instructions for setting up network

Can anyone steer me to detailed networking instructions? I admit I am a novice. I've read alot about networking, and I set up a 3 computer network at my house with a router with no issue, but I'm trying to take my knowledge to a slightly larger scale.

I am having issues with a peer-to-peer network I have set up for my brother. He has 5 PC's running Windows XP; an HP all-in-one running through a Keyspan USB server; and an Oki 5150n printer (has an internal print server) connected via ethernet. He has Verizon business DSL with a dynamic IP address running through a Westell modem. I put a Linksys BEFSX41 router in to share the DSL to all PC's. I also put in a Linksys EZXS88W switch. I have two PC's, the switch, and the Keyspan server connected to the router. I have the other 3 PC's and the oki printer connected to the switch. I plan to add a wireless adapter and a wireless tablet PC to the network.

I had everything up and running, but then the PC's connected to the switch were crashing. I uninstalled everything and set up the network again. It worked for two days before he lost internet connection (and connection to the rest of the network). Powering down the modem and and router got it back. He lost connection again, but powering down did not bring it back up this time.

I think I'm missing some settings in setting it up, and if I get detailed instructions I get get it up and stable. Does anyone have advice? Thanks.

 

How many computers (and printers) is that total on the network? Peer-to-peer is only effective for up to 10 computers, then you should get a server and go with a domain.

Is the router configured properly? Does the network work without the switch (connect a computer to the router)? Are you using staight through cables on the switch?

How about if you isolate the switch (disconnect it from the router), can you get a private P2P network up (you will have to change the TCP/IP settings from dynamic to static)?

 

May be this can Help: Link to: DSL Routers and PPPOE.

 

Thanks for the input. I double checked my router setup with Verizon and my Okidata printer setup with Okidata. I had some things set wrong in the printer setup (this was my first time installing an "ethernet" connection printer). Everything seems ok now. I'm hoping to NOT get any calls this week.

 

I spoke too soon...I worked on the network yesterday. I verified that I set up the router correctly with Verizon. I also verified that I installed the Okidata printer correctly. I had the network up and running again, with all PC's getting internet connection. And I tested printing to the Oki printer from 3 of the 5 PC's. Everything was working fine. I got a call today that they have no internet connection. I have the Windows XP "peer to peer network" option installed. Should I since I have the router? Is this causing a conflict? I have the office manager verifying with Verizon that there is not a problem on the DSL line. Maybe it is a bad router...Thanks.