If you have a small business, whether run from home or on company premises, and have several employees and yourself that you want to connect to your business internet, we show you what is required. For a large number of employees, a different solution will be needed. This applies if you want to connect 20 or more devices to the internet. Here, we simplify what is sometimes a tricky topic to grasp.
Basic Setup Of An Office Network
You will need an internet service provider (ISP) to provide your business with a connection to the internet. Later, we will look at how to choose an ISP.
A cable brings the internet connection to your router. A firewall provides protection from just anything coming into your network from the ISP cable. It does this by filtering information. Here are five reasons why businesses need network firewall security.
The cable connects to a switch. You determine which devices you want to have access to your business internet and connect them via this switch.
The Modem
The full name for a modem is a modulator-demodulator. This is a piece of hardware (as opposed to software). A computer operates with digital data. A modem converts this ‘language’ to analog data so that it can be sent via the cable. Think of it as a way of translating information (data) into a language you can understand.
Fiber optic connections have done away with the need for modems. A fiber optic cable carries a greater volume of data (bandwidth) across a much greater distance. While modems are great for a simple home connection, your business will perform better if you have a fiber optic connection.
Then you can do away with the need for a modem.
Router
The internet cable plugs into your router. This is another hardware component. Its function is to transmit data between the cable and a device, such as a laptop or a smartphone. In other words, it makes the data (information) available to the user on a device where they can interact with it (read, amend, print, etc.). All the devices you and your employees use are connected to the router via an Ethernet switch. This gives them access to the internet.
Devices
Count all the devices you want to be able to connect to the internet. Most people think of devices as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktops (PCs). But you also need to include network printers, equipment in your conference room, VOIP, IP cameras, and POS systems (credit card machines). If you want to allow for guest devices, you should also count those.
Choosing An ISP
Each ISP offers various packages suited to different customer needs. You want to find one that is best suited to your business. To do this, you will have to first find out which ISPs are rolled out in your area. Then you need to compare the different features of suitable packages and the pricing. For example, acomparison of Viasat vs AT&T revealed that neither of these ISPs provided local support. This is an important element if you want to deal directly with a person and have them come to your premises to rectify problems or assist with connections. Another important feature is whether they provide the equipment such as routers or you have to purchase this separately, as this makes a difference when you look at overall pricing.
With this guide, you are well on your way to setting up your office internet network.
