Every business needs a computer network; be it a simple local area network (LAN) or a complex wide area network (WAN). Apart from its indispensability, another characteristic of modern computer networks is that they are getting increasingly complex. Your computer network is the backbone of your technology infrastructure and with every new technology or device that you add to your technology stack, you increase the complexity of your network, impacting its performance, reliability, and security.
Over the years through our blog, we have shared extensive knowledge about networks in a business environment. We have addressed topics ranging from design and implementation to security and troubleshooting, all of which are tempered with technical as well as business perspectives.
In this blog post, we have compiled all of our network-related blog posts into one single guide to give you a comprehensive view of all things related to networking in a business environment.
1 Network Design
1.1 Network Types
Computer networks can be classified in different ways but the most common method is based on the physical or geographical extent of the network. Knowing these network types helps you in choosing the one that is the right fit for your business needs.
In this post, we introduce you to the different types of networks, their use cases, and design considerations so that you can make the right choice for your office network.
1. 2 Network Topologies
The network topology you choose has long-term implications on network management, monitoring, troubleshooting, general performance, cost, and scalability of the network. Therefore it is critical that you select the right topology for your business network so that you reduce the network operational and maintenance costs, increase performance, and ensure optimal network health.
This post introduces you to the different network topologies commonly used in business environments, their advantages and disadvantages so that you can select the right one for your business.
1. 3 Network Design Guide
Computer network design for a business environment is a complex and challenging project. It requires thorough knowledge of network topology, network type, network and Wi-Fi equipment, cabling as well as business and compliance requirements. However, with careful planning, extensive research, thorough documentation, and meticulous execution, any network can be built, no matter how complex the design.
This post provides you with a step-by-step guide for designing a computer network that is optimal, cost-effective, and fulfills your business requirements.
2. Implementation
2.1 Network Build: Part 1
Building a computer network that runs efficiently in a business environment is a whole lot different than setting up a home network. In a business setting, you need enterprise-grade network equipment including routers, firewalls, switches, access points, etc.
Understanding the function of the network components helps in the effective implementation of the network. This post talks about the various network components and their functioning and business requirements to help you choose the right one for your network.
2.2 NEtwork Build: Part 2
This post talks about functional improvements that you can make to your network in order to take it to the next level.
We discuss access points, repeaters, PoE, and patch panels. In addition, we also talk about the importance of cable management and touch upon network security.
2.3 How To Build A 10Gig Network For Your Business
As more and more applications, services, and databases rely on network connectivity, the Gigabit ethernet data rate is becoming less and less efficient in fulfilling the business requirements levied on the burgeoning networks.
Keeping up with the network performance demands means that businesses need to migrate to the 10 Gigabit network. In this blog post, we introduce the basics of a 10Gig network, its core components, and how to layout your brand new 10Gig network.
3. Network Technology And Equipment
3.1 Wi-Fi 6 and 6E
Spectrum congestion is a common problem experienced by Wi-Fi users located in densely populated city spaces, especially in multi-tenant office buildings. Fortunately, the solution for this annoying problem is already available in the market in the form of Wi-Fi 6, which offers not just a congestion-free wireless spectrum but also vastly improved speed and performance.
This post addresses the common questions about Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, including their differences, advantages, disadvantages, and how to upgrade to this new wireless technology standard.
3.2 Core Network Components
Network-related problems such as choppy VoIP audio, lagging video calls, and application slowness are more often than not related to poorly selected core network components.
This post gives you a closer look at three main components, namely routers, switches, and network hubs, their function, how they work, and their key differences.
3.3 WiFi Equipment Purchase Considerations
Network equipment generally has a useful lifespan of 3-5 years, so it is never too early to start thinking about upgrading your network. But before you venture out to buy new network equipment, there are several things you need to consider.
In this post, we share a mix of business, technical, operational, and security best practices related to wireless networks.
3.4 Choosing The Right Wi-Fi Equipment
Many modern-day businesses that transition from micro to small or medium-sized businesses have predominantly wireless networks. However, the network equipment that worked well in a small business environment does not scale well as you grow.
This post shares some pointers about how you can choose the right wireless network equipment as you grow your business and your network.
3.5 A Guide To Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) play an important role in business environments by allowing organizations to better manage the ever-growing complexities of their networks. VLANs give organizations the flexibility and management capabilities that large, growing networks need.
This blog post talks about Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), how they work, their importance, types, and advantages of VLANs for businesses.
3.6 How To Configure A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
In this blog post, we will explore the topic of VLANs further providing an overview of the different ways you can configure a VLAN, connection links, and tagging.
3.6 Ethernet Cables
In a complex business network environment, a solid underlying system of network cables is necessary for ensuring a healthy and efficient network. An understanding of the different Ethernet cables, connectors, lengths, and data rates can go a long way in helping you design an efficient computer network.
This blog post is a quick starter guide to everything you need to know about Ethernet cables/network cables/LAN cables necessary for building your computer network.
4. Network Security
4.1 Network Security Basics
A variety of network-connected devices, systems, and applications make business networks highly complex. This complexity creates large attack surfaces, making the networks susceptible to malicious attacks from external threats.
To mitigate the risks of such attacks, businesses require advanced software and hardware security controls for their networks. This post shares the network security basics that you can adopt to deal with common network security threats.
4.2 Network Security Best Practices
Most security solutions focus on preventive measures. While they are essential, they cannot help you if an intruder somehow manages to get inside your network. To safeguard against such security incidents, you need to proactively identify and remediate security vulnerabilities, mitigate security risks, and improve threat detection and prevention across your network infrastructure.
And this is exactly what this post talks about.
4.3 VPN
In the above post, we briefly talked about VPN as a network security best practice. In this post, we take a deeper dive into the topic and discuss the importance of VPN, the different categories, types, benefits, and most importantly, how to choose a VPN for your business use.
4.4 Network Security Checklist
Network security is an expansive topic with an unending list of things you need to do to ensure that your network is secure from a variety of cyberattacks.
In this post, we share with you a handy checklist of network security-related action items to help you keep tabs on all that you need to do to secure your network and mitigate security risks.
5. Network Management
5.1 Network Performance Metrics
Effective network performance is necessary to support the ever-increasing demands on networks as organizations adopt new technologies, applications, and devices. Network performance measurement helps you analyze, locate, and address issues so that you can ensure optimal performance, identify bottlenecks, reallocate resources, and determine the right time to upgrade your network.
In this post, we talk about network performance and the metrics that help you monitor and analyze it.
5.2 Network Management Best Practices
Despite the growing complexities in business networks, businesses need to effectively manage and maintain their network to ensure performance as well as security. And the key to being able to do it lies in effective network management. Network management allows you to control the configurations and connectivity among devices in your network as well as control virtual nodes and applications, including their digital connections and permissions.
This post introduces you to network management, what it involves, its importance, as well as some network management best practices to help you get started with effective network management.
6. Troubleshooting Network Issues
6.1 Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Problems
Of all the IT-related issues, network connectivity problems are probably the worst. Without internet connectivity, we are not able to use any web applications or tools, thus limiting our work efficiency. In addition, without the internet, we are not able to seek solutions online or easily get IT support.
In this post, we share with you a step-by-step that will help you isolate and troubleshoot your network connectivity problem in no time so that you can get back to working productively.
6.2 Troubleshooting Network Slowdowns
No matter how well a network is designed, there will be moments when a part or whole of it breaks down causing performance or connectivity issues. The ability to quickly identify and remedy such network problems is critical if your workplace is to function at its highest efficiency and with minimal downtime.
In this post, we share with you tips that will help you troubleshoot network slowdowns and performance issues quickly and efficiently.
6.3 Signs You Need A Wi-Fi Upgrade
Poor Wi-Fi is one of those things that often takes organizations a long time to admit they have. A functioning Wi-Fi network doesn’t always mean the network is working effectively. Neglecting tell-tale signs of network and Wi-Fi issues can cause frustration and a drop in productivity.
This blog post shares with you 5 signs that give a strong indication that you need professional help with your Wi-Fi network.
6.4 6 Common Reasons For Slow Wifi And How To Fix tHEM
In spite of investing huge sums of money in Wi-Fi equipment, many businesses suffer from poor Wi-Fi connectivity. Getting to the root of Wi-Fi connectivity issues can help you take the right steps towards fixing it and helping restore flexibility and mobility at your workplace.
And that is exactly what this blog post aims to do. In the following sections, we will talk about the common reasons for slow Wi-Fi and poor connectivity at workplaces and what you can do to remedy them.
Conclusion
Networks are the foundation for everything that you build or operate. Without an efficient and high-performance network, it is not possible for businesses to operate and grow reliably in this day and age. And if you want to get the optimal network performance and a level of security that is necessary for efficient business operations, your network will need a lot of care and attention.
Designing a computer network that works efficiently, provides optimal performance, and is secure in the volatile business environment is not an easy task. However, this comprehensive guide should be enough information to help you set off on the right path.
Does your organization need help with your network? Be it network installation, maintenance, upgrade, or security we are a one-stop shop for all network-related needs. Reach out to us by clicking the button below to learn how we can help you with your network requirements.
If you liked the blog, please share it with your friends
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.