A single computer (either a desktop or laptop) is all that is required to create a small business IT environment. As business requirements increase, so must the selection of the right IT technology. The infrastructure and security measures must be updated as the business grows and adds users to the system.
Let’s begin with adding new employees or users to the network. The majority of modems provided by an internet service provider (ISP), only provide a small number of circuits for direct connection to the modem. This is usually 5-8 circuits. There is a limit on how many connections can made to a wireless modem without wiring if not all workstations are located within range of the modem. Wireless connectivity can be hampered by metal structures. The ISP may limit the number connections that can be made before the network performance is negatively affected.
ROUTERS/SWITCHES
If the number of ports available on the modem is exceeded by the direct connection, then it is time to consider how to expand the network. Multiport switches and routers are used to accomplish this.
A router, which is borrowed from Google, is a network device that transmits data packets among computer networks. Routers are responsible for traffic directing functions over the internet. Data packets are used to send data over the internet such as emails or web pages. A packet is usually forwarded through networks that make up an internetwork (e.g. It is then forwarded to its destination node via the networks that make up an internetwork (e.g. It has two main functions. First, it forwards data packets to the intended IP addresses and secondly, it allows multiple devices to use one internet connection.
A network switch, borrowed from Google, connects devices in a network (often called a local area network orLAN) and forwards data packets between and among those devices. The ISP modem’s incoming signal is transmitted to the switch. However, the switch provides expansion ports and limits the traffic that can be sent across its circuits. Configuration of the router or switch is what allows this to happen. These are the factors to consider when calculating the number of ports required to connect to a network:
- Number of users
- Number of on-premises internal servers
- There are many network-attached storage devices
- Number of peripheral devices (printers and scanners, barcode readers, labelers, etc.).
- Number of Voice over IP phones devices
- There are many expansion switches
These five factors will help you determine the number of switches needed based on location and port count. Strategic placement of switches can help with maintenance and control the cost of wiring in each location. The location also has an impact on the size of the switch. There are many sizes of switches, from 2 port switches to more than 128 ports. Switches can have 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48 ports, as well as 64 or 64 ports.
Consider the total bandwidth when choosing switches
Modern switches can handle 10 megabits, 100 megabits, and 1 gigabit. The bandwidth purchased through an ISP and the loading requirements on the ISP’s business side of the modem will determine the selection. It would not be a good idea to purchase bandwidth from an ISP that is lower than your business needs. This will only result in poor performance for all users.
Last, consider the number of circuits that need power through the ethernet connection. POE circuits enable devices to receive power via the network cable, without needing an AC power cord. This is common for VoIP (network phones), and wireless access points (WAPs). POE circuits can be found in more expensive switches, but they reduce the cost for in-house electrical wiring.
The ISP modem and router, as well as the switch(es), are the main components of small business network infrastructure. These devices allow information to flow between desktop computers and laptops as well as mobile devices and tablets. Next, we need to think about the security components that will control traffic through the network’s business side. In the next article, we will explore the various layers of security that are required or optional.
Designing an Effective IT Solution was first published on Attorney at Law Magazine.