Hello,
Thanks for clicking this question!
Here is my situation:
I am currently employed at an engineering company that has recently expanded. There's only one problem with that; the old network is at our old building and now we need one for the new building!
Currently, I need everything between our DSL connection and our workstations.
By the numbers:
1. 10 workstations with those numbers doubling within the next 6-12 months.
1a. All client workstations are running W7 Pro.
2. All employees' phones
3. President, VP, Shop Manager, and an accountant all have iPads.
4. Three NETWORK printers. All other printers are specialized and offline.
Goals:
1. Completely re-wire all network drops. (Done.)
2. Implement Hardware or software firewall.
3. Purchase and install new switch. (gigabit?)
4. Purchase and install new patch panel.
5. Purchase and install new Cat5 cables for SERVER room.
6. Implement new NON windows server for the following functions:
6a. Domain Controller
6b. File sharing
6c. Printer server
6d. More features I'm sure that I'm missing. - Remind me of what I forgot! :)
6e. If I do, in fact, stay away from Windows Server, I need something somewhat easy to set-up.
7. Implement separate guest network - For employees' phones and tablets.
8. Secure the network.
EDIT:
Data security and backup is important. Forgot to mention as it seems to be universally implied, but I thought I would mention it! :)