A local area network in your office would let resources be shared easier. All the components you’ll need to set one up are discussed.
Network Type
What type of network would you be installing? There are three main types; wired, wireless, and hybrid. Each of them has its own benefits. To help you decide on an option, make a note of the speeds you’d need as well as how far the devices in the network would be.
Wired networks can transfer data up to 10- 1000 Mbps. The cables attached would, of course, affect the transfer speed. Gigabit Ethernet cables are the best; you’d get speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
A wireless network would provide network speeds of up to 10-600 Mbps. However, the speed would be slower than wired counterparts, but interference would be a genuine issue.
Hybrid networks would make use of wired and wireless components. You’ll need special hybrid routers, hubs, and switches.
Internet
The bandwidth you’re getting depends on the internet connection you have. Work with your Internet Service Provider to get a connection that would work the best for your network.
Router
A router is central to any computer network. It would be how the devices in it access the internet. There are countless routers available. That’s why you’d be able to find ones specifically for businesses. They’d be the most reliable.
A business-grade option would not only have anti-virus and anti-spam features, but it would let you set up virtual private networks.
Your ISP would most likely offer the device. Tell them your data needs to get the best one. If the ISP doesn’t offer a router, several other businesses do.
Cable Type
If you’re going to be using a wired network, the first thing you have to do is connect the ethernet cables to the hub and the devices in your network.
There are two main cables to decide from—ethernet cables, as mentioned or fiber-optic ones. The best one for you depends on your budget. Fiber optic ones are pricier. However, you’ll get the fastest speeds. The chances of your connection being affected by interference would be lower, too – optic cables would transfer data through light, not electricity.
You may need a lot of ethernet ports. You need to purchase network switches then. If setting up is an issue, popular options like the Aruba 2930M JL320A switch would be ideal. There are tons of guides online.
Server Storage
The server would be a computer that acts as the central repository for the resources shared amongst the network. How much storage you’d have depended on hard drive installed. HP-hard drives are the best. Many think they’re pricey, but the HP hard drive price isn’t too bad.
Firewall
To ensure that you prevent malicious software from spreading through your network, install a firewall. Unless you’ve installed one, it would be a bad idea to disable Windows Firewall; you’d make your network very vulnerable.
There are all kinds of firewalls to download. Go with one from a reputed company.
