Whether you are starting a brand new company or your current business is in a growth phase, you will need a well-constructed office network. There isn’t any good one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to small and medium-sized organisations and their office network; you need to start with a detailed plan.
Here are some points worth considering:
Internet Connection
One of your first considerations should be how your office network will connect to the internet. You more than likely already have internet at your workplace but is it able to handle the requirements of your new office network? When it comes to broadband, there are lots of options and it is well worth it to do a little research to be sure that you have the right connectivity before you install your network.
Type of Network
There is a wide range of networks available to small businesses, and the set-up can be as simple or as sophisticated as you like. Two general networks categories are wireless networks and wired networks. The wired network runs cabling through your business to connect to a server and workstations whereas the wireless network, although deemed to be less secure and less reliable eliminates the mess of cables throughout your workspace and allows for greater connectivity for wi-fi enabled devices. In some cases, it makes sense to leverage the benefits of both types of networks.
Office Network Setup
If you are considering a basic home office network, you may be able to handle the setup by following the instructions provided with your hardware. In most cases, however, you may need professional help to meet performance and security demands especially if your office network is more complex such as a server installation.
Security
One of the most significant concerns for small businesses when it comes to networking is security. Even though wired business networks are considered to be safer than wireless ones, there are preventative measures you can take to help protect your company from any breaches. Get familiar with firewalls, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) practices and security encryption.
Ideally, your office network should be built with the care and know-how of IT experts.
