Every office needs adequate networking infrastructure to allow employees access to essential digital services. This even applies to smaller commercial premises, and indeed it is perhaps even more crucial in this context for up-and-coming companies that want to compete with the big boys. If you are lost at sea when it comes to network installation, here are some steps you’ll need to go through to get the best outcome.
Before you can start the network installation in an office, you need to know what resources are required to make it viable and practical. This means asking the following questions. How many users does it need to serve? How many devices will be connecting simultaneously? What types of connections do you use? Which other on-premises IT assets are necessary?
Once you know this information, consider plotting out each room of your office for the network installation. Place things like wired and wireless access points in logical positions. Refer to the locations of desks and the amount of coverage you require.
This assumes that you are starting from scratch. However, if your office already has existing networking infrastructure, it’s a case of determining which elements are still fit for purpose. And, which will need to be upgraded or replaced outright.
During this stage, it’s helpful to get expert advice. This is where IT services providers like USWired come into play. Having experts on hand to provide support and advice regarding all your IT assets, including networking, is handy throughout. This can streamline network installation. Additionally, it gives you the means to solve problems as and when they arise. Therefore, minimizing the impact of outages.
The two key components in a compact network are the router and the switch. The first is to link devices to the network. Whereas, the latter provides the underpinnings for the network. It also acts as a gateway to the internet.
If you are working out of one room with only a handful of users on-site at any one time, a router may meet your needs. As soon as you start factoring in several rooms or larger spaces with five or more users, switches will be a requirement.
Choosing business-grade networking equipment is sensible. Luckily, there are lots of commercial quality routers out there. No to mention, cost-effective switches that will get the job done without costing the earth.
You won’t be able to get online if you don’t have an internet service provider on hand to open up the world of the web to your small business.
As with the equipment, you’ll be better off picking a business package rather than one for consumer use. This is because the rigors of commercial-level connectivity are more intensive. There are lower tolerances for downtime, as above, so signing up for a deal for organizations rather than individuals in a domestic setting will be better value for money. Especially in the long run.
Once you have got all the pieces of your small business’ network puzzle in place, the final step is to make sure it’s working. Ensure the network installation is capable of delivering the performance you need reliably.
Tracking connection speeds on different devices and in different locations around the premises will ideally pick up on any problem spots. It is crucial to test this before they become an annoyance in day-to-day operations.
Likewise, with the aid of an IT support services provider, you don’t need to have an expert on your permanent team. Instead, you can call on the pros as and when you need them to keep your new network afloat.
