Network: hardware & strategy;

[rtp <rtp@iaxs.net>]

I hope this doesn't come through twice, I messed up some info in the
first attempt...

Hey guys,

Here's my scenario;

512 mbps DSL -->> Pentium 266, 128 ram -->>Httpd/apache-50 rock bands
all with shopping carts -->> Eleven machines on internal 10/100 lan
relying on the pentium 266 web server to also act as a firewall and to
IP Masq. Is it reasonable to think that the pentium 266 can handle the
load? I will have ultimate control over what the bands can serve from
their sites and over how the internal lan is used.

I have four levels to my building, I need four computers on the third
floor, four computers  on the second floor and four between the first
floor and basement. The Pentium 266, httpd, firewall will be on the
third floor. That machine will have an ethernet card for the DSL
connection and a second card for the internal lan.

I intend to locate four-port hubs on the third, second and basement
levels. When Netgear says dual speed hub with uplink port, does that
mean there are two uplink ports on each hub allowing me to daisy chain
the hubs without using one of the four ports? I assume that's what
they're saying otherwise you couldn't daisy chain without useing one of
the ports that's intended for workstations. In which case I'ld have to
change my strategy to incorporate an eight port hub into the mix.

Obviously I've never built a network before, if I had I wouldn't have
this question about daisy chaining hubs.

Part two of my scenario:

I want to run nfs, nis and samba over the lan which of course will be
running behind the firewall. I assume by properly configuring my
firewall I'll have minimized security risks enough to run services that
otherwise would be considered security risks.

Note to Bob Tanner:

I believe you mentioned that real-time is interested in offering dsl
packages to linux users and that you've some security tips for these
scenarios. I am hoping you'll see this post and reply by telling me when

I can call you. It's near impossible for anyone to reach me by phone so
if you send an e-mail telling me when I can reach you .... I've sent a
couple e-mails to "tanner@real-time.com".