The technology network infrastructure is the backbone of your business, whether you operate a start-up or a large corporate organization. Selecting the proper network devices and equipment is essential to keeping your company up to date and running smoothly.
If you have a small office space, you must be careful about choosing your individual network components and make sure you have strong network security. At the very least, you’ll need adequate cabling, high-performance routers, and some reliable switches to connect your devices and keep your network operation going.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the core network components you need for a small office.
Routers
A router is essential to every network since it transfers data packets between networks without cables. In short, a router can transfer data to and from connected devices wirelessly.
Make sure to choose a router that offers good connectivity and has enough bandwidth to handle the number of devices you have in the office. Commercial routers are a great choice if you have plans to scale your business and need better connectivity.
Switches
Switches are critical foundation blocks of your small office’s network. These devices allow connected equipment to communicate and share information. For example, you want to have computers, printers, network-attached storage devices, or other equipment connected to one another and able to pass data back and forth. To establish a direct connection between these devices, you’ll need a switch.
There are two types of switches you can choose from, managed switches and unmanaged switches.
Firewalls
Your business network should have security features to undermine the efforts of hackers and other people trying to access the network without your permission. A firewall helps protect from network breaches and other security threats.
You can choose from hardware-based firewalls, software-based firewalls, and cloud firewalls, depending on the demand of your business and your budget.
SUP Engines
A supervisor engine or SUP is the brain of the switch that takes care of the control plane and other functions. Your business needs multiple SUP engines so if one engine fails, the other ensures uninterrupted network connectivity.
Line Cards
A line card provides receiving and transmitting ports for a LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network). These cards have typical circuitry built into each port of a medium or small-sized router with a fixed number of ports.
High-quality line cards boost speed and offer seamless network connectivity for all devices.
Power Supplies
Every device running on the network requires power, and you’ll need power supplies for each of them. These could be linear, switches, and battery-based power supplies. Having the right power supplies in place will ensure less downtime.
OSI Global Network Performance Solutions
Besides having the best network equipment, your business needs a reliable third-party network support and service provider, like OSI Global. Every network needs routine maintenance tasks done in order to function smoothly and reduce the risk of breaking down.
At OSI Global, we take care of common network maintenance tasks such as installation, configuration, repair, and troubleshooting network problems. We’ll also help monitor, manage, and maintain your network infrastructure to keep improving network performance and security.
Whether you need help creating network documentation or upgrading your existing network infrastructure, our team of engineers has the expertise and commitment to help.
Get a quote for your necessary network maintenance tasks or a complete network maintenance plan to meet all your business needs.