I’d like to build a small LAN network with two PCs, a NAS and a server for demo app deployment. Based on the vague idea I have, it should minimally look like this:

Diagram of what I am trying to build

(the arrows represent Ethernet cables) The problem is: I’d like to connect both of my PCs to:

  • (a) the internet
  • (b) my NAS
  • © my server

However, the Mac mini has only 1x port, so I need something between the cables and the machine. I could install other Ethernet ports on the Workstation, but it depends what the other option is.

Thank you in advance!!

  • what_comes_after_q@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    This is an unusual home network topology. This would be something like a distribution layer, so a and b would be something like a multilayer switch. This would only really be for something like load balancing or redundancy, and isn’t really a home network topology. I guess the question is really, what are you trying to do? If the answer is just dick around with network stuff, a switch is what you need. If you are trying to set up a normal home lab network, I would drop them as other commenters have shown.