A computer network is the backbone of your investment as it allows you and your workers to share critical data and other resources within your company thus enhancing your workflows and productivity–but you can only enjoy these benefits if you design an effective computer network.
So, how do you design a good computer network for your small business?
Designing a Small Business Computer Network
First, you need to understand the overall computer network design cost so that you can come up with a practical budget. The cost of designing your computer network will depend on several factors, including the type of network you want to design, the tools you need, and the network designers you hire.
Designing a business computer network is quite different from designing a domestic network because the former is quite complex and presents numerous security challenges. Therefore, you should hire a qualified, skilled, and experienced computer network designer to design your network.
Luckily, you can now find reliable and experienced computer network designers on Guru–the leading freelance job site in the world. Many of the network design consultants for hire listed on this platform are highly skilled and willing to work remotely to save you the cost of setting up an expensive office for them. This will significantly lower the overall cost of your project.
Once you’ve found the right computer network designers and have agreed on the charges, your next task is to figure out the key elements of your computer network and how much they’ll cost. These include basic hardware and software components of a computer network.
Here is what you’ll need to set up your small business computer network:
Router
Your computer network requires a router to transfer packets of information between devices. For instance, it transfers information from the Internet to your computers. This information comes from the switch to the router through the internet cables and then it’s distributed to different devices by the router.
This is how your computers and mobile phones connect to the internet. You can either buy your own router or ask your internet service provider (ISP) to come with one when they’re connecting your company to the internet.
The type of router you buy depends on the number of devices in your network. If you have more than twenty devices connected to your network, go for a commercial-grade router. You should also invest in a high-end router if you plan to increase the number of users in the future.
Switch
A switch is a device that enables devices in your network to connect and share data. Because your business computer network will comprise various devices including computers, printers, scanners, Voice over Internet (VoIP) devices, and Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices, you’ll need a switch to connect them to create a network.
There are three main types of switches that you can choose for your small business computer network, managed, unmanaged, and smart switches. A managed switch allows you to control its operation. For instance, you can configure it to control internet consumption.
An unmanaged switch is the most basic type of network switch and the simplest to use because it doesn’t require any form of configuration–you just plug and play. A smart switch automatically detects Wi-Fi and mobile data connections. It also prioritizes these connections depending on their security, speed, and signal strength.
Firewall (Software and Hardware)
Your computer network is as good as its security protocols, which is why you need to invest in a good firewall. This is a security system designed to prevent unauthorized access to your network. In short, a firewall is a gatekeeper–it controls the incoming and outgoing traffic, ensuring that only authorized users have access to your network.
Although your devices may be protected by built-in firewalls and antivirus programs, your entire network needs a dedicated firewall as an additional layer of security. For your business network, choose a firewall with advanced security features like a virtual private network (VPN), web filters, and Remote Access.
Cables and Cords
If you’re setting up a wired computer network, you need patch cables, patch cords, and LAN cables. These cables are responsible for transferring enough bandwidth to different access points. Without this bandwidth, your Wi-Fi will be extremely sluggish.
For LAN cables, go for Cat6 cables because they meet the latest cable standards. With these cables, you can connect different devices, including PCs, printers, scanners, IP cameras, etc. This frees the bandwidth from wireless devices like laptops and cell phones.
Finally, allow your computer network designers to set up your network. The success of your project depends on the level of skill and experience of your network designers. So, go for the best from Guru!
