When building your business for the first time, you may encounter a lot of problems—the internet being slow, keeping up orders, and more. You may even have problems with data storage and proper communications if you’re not really well-versed in technology. In that case, it’s easier to consult a professional on the steps you need to take to tackle this issue.
Before tackling a good setup for your small business network, it’s important to know what kind of hardware you will need to make this happen. This will ensure that you will be able to access your data from anywhere, do remote work, have a low operating cost, and maintain effective communication. As it is the century of technologies, having high level and modern products in your office is essential for your business. You need to fill your office space with all the necessary office equipment for improving your company’s operations and allow your staff to work more efficiently.
Table of Contents
Ideal Equipment for Small Businesses
Router
Buying a router will enable communication from your local network to other connected devices and the internet. Think of this as your other firewall from intrusion into a network. Routers find the best and fastest way for data travel. Setting up a router will establish security and set up computer priority and standards.
This is definitely your top priority in making your small office network effective. Routers have their own CPU, memory and I/O interface, and the memory has embedded operating systems or firmware. Most business-grade routers have a built-in firewall with antispam and even antivirus features.
The most ideal router you can go for is the wireless version, which allows a range of 100 feet. However, if you send large media files on a daily basis, consider getting an Ethernet connection since it’s more stable.
Switch
This is another nifty device that connects dozens of units so they will be able to exchange files and communicate effectively. This gadget also allows multiple devices like servers, workstations, laptops, or printers to be connected to the same network. There are different features for switches as well; they can be managed or unmanaged.
The unmanaged one doesn’t need to be configured and can be added to the network as soon as it has been unboxed. The managed one needs to be configured, and it’s packed with awesome features that will help you manage your business and increase security in file sharing. Compared to routers, the switch is only limited to communication within the same network.
Firewall
This is your line of defense from the outside world: it filters out the malicious data packages and prevents it from entering the private network and vice versa. There are different kinds of firewalls: host-based and network-based firewalls. There’s hardware available too.
This is important to protect your server from viruses and spam that may damage your data and compromise private customer information.
Here Is How You Establish the Best Foundation for a Small Office Network
Aside from gathering the best router, switch, and other gadgets for your business, you need to keep these in mind when establishing your own small office network:
- Always invest in business-grade switches and routers for effective and stable communication between units. Since there is probably a lot of data being received and sent everyday, average consumer products or home networking products can’t keep up with the demand and data volume.
- Go for an investment that will grow over time so that, when needed, you will be able to add the features you like and functionality needed. Consider high-tech gadgets like integrated messaging, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), video surveillance, and wireless applications.
- Go for routers or switches that can be easily installed, managed, and removed when needed. The ideal switch would be switched with in-line power to allow other equipment, like the wireless access points, to be installed whenever there’s a network wall jack.
This will cut off your expenses effectively as there will be no need for additional electrical outlets or extra wires to power these devices.
- When setting up your network, always remember that you need a network that is designed with reliability and redundancy. When unforeseen things happen to your business, you will be able to recover and continue as soon as possible.
When creating a reliable connection for your business, make sure you search for the ideal services that can help you improve your services. By going for business-grade equipment instead of consumer-grade ones, you will be able to safeguard your data and customer information through your own small office network setup.
