Topic: Condused over 2 ethernet adapters!

[boxsta]

Hi guys,

Looking to use SME server at home as web, email server as well as a general server for all the client machines I use for personal & business use. I've read the user guide from start to finish and understand it.

However, I'm a little confused as to why SME server needs 2 network cards? When, for example, server 2008 only needs one. I've no issues with using two if I have to but that then leads me on to my next question. Where does the ethernet cable go. One obviously goes to my router, does the other then go to a hub perhaps for the clients to connect to?

Would really appreciate some advice on this one.

Many thanks,

Marc

[Stefano]

hi, welcome here

SME needs 2 ethernet cards only if you want it in "server and gateway" mode, i.e. als as a firewall

if you want to use another firewall install it in "server only" mode

[boxsta]

Thanks for that.

From what I've read and for what I want to use it for I think server & gateway is the way forward for me. For all intents & purposes, its then a complete solution and that sounds good to me.

So, let's assume I've got the two cards, what do I connect them to? As I've said above or is there another configuration?

Thanks again.

[Stefano]

http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Administration_Manual:Chapter2

[mmccarn]

When my SME was in server-gateway mode:
- the WAN ethernet was connected straight to my FiOS interface
- I entered my FiOS username and password into the SME server's PPTP settings.
- the LAN ethernet was connected to my local switch

For non-sme-related reasons, I switched from server-gateway to server-only mode, after which:
- the SME LAN ethernet was connected to my local switch
- I purchased and installed a consumer-grade wireless router
- I programmed my FiOS username and password into the new router
- the router's WAN port went to the FiOS interface
- the router's LAN port went to my local switch

[boxsta]

All coming together now. Hadn't seen the appendices, that's helped.

Thanks guys.