1. Gather Requirements and Size the Network
The first step is identifying what you are and what you intend to achieve and sizing up the resources available to help you achieve your goals. It is important to have network documentation that includes a network diagram and an inventory of network devices. The diagram will help you understand how the network is configured and identify any potential problems. The network device inventory will help you track what you need to change or add to the network.
Defining the possible constraints in achieving your goals also helps in network design. For example, you might be limited by the number of users needing support or the amount of data you need to transfer.
Knowing the size of network requirements can help you deliver optimal results. A network that is too small will not be able to handle your traffic or data requirements, while a network that is too large will be much more expensive than necessary.
2. Study the Office Floor Plan
Plot the exact location of all endpoints in the network, including telephones, PCs, printers, and other devices. A detailed study of the office floor plan is essential because you can identify possible network problems, such as interference from other devices, lack of access to certain areas, etc. Using your office layout knowledge, you can design the optimal network where devices are never too far away from switches or access points.
To design an effective network, you need to understand how much traffic will flow through the network at any given time. This includes internal traffic (from devices on the network communicating with each other) and external traffic (from devices outside the network trying to access it). Once you understand your network traffic well, you can determine the best way to route that traffic for optimal performance.
3. Choose an ISP
Your choice of Internet Service Provider (ISP) plays a critical role in network performance. Do your research and select an ISP that can provide a high-speed, reliable connection.
4. Develop the Network Design
The network designing step lies at the heart of the entire design process. This is where you'll need to get creative and develop a network topology that meets your organization's specific needs.
What is a Network Topology?
A network topology is the structural arrangement of a network. It defines the network's physical or logical layout. Businesses usually use arranged networks from the top-down, where the network starts from the central server and then branches out.
There are four main network topologies:
- Star Topology - All devices on the network connect to a central hub or switch. This is the most common topology for small businesses as it's easy to install and manage.
- Ring Topology - All devices on the network are connected via a loop. Data travels from one device to the next until it reaches its destination.
- Bus Topology - All devices on the network connect to a single cable or backbone. If one device fails, the entire network goes down.
- Mesh Topology - Each device on the network connects directly to every other device. This provides redundancy in failure and can also be used for more extensive networks.
Determine Network Type
Your network's physical extent determines how strongly it functions and how secure it is. Network type also affects the design, as each network has different requirements. The network type can be one of the following:
- Local Area Network (LAN) - A network within a small geographic area, like a single building or campus.
- Wide Area Network (WAN) - A network that spans a large geographic area, like a city or country.
You can choose the network type depending on your workforce spread. Are your teams stationed at a central location, or are they spread in different sections of the town? Choose your network type depending on these conditions.
The Equipment You Need
The infrastructure is your network's backbone. It includes all the devices that help you connect to the network and communicate with other devices on the network. These devices include routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. You need this equipment for network communication and security.
Routers
Routers connect networks and forward packets between networks based on their destination address. Routers use network protocols, such as the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), to decide how to route packets.
Switches
It connects devices on a network and allows them to communicate. Switches use network protocols, such as the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), to manage traffic on the network and make decisions about how to route packets.
Firewalls
This is a network security device that filters incoming and outgoing traffic. Firewalls use network protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), to control traffic flow.
While you take business security and network design into your hands, you must avoid several mistakes during implementation. Here's a list of a few mistakes you should avoid:
- Not Defining the network requirements - The first step of network designing is to understand what the network will be used for and what specific business requirements the network needs to address. Without this information, selecting the proper network devices and configuring them properly would be difficult.
- Overlooking Scalability - Many businesses make the mistake of not considering future growth when designing their network. This can lead to problems if the network needs to expand. Designating a network that you can scale as your business grows is essential.
- Not Prioritizing Security - Network security should be one of the top priorities when designing a network. There are different ways to secure a network, and the appropriate security measures should be put in place based on the business's needs.
- Not Monitoring Traffic - Monitoring network traffic can help identify potential issues and bottlenecks. It can also help with capacity planning.
Businesses need the best technology products to keep up with the competition, and SureLock Technology is here to provide you with those products. We offer secure options for your business network design, so you can choose what works best for your business in Atlanta, GA. Plus, we offer free quotes so you can get started right away.
Key Takeaways:
- Network design is an integral part of modern business communication and efficiency.
- Knowing the industry's best practices can help you effectively complete this daunting challenge.
- Gathering requirements and sizing the network is as important as setting up the system.
- Business security is another important factor that companies forget when designing their network.
- Surelock Technology can help with all your business network needs in Duluth, GA.