Help me plan my home network

Hardware Hub Networking
1

Here is what I have so far:

 

Hardware:

Switch: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200_331&products_id=14362

Server:

CPU: Intel Xeon E3 1245 v2: $325 - Pccase gear


Mobo: Intel DBS1200BTSR: $225 - Scorptech

Ram: Kingston KVR13R9S4/4I 4gb ecc: $69 - Scorptech

PSU: Corsair CX-500w Modular 80+Bronze: $99 - Pccase gear

Storage: WD red 3TBx4: $636 - Pccase gear

OS: Western Digital RE4 500GB: $95 - Pccase gear

WHS: Windows home server 2011 64bit oem: $79 - Ebay

Not sure about which NIC to get for the server. I need one which allows connection teaming so that the speed won't get saturated. (I'm indending this server for 5 people to use simultaneously aswell as potentially using it to host a game server) Also not 100% sure on the OS but I'm leaning towards WHS. I also need a recomendation for a good reliable cable modem. Probably going to need a raid card if the onboard sata isn't good enough. In terms of raid configuration I was thinking raid 5. Also need a decent case for the mATX form factor atleast 5 drive bays. 

Router:

CPU/MOBO: ASUS E45M1-M-PRO MB: $145 - Scorptech

Ram: Corsair VS2GB1333D3 2GB: $29 - Scorptech

PSU: Corsair VS350: $49 - Pccase gear

Network Cards: Intel Dual Port Gigabit Server Adapter: $175 - Scorptech

Also looking to get a wireless card but according to this page https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AojFUXcbH0ROdHgwYkFHbkRUdV9hVWljVWl5SXkxbFE&hl=en#gid=0 I need a card with either an Aetheros or Marvell 802.11 N driver.

Also going to pick up a small hard drive and a cheap case to try to keep the cost down.

Cables:

Going to pick up a 100m bulk role of cat 6 cable and make my own lengths using Qain's guide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lullzS740wI

 

Overall I want this network to be reliable, long lasting and not get saturated when multiple people (5+) are using it.



 

2

This, my friend, is damn near perfect.  My only suggestion, at all, would be using something like AMD APU's for my server.  I dont imagine you would use all the power of the Xeon and such as that is probably a server used for about 50+ users.  But if you got the money and your not worried about the electric bill, go for it.

3

I would not use a TP-Link switch, other than being absolute sh!t they do not function to well and I've only had problems when I do encounter them.

I'd go on ebay and look for a second hand gigabit switch from say Cisco, HP, Dell. You will then be able to get a managed switch much cheaper than the TP-link.

 

As for the server NIC not getitng swamped. If you do go on ebay and look for a switch. Get one with SFP connectors. With those you can easily pick up the nesasary adapters to use 4Gb Fibre. I say 4Gb as they tend to be much cheaper and the switches that support upto 4Gb tend to be much cheaper. Yes you could push for a higher bandwidth, but it tends to be exponentially more expensive. If you need more than 4Gb you could use two cards in the server and bond those to make an effective 8Gb bandwidth.

Again if you just wanna use copper though. Look on ebay for some dual/quad port NICs.

Other than those suggestions, All looks good.