This blog post was updated on November 19, 2024
It was originally posted on April 1, 2020
How to design a better network for your small business
In our previous blog on how to build a network for a small business, we explored the essential components like modems, routers, firewalls, switches, and LAN cables (patch cables). These elements form the foundation of any business network.
However, creating a robust, efficient network requires more than just the basics. You’ll also need to consider devices such as access points, repeaters, patch panels, and the use of technologies like PoE (Power over Ethernet). Beyond hardware, effective cable management and network security are vital to maintaining a reliable, scalable network.
In this part of the blog, we’ll cover the additional components, advanced tools, and strategies you need to elevate your business network.
Additional components of a computer network
Access Points: Overcoming Wi-Fi Coverage Challenges in Your Office
Access Points (APs) are the backbone of a robust wireless network, offering an effective way to extend the reach, reliability, and performance of your office’s Wi-Fi. Acting as a bridge between your wired network and wireless devices, an AP connects to a router or switch via an Ethernet cable and broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal to designated areas.
Key Benefits of Access Points:
Broader Coverage: Access Points eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones by extending wireless signals to areas that traditional routers may struggle to cover. For example, APs can provide seamless connectivity in large office spaces, outdoor seating areas, or multi-floor buildings.
Improved Performance: Unlike basic wireless routers, APs are built to handle a high density of devices without compromising performance. This makes them ideal for businesses that rely on multiple connected devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.
Enhanced Security: Business-grade APs come equipped with advanced features like Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) encryption, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tagging, and 802.1X authentication to secure your wireless network against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Pro Tip: Optimizing AP Placement
The placement of APs significantly impacts their performance. Physical obstructions like walls, furniture, and even glass partitions can degrade the signal. To ensure optimal coverage, it’s best to consult a network professional who can perform a site survey, identify the best locations for installation, and configure APs for seamless roaming. This ensures employees can move freely without experiencing dropped connections.
Repeaters: An Affordable Solution or a Bandwidth Bottleneck?
Repeaters, also called range extenders, are devices designed to regenerate and relay Wi-Fi signals. They can be a cost-effective way to improve signal coverage, especially in small spaces or homes. However, their limitations make them less suitable for business environments.
When to Use a Repeater
Repeaters work well in limited scenarios where the goal is to enhance coverage in a compact area without significant performance demands. For instance, in a small office or a single room with weak Wi-Fi signals, a repeater can offer a quick fix.
The Drawbacks of Repeaters
Bandwidth Reduction
Repeaters operate by receiving and retransmitting signals on the same radio frequency, effectively halving the available bandwidth. This can lead to slower internet speeds and degraded performance, especially in busy office environments with multiple users.Limited Scalability
Repeaters are not designed for larger networks. Adding more repeaters can increase interference and worsen overall network performance, creating a bottleneck for bandwidth-hungry applications like video conferencing and cloud-based tools.
Why Access Points Are the Better Choice for Businesses
In professional settings, strategically placed APs outperform repeaters by providing seamless connectivity without sacrificing speed or reliability. APs enable users to roam freely across the office while maintaining uninterrupted connections, which is critical for collaborative workflows and high-bandwidth applications.
Patch Panels: Organizing and Future-Proofing Your Network
As your business grows, so does the complexity of your network infrastructure. A patch panel is an essential tool for keeping your network organized and scalable.
Why Your Network Needs a Patch Panel
Simplified Connectivity
Patch panels consolidate all network device connections into one centralized location, making it easier to manage and modify your setup. For instance, connecting a printer or a new workstation becomes a straightforward task with labeled ports.Easier Maintenance
A well-labeled patch panel streamlines troubleshooting by eliminating guesswork. Network technicians can quickly identify and resolve issues without sifting through a mess of tangled cables.Future Expansion
Patch panels make scaling your network hassle-free. Adding new devices or expanding to additional workstations can be done without disrupting the existing network or rewiring cables.
Professional Installation Matters
Patch panels are typically mounted on a network rack or cabinet, close to your switches and other core devices. Proper labeling and cable management are critical to their effectiveness, so investing in a professional setup can save time and headaches later.
Imagine an office with 50 devices connected to the network. Without a patch panel, identifying which cable connects to which device could take hours. With a patch panel, every port and cable is labeled, saving time and reducing the risk of errors during maintenance or upgrades.
Best Practices for Using Patch Panels
Label Every Connection: Clear labels on ports and cables simplify maintenance and minimize downtime during troubleshooting.
Use Quality Cables: Invest in high-quality, category-compliant cables for reliability and performance.
Plan for Growth: Choose a patch panel with more ports than you currently need to accommodate future expansion.
Further improvements to your office network
Power Over Ethernet (PoE): Simplifying Network Expansion
Power over Ethernet (PoE) revolutionizes network design by allowing Ethernet cables to carry both data and power. This technology eliminates the need for separate power sources for devices like access points (APs), IP cameras, and VoIP phones, resulting in a cleaner, more flexible setup.
Key Advantages of PoE
Simplified Infrastructure: By reducing the need for electrical outlets near devices, PoE simplifies installations, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This is invaluable in offices with open ceilings, large campuses, or outdoor spaces.
Cost-Efficient Upgrades: PoE eliminates the need for electricians to install power outlets for every device, lowering deployment costs.
Increased Reliability: Centralized power management through PoE switches ensures uninterrupted operation during power outages when paired with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Practical Applications
Consider a scenario where you want to install IP cameras in multiple office locations. With PoE-enabled cameras, you only need a single Ethernet cable for each camera to provide both data and power. This not only simplifies installation but also allows cameras to be placed wherever they’re most effective, without being tethered to power outlets.
The Future of PoE
PoE isn’t just for today’s devices. With the increasing adoption of IoT technologies, businesses are integrating more PoE-enabled smart devices like sensors, lighting systems, and thermostats. By adopting PoE now, your network will be ready for future innovations without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
Cable Management: The Backbone of a Well-Organized Network
Though often overlooked, cable management plays a crucial role in ensuring your network remains efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Why Cable Management Matters
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Tangled cables make identifying and fixing problems more difficult, leading to prolonged downtimes.
Professional Presentation: Neatly organized cables convey professionalism and make it easier to perform audits or upgrades.
Safety and Longevity: Proper cable routing reduces wear and tear, minimizing the risk of damage and accidental disconnections.
Here are a few visual examples of cable management from our network projects that show what we are talking about.
Cable Management Best Practices
Use Patch Panels
Patch panels serve as a central hub for organizing and managing network cables. They simplify connections to switches and make it easy to add or remove devices without disrupting the rest of the network.Color-Coded Cables
Color-coding cables based on their function, such as blue for data, yellow for VoIP, and red for critical systems, reduces confusion and speeds up troubleshooting.Labeling for Clarity
Label both cables and ports to ensure quick identification during repairs or upgrades. For example, tagging a cable as “Printer 3, Accounting” immediately tells engineers where it leads.Cable Bundling with Zip Ties or Velcro Straps
Keep cables bundled neatly using zip ties or Velcro straps to avoid tangling. Route these bundles through dedicated cable trays or raceways to maintain an organized layout.
Real-World Impact
Imagine a growing business that starts with five network devices but expands to fifty over two years. Without proper cable management, their network closet could become a spaghetti-like tangle, increasing troubleshooting time from minutes to hours. Good cable management practices prevent such scenarios, saving time and reducing frustration.
Implementing Network Security: Protecting Your Business Assets
Your computer network is the foundation of your business operations, but it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. Without adequate security measures, your business is vulnerable to data breaches, ransomware, and other attacks that could jeopardize your operations.
The Importance of Network Security
Financial Consequences: Cyberattacks cost businesses an average of $4.45 million per incident globally, with small businesses often bearing the brunt due to limited resources.
Reputational Damage: A breach not only impacts operations but can erode customer trust, potentially leading to long-term revenue losses.
Regulatory Compliance: Many industries require adherence to cybersecurity standards, such as GDPR or CCPA, making robust network security non-negotiable.
Essential Security Measures
Deploy Firewalls
Firewalls act as the first line of defense, blocking unauthorized access to your network while monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic.Implement Access Control
Restrict access to sensitive systems using role-based permissions to limit what employees can view or modify.Secure Wireless Networks
Use WPA3 encryption for WiFi and establish separate guest networks to protect your main network from unauthorized access.Regular Software Updates
Outdated firmware and software are prime entry points for hackers. Establish a routine for applying updates and patches to all network devices.
If you’d like to dive deeper into network security, check out our other resources:
Planning for Growth: Future-Proofing Your Network
Business networks must evolve alongside your operations. Planning for scalability ensures your network remains effective as your team and technology requirements grow.
How to Future-Proof Your Network
Invest in Scalable Hardware
Choose modular switches, PoE-enabled devices, and cloud-managed systems that can adapt to growing user loads.Plan for Additional Devices
Assume your network will need to support double the current number of devices within a few years. Design your infrastructure with this in mind.Centralize Management
Adopt centralized monitoring and management tools that allow you to oversee your network remotely and address issues quickly.
Key Takeaways: Build a Network That Grows with You
Enhancing your office network goes beyond basic connectivity. By embracing advanced technologies, structured organization, and forward-thinking planning, you can build a network that supports your business’s growth and success.
Here’s a quick summary:
Simplify and Scale with PoE: Reduce installation complexity and prepare for future IoT integrations.
Organize with Cable Management: Ensure efficiency, reliability, and professionalism in your network setup.
Protect with Robust Security: Guard against cyber threats to maintain business continuity.
Plan for Growth: Invest in scalable solutions to accommodate your business’s evolving needs.
With these strategies in place, you’ll not only meet your current networking requirements but also ensure your infrastructure is ready for whatever the future holds.
Here are some more related resources that might find useful:
5 Things You Need to Know Before Upgrading Office WiFi Equipment
7 Things You Need to Know About Small Business WiFi Networks
Is your office network fast, efficient, and secure? Do you need professional help to manage the complexities and nuances of your network? Reach out to us by clicking the button below to schedule a consultation with our network experts.
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About The Author
Hari SubediMarketing Manager at Jones IT
Hari is an online marketing professional with a focus on content marketing. He writes on topics related to IT, Security, Small Business, and Mindfulness. He is also the founder and managing director of Girivar Kft., a business services company located in Budapest, Hungary.