OT: Setting up a small internet cafe

mad2moons

mad2moons

Geek Trainee
Hi, I know its a bit of topic, but could someone advise of what equipment I would need to setup a small internet cafe.

A friend has got 2 pcs and just wants to see what the business is like before adding more pcs.

He has access to a basic 512k adsl line, now i know i need a adsl router and maybe a hub...is this correct? and could you point me to any online stores that have prices in the uk pls

Both PCs have w2k on them. Just want them for basic surfing, no multiplayer games. What is the maximum amount of users you can have with 512k?

thx
 
I'd love to give ya an answer, but I have no clue. I responded just to let ya know yer post wasn't being ignored.
 
Theoretically if you were to give everyone a 28.8 connection a 512KB line should be able to serve about 18 people. However my experience is you'll probably only be able to serve 1/2 to 2/3 that amounts most times.

The easiest way to set it up would probably to go with an 802.11b network, that way you wouldn't have to worry about running cat cables everywhere and WiFi networks are fairly easy to set up.
 
I'll post a link or two, about setting up a network, If you still need the info? :p
 
thx big b for the post :) and yeh, if you can post a couple of links pls :)

he only wants it setup with 2 pcs to start with
 
Heres a nice guide! (not too complex either)

http://www.adslguide.org.uk/qanda.asp?faq=HomeNet

In basic terms, you need two Ethernet network cards which are about £15 each and a £5 cross-over patch cable.

One card will go into each computer and then you connect both togeather and setup through software. One computer will need to have a ADSL modem, which you already have! I hope this helps!
 
is that internet sharing? i've heard that its not 2 stable. Some1 recommended getting a adsl router/4 port hub that has dhcp built into it. Is that correct?
 
Yeah, a hub is probably the best way to go about it as there will be no need to worry that the PC running ICS has to be left on, it should be more secure and depending on the brand and model your friend could have the added benefit of a firewall built into it.

However since you mentioned they'd like to add more pc's in the future I'd definitley recommend going the WiFi route, with that method they should be able to fit upto 50 systems on one hub and all that would be required for each new pc is an 802.11 card.

Most hubs only come with 4-8 ports so if your friend is planning on growing past that they'd have to worry about making sure they have enough hubs, and running Cat 5 cabling everywhere. The 802.11b route helps simplify things by haveing 1-2 access points for all users and then just adding WiFi cards as needed, no more messy cables :).
 
Also to add, if you get past 10 PC's you'll need to have a PC running Win2k server or better.
 
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