Buyer’s Guide to Network Connectivity

More than 5 billion people use the internet – almost two thirds of the world's population. Having an online presence is crucial in this digital age; as a business owner, you know the importance of having reliable network connectivity. You need a connection that is reliable, fast, and secure, so you can keep up with the ever-changing demands of your customers and the technology landscape.

Making the right choice for your business can make all the difference in your bottom line. This buyer's guide to network connectivity will help you understand the different options available, what to look for, and how to make the right decision for your unique needs.

With the right information and guidance, you can get the network connection that your business needs to succeed.

Your business can’t compete without a strong network connection

The network is the heartbeat of the business. It brings together employees, customers, and partners to make things happen. If your network is slow, unreliable, has limited capacity, or is difficult to manage, it can cost your business lost productivity, lost customers, and even lost revenue.

Without the right network solution, your employees can’t get their jobs done. They can’t connect with customers, support functions are difficult or impossible, and there’s no way to scale the business to accommodate future growth.

Businesses with a network outage could experience increased customer service calls due to partners and customers being unable to reach your organisation.

Types of network connections

WAN

Wide area network (WAN) connectivity can be used to expand the capacity of a private network to include a public network, like the Internet. A WAN connection can be used to connect multiple offices over a public network instead of a private network. This type of connection is often used in organisations with many branch offices that need to connect their networks and share resources.

LAN

Local area network (LAN) connectivity connects computers and devices on a single network. All devices on the LAN connect to each other through a central device, like a switch. This switch can be connected to a modem or router, which provides Internet access to the computers on the LAN.

WiFi

WiFi connectivity provides wireless Internet access to computers and other devices. WiFi networks can be either open or closed, and can be used to provide Internet access to employees in the office as well as visitors.

Ethernet

Ethernet connectivity creates a wired network with devices and computers connected through cables. The cables can either be installed in the wall or run across the floors from computer to computer.

Wireless

Wireless connectivity provides Internet access to computers and devices on the network without the need for wires.

Peer-to-peer

P2P networks allow devices to communicate directly with each other without the need for a central server or router. This type of connectivity is ideal for small businesses or home networks.

Network shared environment

NSE require a centralised router to provide access to all connected devices. NSE networks are more secure and reliable and are great for larger businesses. They also provide more flexibility and scalability, allowing for more users and devices to be added.

How many users do you need to support?

Are you only planning to connect a few devices or do you need to support a large number of users? This will help you determine how much space and bandwidth you'll need.

Additionally, you need to consider the type of devices you'll be connecting. Will they be PCs, tablets, or smartphones? Different devices will require different levels of security and speed.

Finally, you'll want to think about scalability. If you anticipate growth in the future, you'll want to choose a solution that can accommodate that growth.

Why network speed matters

A fast network is important for any business that relies on consistent, reliable internet access. It’s especially important for businesses with remote employees or customers, as it can help to reduce the time it takes to receive information.

With the right speed, you can quickly access the data you need and efficiently send and receive files. On the other hand, slow speeds can cause a significant slowdown in productivity.

Consider your range requirements

Whatever type of network you choose, it's important that you make sure you have enough coverage to meet your needs. That way, you can be sure that your network will be reliable and provide the best possible experience for your users.

Consider how many devices you have, and how many users will be on the network at the same time. The size of your space can also have a major impact on your network's range.

You'll also need to consider any interference that could be present in your area, such as other wireless networks, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices. All of these variables can affect your network's range, so it's important to consider them when planning and designing your network

Achieving security and reliability

Many network connectivity solutions are designed with cyber security protection in mind. However, the most secure networks are those that have been engineered from the ground up to be cyber-secure.

Whether you choose a 100% engineered network solution or a lower-cost network solution that has been engineered with cyber-security protection in mind, it’s still important to ensure that you are choosing a network solution that meets your business needs.

It’s also vital that you understand how to properly use the network to maintain its level of protection.

Costs of network connectivity solutions

When considering network connectivity solutions, it's important to look at the costs involved. From hardware, software, and maintenance fees, these costs can add up quickly. That's why it's important to research different solutions and compare their costs. Additionally, you should also look into any additional costs such as installation, training, and support services.

Cloud-based network solutions

Cloud-based solutions are rapidly becoming the standard for network connectivity. Since the hardware for these solutions is usually hosted remotely in a data center, you’ll have access to consistent and reliable speeds 24/7. This can be particularly helpful for businesses with employees who work remotely. It also provides greater flexibility since you can access this equipment from any device with internet access.

With cloud-based solutions, you’re not purchasing the hardware for your network. Instead, you’re paying for the service of the provider. This means you don’t have to worry about repairs or maintenance on the equipment in your office.

Find the right network connectivity solution with expert assistance

Network connectivity solutions are central to any business that relies on consistent, reliable internet access. A strong network connection can help your employees get their jobs done, while a slow network can cause a significant slowdown in productivity.

The network specialists at Essential Tech can help you find the connection that best suit your business needs and environment. Talk to them today and get started on deploying your ideal network solution.