How To Setup a Network System For Small Businesses?

Network systems are integral for the functioning of any business. In a business environment, there are people within and outside the office, who need to regularly communicate as part of the business. To ensure the value and standards of your business, this communication should be flawless. To have the perfect communication between employees and clients, you need a trustable network that can communicate information not only between people but also between various devices like servers, computers, work stations, Fax machines, IP phones, printers, etc.

Setting up a network system for small businesses can be easy by having a basic idea about the devices involved in it. Let us have a look at these.

Router

A router is a device that joins or connects multiple networks together. It is a crucial device for any kind of network system. It has a CPU, memory, and input/output interface. A router finds the best route for data transmission. Traditionally, routers were only used in business environments. But now, they are also used in homes to set up minor systems. Anyway, business routers will have a built-in firewall along with anti-spam and anti-virus features.

Wireless routers are more popular and have an average range of 100 feet. For increasing the range, you may need additional access points. According to the devices in your network, you may choose the routers that suit it. For sending large multimedia files, an ethernet connection can be used. While wireless networks are easy to install and maintain, wired networks are more secured.

Switch

 Another important component of a small network system is a switch. It connects devices like laptops, workstations, servers, or printers within the same network and facilitates communication and data transfer. There are two types of switches – managed and unmanaged. Unmanaged switches can be added to the network directly, but managed switches need configuration. They also offer some security and other features that can be configured remotely and locally.

Now, it may seem that a switch and a router perform the same function. While a router can send data between different networks, the function of a switch is restricted within a single network system.

Firewall

A Firewall is generally software that restricts hazardous data packages to get inside a private network from the public space and vice versa. It is considered the most important element of network security. Host-based firewalls and network-based firewalls are the two main types of firewalls. They allow you to configure custom security policies and rules to encrypt network traffic. With the help of firewalls, you can make your office networks free from viruses and other malicious online attacks.

Choosing Your Small Business Network System

 Very often you may mistake a small server for a desktop computer. But both are completely different. Desktop computers are designed for managing simple tasks like preparing word documents, sending emails, browsing, etc. But small servers can do much more complex tasks like database management, printer services, transferring files and folders, setting VPN, and much more.

While choosing a network system for your business, the real question is, what are your requirements?

Cloud-based servers are more popular and are getting cheaper with time. But for small businesses, on-site servers are mostly recommended, which are very secure and cost-effective. There are several networking companies in UAE whom you can contact for better assistance.

While choosing network systems, support and scalability are also to be considered. Make sure that the servers you choose can be easily updated with CPU, RAM, and other components. A perfect system will also have a very low support cost, with simplified maintenance and critical support.

Thus, network systems for small or medium-level businesses can be easily set up with the help of the right devices and strategies. Make sure that the one you choose fulfills all your requirements.