Network Subnetting Help

[ColinR]

Is it possible to have 3 seperate subnets - with their own DHCP server, but all devices visible to one another?

More Info:

We currently have 4 houses connected via wireless, 2 of the houses all share a single DHCP server, the other two have their own. We recently connected the 4th house with a wireless link that is amazingly responsive.

The older wireless connection never had an issue with DHCP, presumably as the wireless connection was slow, and therefore the local DHCP server replied first.

Now with the new connection my DHCP server keeps replying first, messing default gateways up.

 

[w1z4rd]

Not with the equipment you have.

You might with DHCP mac reserves... I am not sure. They would need to be on the same subnet unless you do routing.

 

[syntax]

Not with the equipment you have.

You might with DHCP mac reserves... I am not sure. They would need to be on the same subnet unless you do routing.

if they are on separate subnets u wont have to reserve macs...

 

[ColinR]

if they are on separate subnets u wont have to reserve macs...

But would using a network mask of 255.255.0.0 do the trick, we all see each other, but the dhcp servers only serve their subnet?

 

[to0kenZA]

But would using a network mask of 255.255.0.0 do the trick, we all see each other, but the dhcp servers only serve their subnet?

What exactly are you trying to do? And why do the sites need to have their own DHCP?

 

[hilton]

Subnetting won't allow help with separating DHCP servers. An IP subnet works on layer 3 whilst DHCP operates on layer 2. You will need to implement VLANs to properly segment your network.

 

[to0kenZA]

Subnetting won't allow help with separating DHCP servers. An IP subnet works on layer 3 whilst DHCP operates on layer 2. You will need to implement VLANs to properly segment your network.

Yes dude, trying to get the right DHCP to reply is going to be an endless ball-ache. Get yourself some switches.

 

[ColinR]

Get yourself some switches.

Got crap load of those.. you mean routers I assume?

 

[to0kenZA]

Got crap load of those.. you mean routers I assume?

No, I mean switches. You know, the little boxes with the many ports in front

Maybe look at some Netgear 8 port switches or something similar. Assuming you don't need it for very high end purposes, you don't have to go all out.
Maybe go for one of these: http://ozeserver.com/for_sale_files/N100-1400-main.jpe

Then configure them on 802.1Q vlans and you're good to go . You will need routers to route between the vlans though. Your subnets won't be able to communicate through the vlans without a router.

 

[ColinR]

VLANs seem to be the only solution then, for what it's worth, here is a diagram of the one segment of the network.

 

[to0kenZA]

VLANs seem to be the only solution then, for what it's worth, here is a diagram of the one segment of the network.

Sorry man, dunno what I was thinking with the 802.1Q VLANs. Basically, you will need to set up switches on each segment with port based VLANs and connect all your devices to it. (I.e setup site A's switch so that all ports are on VLAN 1. Then the switch connects to a break-out router like a Cisco for example. It would be nice if you can get your hands on some decent routers for this.

Is this for business, or just personal if you don't mind me asking?

 

[ColinR]

Is this for business, or just personal if you don't mind me asking?

Personal. Amazing how complex it turns out to be simply to get a specific DHCP server to reply. I understand why it is the way it is - it's just irritating

 

[to0kenZA]

Personal. Amazing how complex it turns out to be simply to get a specific DHCP server to reply. I understand why it is the way it is - it's just irritating

Lol

That's why you have to do it right from the start. I have seen the most horrible networks ever and it makes me nauseous!

But it's true as you say! That's why I love networking- there's always a challenge


PS: Dude, if your current routers can be configured with VLANs and static routes, then you should be fine with those. Otherwise you will need some more high end stuff . Best of luck!

 

[Jordan_Za]

Mikrotik Routers are cheap and offer the right functionality for doing this I.E. RB750

theres no way to create VLANs other than using a Layer2 Switch hey?

 

[hilton]

theres no way to create VLANs other than using a Layer2 Switch hey?

If you have more than one switch and you need to span the VLANs across the switches then you need at least one layer 3 switch or a router.

 

[paul5186]

Would definitely recommend the Mikrotik RB750. Cheap and very powerful. You will end up paying much more for those switches.

 

[CharlieBravo]

DO the routers support VPN?