Home network pls hlp

I am currently trying to setup a home network with a server. I am using server2003 and have (4)computers, one being a dedicated server. I also have a linksys wirless router and a switch using comcast as isp. The setup is comcast-modem-router-switch-clients\server. 1st is this correct? next i was able to connect to the server from the client but i noticed that my router is assigning the ips not the server. even if the server is down/turned off I can still log on. What is the correct way to setup this setup. for right now i just want to monitor what goes on, printserver,fileserver, remote desktop, remote install and eventually websites, games,intranet, etc..
thanks

Looks correct to me.



Yes. The router will be sharing the Internet connection so will also probably have a DHCP server enabled. This will give out IP addresses to clients. Windows Server 2003 does include a DHCP server, but it's easier just to use the one with your router.

Thanks for the info also why is it that when the server is down the clients can still connect? my reason is that i have a teenager who i will have set times she can log on but if the server is down you can log on and still access the internet. Is there a way to stop this?

If the Internet is being shared out by the router, then the server will have no effect on the Internet access. You can do two things:

1. Configure the router with access control, and use it to specify when clients can connect.

2. Connect the Internet to the server, and use third-party software to create access control to specific which users can access the Internet at what times.

Thanks again and one last question. Using server2003 can I install 2 nics and use the server as the router? If so how do I do that. and would i see a decrease in performance? or even is there a website that I can visit.

Yes, you can do this. You need to enable Internet Connection Sharing on the Internet connection NIC. A search of google for "Internet Connection Sharing" will return loads of results.