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Networks (Click for Details)
- Connect two, or thousands of PC’s
- Share Data, Printers & Hardware
- Reduce Costs, Increase Efficiency
- Improve Security & Data Protection
- LAN - Local (“small”) Networks
- WAN - Internet-based Networks
- Remote & Dial-up Networks
Networks Design, Setup, and Maintenance
Corporate Networks, Local Networks, Remote Networks, Peer-to-Peer Networks. Regardless of the type of network you need the design and setup phases are very important. It is during these stages that an evaluation of the long-term needs and uses of the network with take place considering such items as growth, flexiblity, ease of mangement, and maintenance. Call me today to discuss your immediate and long-term needs.
Why and when a Network?
A Network allows you to minimize costs, share data, and provide centralized administration of critical resources. Networks can be as simple as two PCs sharing Word documents or it can be a multi-location, multi-national enterprise sharing information with thousands of users, providing millions of customers with access to data and applications. Networks can be great labor saving technologies, providing unique competitive opportunities, helping to expand mediums whereby prospects and clients can interact with your company. The main question to ask yourself is, “What type of network is best suited for my company, my industry, my clients, and why?” Call me to discuss your options and plan for the future. 1-813-653-3329
Networks should be based on your company’s environment, your industry, and your current and long-term needs and goals. Where are you now, what are your immediate needs, and what are your long-term goals? Once this is known the process to setup a network can start, or continue to expand and allow better utilization of your current network. Planning for today AND for tomorrow is the key!
Local Area Networks (LAN)
Generally the most common type of network, LANs are networks with one, to thousands, of servers. Users use these servers to access applications and/or store data. LANs are usually local in nature, however with the advent of Internet technologies typical description of networks are no longer precise.
Peer to Peer
The most basic type of network. Simply two or more PCs are communicating with some minor need to share data. This network allows you to share data, printers, and other network devices (example: a CD tower, or a modem to connect to the Internet). The main advantages of this type of network is that it is easy to setup and generally low in cost. The main disadvantage is the lack of centralized access and security. This network may be more than sufficient for small business offices with low budgets, and/or small data sharing needs.
Client-Server Networks
In a client-server network the major difference is that certain computers (called servers) are assigned specialized tasks. No users work at these computers. Servers are setup to share data and/or devices, or run centralized applications. In the simplest terms this means these servers are setup with resources, like lots of memory or hard disk drive space, which users will access when needed.
Client-Server networks are an effective and efficient way to improve sharing and networking common devices. At a certain point peer-to-peer network are no longer sufficient and the addition of a server can improve performance and reduce costs. Today most networks are client-server networks. Some networks have only one server, while others have thousands.
Switched/Router Networks
These types of networks are most common. These types of networks, through the use of routers and/or switches, control, manage, and direct network traffic. When correctly designed and setup these networks reduce traffic by ensuring users have access to the resources they need from the servers that contain those resources. The Internet is a good example of such a network, although its complexity and infrastructure is much more complex than any corporation will ever need. The concept remains the same, however, in that the goal is to design and setup a network that provides fast and efficient access to resources.
When do you need to consider a router or switched network? This is a question that does not have a one fits all answer. The basic premise, however, is that you want to invest in these types of technologies when the use of resources is such that not all users need access to all resources. In other words once you reduce traffic to servers, thus reducing network traffic, by the user type and location of resource.
Most companies can take full advantage of these technologies today at cost much lower than only a few years ago. Companies with multiple locations, or with mobile users can now use the Internet to connect to and work on corporate networks. Regardless of your particular situation, please give me a call today to come and evaluate your current environment. After taking the time to understand your short and long-term vision I will then provide you with my assessment of how and why you can take full advantage of network technologies.
In addition to the above types of networks I can also evaluate and discuss (Remote Networks, Wireless Technologies, VPN’s (Virtual Private Networks), and a host of other technologies best suited to your company and your short and long-term needs. Please call today! 1-813-653-3329
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