Network setup for small businesses has evolved significantly with the advent of SaaS (software as a service) and the shift towards hybrid work environments.
Traditional networks, once focused solely on interconnecting office computers, now support numerous internet-connected devices for varied purposes, including video conferencing, cloud-based applications, and collaborative online tools.
When building a network today, it’s important to consider the varied and dynamic nature of these interactions and the range of devices that facilitate them.
Let’s explore the modern landscape of network setup and understand the best practices for small business IT network setup.
Understanding Your Needs before a Network Setup
The first step in network setup for any small business is understanding your specific needs. Start by asking yourself:
- What apps are core to your business?
- How many people will work in your office? How many guests?
- Do employees or guests bring their own devices to the office?
These questions will help inform the design of an efficient network setup. For more guidance on developing a comprehensive IT strategy, check out our blog post.
Technical Requirements
Once you have a clear understanding of your business needs, it’s time to consider the technical requirements. This includes determining the bandwidth requirements for your daily operations. Network bandwidth is the maximum data transfer capacity of any network at any given time.
A traditional network of servers and desktop PCs or Macs will have very different bandwidth considerations compared to a modern SaaS and cloud-first business.
Ensuring your network can handle business activities such as video conferencing, large file downloads, and streaming without lag is crucial for maintaining efficiency.
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Modern Network Setup Considerations
Every business is unique, and so are its networking requirements. The rise of SaaS and hybrid work models has dramatically changed what businesses need from their networks. The modern network setup aims to ensure seamless connectivity with cloud-based services and remote access for a distributed workforce.
Key Considerations for Network Setup
- Core Applications: Identify the critical applications that drive your business.
- Device and Bandwidth Requirements: Assess the number and types of devices connecting to your network and their bandwidth needs.
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Plan for employees and guests bringing their own devices to the office.
Tailoring your network setup to these evolving needs is the first step towards a future-proof business.
Essential Equipment for Network Setup
When building a small office network, the two most essential pieces of equipment you will need are switches and routers. Though they look similar, these devices perform different functions within a network.
What is a Switch?
Switches facilitate the sharing of resources by connecting all the devices in a small business network, including computers, printers, and servers.
Thanks to the switch, these connected devices can share information and communicate with each other, regardless of their location within a building or campus. Building a small business network is not possible without switches to tie devices together.
What is a Router?
Just as a switch connects multiple devices to create a network, a router connects multiple switches and their respective networks to form an even larger network.
These networks may be in a single location or across multiple locations. When building a small business network, you will need one or more routers.
In addition to connecting multiple networks together, the router also allows networked devices and multiple users to access the Internet.
Ultimately, a router works as a dispatcher, directing traffic and choosing the most efficient route for data packets to travel across a network. A router connects your business to the world, protects information from security threats, and even decides which devices have priority over others.
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Tips for a Successful Network Setup
Setting up a small business network requires careful planning and consideration of both current and future needs. Here are some tips to help ensure your network is robust, scalable, and efficient:
- Consider Business-Grade Equipment: Consumer or home-networking products won’t deliver the reliable communications your small business needs or keep pace as your business grows.
- Invest in Scalability: With a network designed to grow over time, you can add new features and functionality, such as video surveillance, integrated messaging, wireless applications, and voice over IP (VoIP), as you need them.
- Ease of Use: Technology should help you work more efficiently, not take time away from critical projects. Look for switches and routers that are easy to install, use, and manage.
- Design for Reliability and Redundancy: Ensure your network has the business continuity you need to recover quickly from unplanned events. This includes having backup systems in place to keep your network running smoothly.
Brick and Mortar Considerations
For businesses that rely on physical locations, such as retail and healthcare, setting up a network in a physical space involves some additional considerations.
These factors are crucial for ensuring a reliable and efficient network in a brick-and-mortar environment.
#1. Approved Vendor Lists (AVLs)
Many retail or office leases now have AVLs, limiting tenants to specific vendors for services such as internet. This can include internet service providers (ISPs) and low-voltage providers. If a high-voltage provider is required, inquire about the possibility of bringing one in.
#2. Fiber Connection Timelines
The average time to get a proposal for a fiber connection is approximately 90 days. Failing to include network planning in your office build-out can leave your employees without internet on opening day.
#3. Network Closet Access
In many offices, access to the building’s network closet is heavily restricted and requires advanced scheduling. This can add considerable time to your build-out plan if not considered during the design phase.
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Ready to Build a Robust Network?
We hope this has got you thinking about some key considerations for building a robust network. At Interlaced, we understand that a strong network is more than just connectivity; it’s a foundation for growth and efficiency.
Our network support services are designed to help you build and maintain a network that not only meets your current needs but also anticipates future trends.If you need assistance with building and designing your network, chat with our experts today. Our expertise lies in crafting networks that not only meet your current needs but also anticipate future trends.
