Almost every small business uses a network to share access to the Internet, printers and files from one computer to another. Although you may be tempted to Google the steps and equipment needed to set up your network, most of us have been scared straight by reports of cybersecurity breaches and network outages. This may (should) lead you to turn to experts to help you.
I’m hungry so please forgive the restaurant analogy that follows. You are the chef of your business. You are the Da Vinci of problem-solving and creating art (business success) from food (resources). Perhaps your kitchen is the operating brain of your business. Your communications network, the digital connectivity, is the circulatory system that keeps your business going. It carries the oxygen and nutrients to the cells, removes waste, and keeps things going where they should.
But seriously, the fact is that your cybersecurity, network stability, and speed are at risk without proper IT support. The experts at iTelecom can help you optimize your digital networks so that your sensitive information remains safe and your business flourishes.
Cooking Up the Best Network
We evaluate which type of network is the best option for you based on your unique and specific business needs. At the top of the decision hierarchy is the type of network you need: 1) wired, 2) wireless, or 3) hybrid. Then, we consider two main features 1) the location of your devices and 2) the network speed you require.
Wi-fi is more convenient than wired, and you can easily move devices because there are no cables. Given our wireless world, it is still surprising that Ethernet continues to offer significant advantages with faster data transfer rates. Gigabit Ethernet provides the fastest transfer rate at up to 1 gigabit per second (1000 Mbps or 1 Gbps). Gigabit Ethernet was originally developed to be used as the backbone of large networks, connecting servers, routers, and switches. This was widely adopted with the advent of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. Due to the lowering costs of this technology, Gigabit Ethernet is a common network standard now. Ethernet networks are also highly secure because they are fully contained and aren’t affected by interference, objects or walls.
Best Concoction for Connectivity
Hybrid networks use a combination of wireless and wired networks and offer the best of both network types so that you can use faster, wired desktops and portable wireless mobile devices, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. A hybrid network relies on special hybrid routers, hubs, switches, and Ethernet cables to connect wired and wireless devices. A hybrid router does two things: broadcasts a wireless signal and provides wired access ports. It’s most commonly referred to as a wireless or Wi-Fi router with Ethernet ports or “LAN ports”.
A hybrid wired/wireless network offer the best of both worlds in speed, mobility, affordability, and security. If users need maximum internet and file-sharing speed, they can plug into the network with an Ethernet cable. If they need to share a streaming video in the office hallway, they can access the network wirelessly. We provide the right planning so that your company can save money on hardware by maximizing the reach of the wireless network. With the right encryption and password management in place, the wireless portion of the network can be as secure as the wired.
Connectivity Recipe
We determine your hardware requirements which may include a combination of the following:
- Ethernet network adapter and cables
- Ethernet router
- Ethernet hub or switch
- Ethernet modem
- Wireless network adapter
- Wireless router
- Hybrid network adapter
- Hybrid router
Then we install, connect, set up (i.e., firewalls), and repeat – connect, set up enable connectively (i.e., printers), and repeat – find devices, open ports, connect to networks, install, complete. We can be your sous chef to success. Feel free to reach out to me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-cole-11176063/
