In small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the number of connected devices and cloud applications grows every year. A simple network shared by a few computers can struggle to carry this load. This article covers three things to consider when planning the network of a growing business.
Three basics of network design
1. Cloud-Based Management
Switches, access points and routers that support cloud-based management let configuration and updates be done remotely. On-site work is still needed when a device fails or cabling has to change.
2. Segmentation
Separating employee devices, the guest network and IoT devices (cameras, printers, smart devices) into separate virtual networks (VLANs) improves security and network performance. This requires VLAN support on your switches and access points.
3. High-Capacity Backhaul
Backhaul is the link between access points and switches, and between switches and the main network. Using Gigabit and Multi-Gig (2.5G, 5G, 10G) ports on these links reduces bottlenecks. The difference shows especially in bandwidth-intensive applications such as VoIP, cloud backup and video conferencing.
Recommended Solutions
- NETGEAR switch models that can be managed with Insight
- Orbi Pro Mesh systems
- Monitoring device status with the NETGEAR Insight app
When the infrastructure is not planned for the company's growth, a slow network slows down daily work too. When planning the investment, take into account both today's device count and the growth expected over the next few years.
