ABSOLUTE most 2mbit; 2x50 = 100mbit. Considering most networking will give you approx 80% effective throughput you'd be pushing it there - but then I bet not everyone'll be in the same game at once (Other games use far far less; Left4Dead2 uses around 20KB/sec; naff all).
You might want to look at some better switches though with fibre interconnect, although this'll depend on your budget and whether you'll be keeping them for future events.
You might want to look at some better switches though with fibre interconnect, although this'll depend on your budget and whether you'll be keeping them for future events.
Just for 1.6? You will need a server as well, do you have hardware you can use for this?
If its an event, then usually people play dozens of different games, unless they are aware of the limitaitions. Plus, you will need a LOT of network cabling. Do you have money set aside for this?
Also, be aware of power requirements, 50 PC's draw a lot of juice!
If its an event, then usually people play dozens of different games, unless they are aware of the limitaitions. Plus, you will need a LOT of network cabling. Do you have money set aside for this?
Also, be aware of power requirements, 50 PC's draw a lot of juice!
Literally an idea im toying around with. Fully aware of the amount of cables and power needed hehe. Will easily get a dedi server for game/voice server from a friend ;D
As for the game restriction - there would be schedules in place for games, so really no times to play any other games =]
As for the game restriction - there would be schedules in place for games, so really no times to play any other games =]
Dedicated Server > Core Switch> 2 24Port Switches
Links to core switches should be 1gbps with pc to switch links running at 100mbps
Any sort of filesharing will knock this setup on its knees though
No need for internet access with LANs
Links to core switches should be 1gbps with pc to switch links running at 100mbps
Any sort of filesharing will knock this setup on its knees though
No need for internet access with LANs
Last edited:
Associate
- Joined
- 21 Oct 2009
- Posts
- 1,485
- Location
- Bedfordshire
It probably would be a good idea to have internet access because people might need to download updates etc.
Associate
- Joined
- 21 Oct 2009
- Posts
- 1,485
- Location
- Bedfordshire
Ah yes good point.
THat image is almost there - just you only need one dedi server link to the core switch - no need for a direct link from dedi -> internet.
Also, some switches can cope with multiple links between each other (so, you could run two 1gbit links from the core to each 24 port switch for additional bandwidth). This works VERY well if the switches all support it. It also has the handy ability to bring a network to its knees when you double-connect a switch that doesn't support it.
For CS 1.6 you'll be fine with 100mbit.
You might consider getting a 48 port switch and connecting *everything* to that (ok, so, you'll only have 46 players - 1 port for the server & 1 port for internet link). A cheapish Netgear 48 port would set you back around £250. You'd also need to include more cable to reach to all the desks from this one point. It's a consideration though, especially if you've got cat-5 in bulk
Also, some switches can cope with multiple links between each other (so, you could run two 1gbit links from the core to each 24 port switch for additional bandwidth). This works VERY well if the switches all support it. It also has the handy ability to bring a network to its knees when you double-connect a switch that doesn't support it.
For CS 1.6 you'll be fine with 100mbit.
You might consider getting a 48 port switch and connecting *everything* to that (ok, so, you'll only have 46 players - 1 port for the server & 1 port for internet link). A cheapish Netgear 48 port would set you back around £250. You'd also need to include more cable to reach to all the desks from this one point. It's a consideration though, especially if you've got cat-5 in bulk
The LAN won't be on its knees, the internet link will be.
Mind you, 50 geeky users will quickly max out even a 50mbit virgin cable connection.