Setting up a small business computer network helps businesses cut costs and increase workflow efficiency by allowing workers to share common resources and devices; such as broadband Internet, printers, files, documents and file storage resources. When set-up properly, WiFi will simply work so you won’t have to regularly log into your equipment to adjust settings, but in the event that support is required, it’s important to be able to log into your equipment and quickly address issues, so that business operations can continue. This equipment, while cheaper, is not really meant to be used for environments with more than a few connected devices and the wireless signals typically don’t reach past 1,000 square feet. Site survey results lay the foundation for your IT plan. Think about regular software updates for your PCs, as well as having a policy for monitoring your critical network equipment. An appropriate small business network design is important for business owners. That's why your small business network setup is essential if you want your workers to be as productive as possible. The remaining hard drive will be just as old and have gone through the exact same use as the one that just failed. If you’re planning a large WiFi network setup, these 8 tips will help you make the most of your your technology and investment. It’s just as important, if not more important, to protect your network from internal threats as it is to defend against external intruders. Having a pencil and paper allows me to create a rough sketch of the office and what we will need before we purch… Once your network is installed, you need to consider how you're going to maintain it. Business owners often make the mistake of using WiFi access points meant for a home for their businesses. But actually, it is not that simple. A wired network will offer you more speed consistency for your business devices. Part of your maintenance plan should include deciding when it's best to repair, upgrade, or replace your equipment. Using multiple SSIDs to separate guests, employees and other wireless users helps to maintain security, QoS and manage bandwidth. It may seem counterintuitive, but your small business wireless network setup is actually very much dependant on a solid wiring plan. “I think the biggest thing for us was just planning it … Security is priority No. Small networks may also have wireless access points (possibly built into the router) and IP phones. Posted by Joyce | Aug 31, 2019 | Small Business Magazine | Contents. Allow yourself a network that can scale up with you. You might not need to buy a router for your internet connection, as your business internet service provider might provide one to you. If a business is just deploying wireless, it is best to do upfront research and planning to ensure that the network runs well from the get-go. Having wireless access points also allows you to set up a guest WIFI network. WiFi is the heart of a large or small business, working tirelessly to power daily operations. Your computer network is the backbone of productivity in your office. After all, would you rather pay once and have everything go right or constantly pay to avoid suffering through a weak office WiFi network? As a small business owner, you might have already started looking into small business network design best practices and infrastructure basics only to find a lot of instances where switches and routers are mentioned but not fully explained.A switch is a device that connects multiple devices into a network by allowing them to communicate with each other. Wireless routers have a built-in wireless access point serving Wi-Fi. Printer Sharing Storage, collaboration and communication tools, security firewalls. Many access points can be powered using POE (power over Ethernet) switches and, therefore, will not require separate power adaptors or electrical line runs. An infrastructure or Basic Service Set wireless network increased. Cloud-based services will have an impact on your initial network design. Some access points can work using a mesh … What exactly does your computer network need to offer you and your workers? Server Monitoring. Contact us now for a free consultation! For example, a computer, a printer, a server, a surveillance system, and a scanner might all be connected to a switch. A catalyst to productivity, an exceptional WiFi network is a key element of any small business wireless network setup. It’s an essential part of the site survey process. When shopping for your WiFi equipment and other network hardware, look for items that are easily managed. In such cases, call companies like Made By WiFi. 1 for wireless networks When considering setting up a wireless network for your small business, or improving the setup of your business’s current network, security must always be the top priority. A wireless router is designed for small office. They found that the average cost of repairing outdated PCs was estimated to be $1500 a year per PC. Copyright © 2020 Made by WiFi Inc. Once you have all the above necessary equipment, you can start setting up your small business network by using the following smart steps: Step 1: Install a Wireless Router A small office or home network is incomplete without a router. Consider replacing your hardware every few years, as it may prove more cost effective. 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