Designing a Local Area Network or LAN is a large project, even if you are designing it for a smaller company. However, it’s easy to get carried away during the process and end up with an LAN that doesn’t get the job done. Here are some of our tried and true tips for designing an effective LAN.
Match the LAN to the Customer
What level of IT expertise does your customer have? If the answer is little to none, don’t invest a great deal of your time in setting up added features and functions that won’t get any use. Adding extra bells and whistles into the network can just mean a headache for you when the customer calls asking what they are. Spend time with the customer before the LAN design to get a grasp of what their level of IT knowledge is.
10 Gigabit Ethernet or Not?
10 Gigabit Ethernet is one of the latest advances in the world of Local Area Networks. While higher speeds are possible, that doesn’t mean that your customer will use them. Many LAN designers mistakenly purchase high-end equipment with amazing capabilities and then it is completely wasted. If an existing 100 Mbps network is running at 5% capacity, there is no need for 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Thoroughly evaluate the customer’s network and usage before choosing the right equipment for them.
Redundancy Matters
Every year, as more business moves online, network downtime becomes even more catastrophic. Design your LAN with a great deal of network redundancy from both a physical and logistical perspective. If the LAN design does not hold up in reality, you can expect a call asking about the network downtime right away.
The Right Network Management Tools
Network management tools are fantastic for keeping networks up for the longest amount of time possible. These software packages are inexpensive when contrasted with the cost of extended downtime. Choose a network management tool that meshes with your customer’s needs.
Working Nets Can Speed Up Your Computer and Network
Working Nets is IT without the ego. We offer technical help and top-notch service without making you feel out of the loop or left behind. Even today’s top technology professionals still have issues with their gadgets and software sometimes, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if and when you need it! Our specialty is helping you understand the pieces of technology you use in simple ways. By outsourcing your information technology to us (and letting us do the network design planning), we will make sure that your company is up to date and safe, because technology never sleeps. Interested in finding out more about our services? Give us a call at (443) 992-7394 or visit us online. For more technology tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.
