The Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up a Computer Network for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
What is an enterprise network?
The hardware and software infrastructure that links a company’s information technology systems is called an enterprise network, or corporate computer network. These could include hardware, such as phones, laptops, printers, and servers. Operating systems and other software programs used for productivity are also included in this category.
It makes it possible for users and staff to share and access resources and applications, as well as communicate across internal and external networks. The goal is to support business goals by consistently offering dependable, secure connected digital services to partners, clients, and staff.
The local area network, or LAN, is the most basic level of an enterprise system. It connects devices in a small geographic area, such as an office or building, using network cables or Wi-Fi access.
Enterprise networks come in several flavors besides LANs, such as
- Wide Area Networks, or WANs. The internet is the most prevalent example.
- Cloud Networking: In this scenario, a company’s network resources are housed on a rented cloud platform or facility that is available for on-demand access and can be managed internally or externally.
Structured Cabling
A corporate network’s cabling infrastructure is without a doubt its cornerstone. A company runs the danger of losing money and productivity on this component if it doesn’t carefully consider, plan, and anticipate the future.
Because most firms nowadays rely on business networks for day-to-day operations, except for a very limited number of organizations, structured cabling is a crucial factor to take into account.
Unprofessional cabling can cause problems for a company, such as inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage, slow data transfer speeds, and dropped calls. These inconveniences add up to wasted time, inefficiency, and poor customer service.
One of the most important factors to consider is the potential for future expansion of the firm. Once a business is up and running, it can be challenging to reconfigure the cabling infrastructure. For this reason, a business requires a solution that is easy to scale as the network grows. There are instances when it’s just not doable. The ability to add more workstations, cables, or other upgrades allows a well-designed cabling structure to be built specifically to accommodate the organization’s growth. One should always consider the possibility of improvement.
Since every business, company, and institution’s environment is unique, it would be wise for such an SMB, company, or institution to hire a network professional. This person can offer guidance on hardware, industry standards, and methods that meet the goals and budget of the firm.
Hardware Components
Considering the hardware systems that use and run a business network is the next important step in the process. These are the real tools and systems that will be doing the majority of the work; therefore, they must be given careful thought.
1. Router
A router is a device that establishes a connection between two or more networks. It is a device that connects the Local Area Network (LAN) to the internet or Wide Area Network (WAN) in an SMB environment. This enables the fleet of devices connected to the network to connect to the internet and exchange information and resources with one another.
A router can be used in a connected or wired setup, or in a wireless one. Nowadays, wireless connections are widely employed in most institutions because of their accessibility and ease of installation.
Choice of a router
Business-grade Wi-Fi routers are different from consumer-grade models in that they come with firewall systems, anti-virus software, and anti-spam features. Furthermore, a VPN server can be installed on select models, encrypting data as it travels across the network.
They offer protection to the network and reduce its susceptibility to outside threats in ways that a typical home router cannot.
Business grade routers also offer other critical advantages to a business, some of which include;
- The option of managing and controlling firewall settings on linked devices
- Prohibiting malevolent activity from a single computer or network device that could jeopardize the network as a whole
- Ability to screen out unwanted internet traffic
- Longer lifespans, implied by their higher prices and longer guarantees, since they are built of sturdier hardware and components that can withstand adverse conditions like power outages.
- Additional configuration options that could allow prioritization and control of bandwidth according to different needs and usage.
2. Network Switches
A network switch facilitates resource sharing and communication between two or more network users, devices, and applications.
Furthermore, network switches are capable of supporting virtual networks, which eliminates the need for costly, separate physical networks by allowing massive networks of linked devices to interact while separating some groups of devices from others for security concerns.
Only devices that are linked to the local area network (LAN) can be connected via the simplest LAN switches.
Unmanaged switches
Unmanaged switches are simple plug-and-play devices that don’t need complicated configuration and setup parameters. Unmanaged switches allow multiple devices to communicate with each other, which makes them a great way to expand the network. Unmanaged switches work well for meeting rooms, conference rooms, and printing or faxing stations.
Managed Switches
Managed switches provide the ability to control not only who may access the data but also how it flows through the network. This management can be applied to each port on the switch.
Because managed switches aren’t especially user-friendly for novices, SMB owners may need to engage an IT professional or engage IT management services in order to fully benefit from the security advantages of a managed switch.
For an SMB to control network traffic with ease, an entry-level managed switch or a smart switch may be the ideal choice. An organization that uses wireless networking may also think about procuring a cloud-managed switch, which would provide remote network access and management.
3. Access Points
A wireless local area network, or WLAN, is created by an access point, which also acts as a gateway for users to connect wirelessly to the network. They also increase the coverage area of a network as well as the range of endpoints and users that can connect to it.
Although there are many different kinds of access points, business-grade access points are recommended for enterprises because they include characteristics such as higher traffic handling capacity, a longer signal range, and safety features when compared to consumer-grade access points.
Range extenders are another alternative, but they have limitations. They can only support a certain number of devices, and if they’re not used correctly, they may even slow down the network.
Before purchasing wireless access points and putting in place a wireless network, an SMB may take into account a number of considerations, including:
- The building’s dimensions and design, which have a direct effect on the accessibility points’ effectiveness and range. This includes accounting for network cabling, which is similarly reliant on the design of the building.
- Network usage: The estimated total number of endpoints and users that will require access points to be connected to both currently and in the future. It’s also important to assess in advance how well the access points can withstand surges in traffic and usage.
- Security: security features must be sufficient in relation to the sensitivity of the data being transferred across the network, as the access points will be transmitting sensitive data between network users and applications.
Simpler networks can get by with just one or two plug-and-play access points installed, but larger, more complex organizations, or those with multiple departments and users, might want to think about employing an IT specialist to perform an assessment, assess the network, collect organizational data, and suggest a customized solution.
4. Firewalls
A small company network’s first line of protection against malicious attacks is a firewall. It is a network security system that monitors all incoming and outgoing network traffic and determines whether traffic, based on a predetermined set of security rules, should be allowed or blocked.
They establish a barrier between untrusted external networks and internal, managed, and secured networks.
On the company network, a firewall can be installed as software, hardware, or a mix of the two. Software firewalls can also be outsourced and cloud-hosted.
5. Server
A server is, in the simplest terms, a computer system that hosts and makes available resources, data, programs, or other services to other computers that are connected to a network (also known as clients) via that network. Any computer software or hardware that provides functionality to other applications can be referred to as a “server”.
A server helps streamline and organize an SMB’s IT management by managing software, security programs, and user access and permission processes. If there are multiple clients on the network, it can aid in boosting productivity, preventing security breaches, and recovering data in the event of a disaster.
By installing the required software, an ordinary computer that meets a set of minimal hardware requirements can be transformed into a server. This though, is not good enough to compete with a server-optimized machine, and it is can be perilous and unstable. However, it might work, particularly for small networks with low server application requirements.
Hot-swappable hardware components, like hard drives and power supply units, are a feature of servers that enable maintenance and repairs with minimal to no disturbance to workflow. In the event of a component failure, the rest of these components can keep the system operational. Additionally, because of their customized technology, they process data significantly faster than a normal desktop computer and are designed to run all the time.
File, Database, Web, Mail, and Print servers are just a few of the servers that an SMB may employ.
Although adding a server to an SMB’s network has some costs involved, overall, the benefits outweigh the initial investment. Because most SMBs lack sophisticated IT staff and the resources necessary to set up an adequate IT infrastructure, they may think that servers have no place in their networks.
6. Endpoint Devices
These are essentially gadgets that are connected to network systems, including printers, cameras, phones, POS systems, PCs, workstations, and Internet of Things devices.
Like any other piece of technology, endpoints, and PCs in particular, come in configurations that are perfect for both home and commercial use. The ability to optimize and modify hardware and software to specific needs is one of the advantages of business-grade computers. An office manager’s laptop and a field engineer’s laptop, for example, may have different specifications.
Additionally, business-grade computers are designed to withstand intense workloads and last longer than consumer-grade PCs.
Additionally, business-grade computers may come equipped with built-in security measures like fingerprint readers and encryption tools because of the nature and sensitivity of their intended use.
The largest risks to business networks, or any networks, really come from endpoint devices. Therefore, when it comes to creating and putting into practice cyber security measures, they should be the first consideration to make.
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It is impossible to overstate the advantages of an enterprise network, particularly in terms of productivity gains and the simplification of corporate processes.
A small firm with a simple network might be able to get by with just a router and sufficient Wi-Fi coverage, but as the organization grows and becomes more complex, efficiency and productivity will surely decline, which will negatively impact the bottom line.
A business owner would be wise to hire a professional networking consultant to help with everything from designing the cabling architecture and acquiring industry-standard gear to implementing and even supporting the system. In the end, a hastily constructed network with inadequate design can do more harm than benefit.
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