How do I hook up these servers to my computer?

Question

Ok, here is some background information.

I need to hook 2 servers to my computer. One of them being a Dell Poweredge 2800 and the other being a Dell Poweredge 2900. (Both of them are tower servers.)

I have no experience in servers, nor how to hook them up, but I need information from them.

I'm trying to hook it up to my Dell Optiplex 745.

Are there any specific wires I need, or anything else?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The easy answer to this question is to get regular ethernet patch cables and a switch.  Hook them all up to the switch and they will talk.  The big thing is not getting them to talk, but getting to the data once they are hooked up.  Depending on what role the server had, this could be very difficult.  You will need to know any account information like administrator passwords or any domain passwords etc.  Typically a server machine will have much higher security than a normal desktop pc.

Answer 2

Short Version- (assuming you have the rights to get into the server you can turn them on and then hook them up to any router or switch to access the information on them, as long as the info you are asking for YOU have rights to it.

Let me know, and good luck!

Don

Answer 3

Wow - I think you are in for a long day.

The hassle will not be physically connecting the machines, but setting up the server OS so that you can access the files.

Here is how I would start.

Get a wired router at an office supply or computer store. All you'll need is a wired router, so that should set up up for about $40

OK, you have your router. Connect the 3 computers like this

LAN Port #1 >> Server #1

LAN Port #2 >> Server #2

LAN Port #3 >> Your Computer

Leave the router settings at default. All computers need to be set up to obtain the IP address automatically

Once connected, access the router setup pages using your browser (Look in the router manual for detailed instructions)

In the DHCP list you will see the IP addresses that the router assigned all 3 computers.

From your computer click start>run>enter "cmd" in the box and click OK

A DOS window will pop up. Use the ping command "ping x*x.x*x.x*x.x*x" to check the connection between the computers. where x*x.x*x.x*x.x*x is the IP address shown in the router for the computer you are trying to reach.

Once you have confirmed that all computers can see each other on the network, you will have to configure your servers to give you access to the files.

I hope you have the administrator passwords

Good Luck