How to Setup LAN Network for 250 (Thin-Client) Users with a Windows Server

I have been contracted to run a small-size business network for 250 users. My Client already bought 250 Thin-Client computers to be run on a client-server network, before reaching out to me.

The requirements are:

1. star-topology;
2. client-server technology;
3. STATIC IP addressing for all devices
4. firewall enabled
5. no hubs (only switches/routers and access points).
6. IP Cameras + DVR enabled

My Client wants me to present a list of network devices that I need to run the network. I have not installed this large a network before.

My intention is, with a 1000Base T network, to run the thin-clients and the server on workgroups of 6 SWITCHES (48 ports each). Each SWITCH will be connected to a 16-port ROUTER. The ROUTER will be connected to internet, since it already has inbuilt firewall functionality. But I am confused on what to do...since the Thin-clients do not have storage devices, they only get resources from the SERVER through the Terminal or Remote Desktop Interface, and probably, the NICs on the thin-clients might not support 1000Base T.

How do I run this kind of network for this amount of users? Please help me out. Thank you!

In addition to @Zac67's good points, consider:

• You need better specifications: How many users will be accessing the server at one time? 200 concurrent clients need a big server (maybe more than one).

• How many clients will be wireless? How big an area? You may want a controller-based wireless network.

• Will there be remote users (e.g., working from home)? How will they be connected?

• Consider if a cloud-based solution would be less expensive or at least easier to maintain than a home-grown one. All the major cloud providers offer VDI solutions.

1. The proper way to build such a network is to use a central layer-3 switch and as many access (layer-2) switches as required for the number of ports. The layer-3 switch enables you to split the network into multiple L2 segments/IP subnets and route between them. If that's not required, an L2 switch also does the job. Make sure you're setting up managed switches unless you're dead sure you won't ever need them. Feel free to add a second central switch for redundancy.

2. For the server, you'll need some requirements: a file server? SMB? NFS? capacity? a terminal server? capacity? redundancy? applications? You'll also require some kind of backup. And a UPS, of course.

3. Static addressing for 250 clients is not a good idea. The standard is to use a DHCP server. If non-dynamic addresses are required you configure reservations. Of course, you'd use static addressing for all servers, switches and firewalls.

4. To the central switch you connect a decent firewall for WAN/Internet routing. Make sure the firewall meets the requirements for bandwidth and concurrent sessions from the clients. Feel free to add a second firewall for redundancy.

5. Repeater hubs are long obsolete and cannot be bought new for more than a decade.

6. Again, define the requirements and go shopping. Make sure you calculate sufficient storage for DVR.

How do I run this kind of network for this amount of users?

E.g. MS Windows uses Active Directory to handle users and privileges.

Of course, product recommendations are explicitly off-topic here.

From the way you asking, I'd seriously recommend hiring an experienced professional. I've merely answered your question to show you the rough scope of detail questions that need answering.