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Setting Up Your Small Business Office Network

Setting up an office computer network for a small business isn’t always an easy task. Even with some tech-savvy people on your team, setting up a network that’s built to last and easily expand as your business does can be difficult. While it’s almost always better to consult a professional office network design and installation company, Working Nets is here with a general guide to make the process easier for any DIYers.

Wired vs. Wireless

Within the past few years wireless networking has skyrocketed in popularity among small businesses, largely because of a great decrease in its price. The benefits of wireless networking are obvious, you won’t need to run as many cables through your workplace, giving you greater freedom with your setup, you can use it from anywhere on your premises, and you can offer guests easy access.

However, there are still some advantages to sticking with Ethernet-focused wired networking. Wired office networks will still have the edge speed-wise, be cheaper than purchasing a powerful router, and won’t run into as many connectivity issues that can sometimes plague wireless systems. At Working Nets, we recommend a combination system with wired access for any permanent terminals with wireless network availability for anything portable.

What Do I Need?

Windows and OS X have built in networking features that make setting up a simple office network fairly straightforward, Aside from the computers themselves, you’ll need a few basic pieces of networking equipment to start connecting your system together.  To set up a network you’ll need a router that connects with your internet provider and your main server. Larger set ups may need additional routers or wireless relays to ensure network coverage for your whole office.

How Do I Keep My Network safe?

It’s crucial that after setting up your small business’s office network, you take the time to implement ample security measures to keep your data safe. To start with you should make sure all your computers and your router are operating with active firewalls (this can be easily checked in their respective settings) to keep malicious software out. If you’re running a wireless network make sure that WEP encryption is enabled and that users will need to put in a pass key before accessing the network. Make sure networked computers are using the most updated and secure versions of their preferred web browser, and check their history to monitor for suspicious activity.

So this is All I Need for Easy, Safe Networking, Right?

Unfortunately, no. With cyber criminals become more prevalent and creative every day, maintaining an office network is a constantly evolving challenge. While the steps listed above will get you started on your way to a great office network, they won’t take care of everything. If you want complete network security, easy set up, and management, call Working Nets today! We’re a Maryland based company with years of experience managing networks of both large and small businesses, as well as a team of highly dedicated, well-trained technical experts who stay on the cutting edge of network management so you don’t have to.

To talk to someone about network management for your small business, give us a call at (443) 992-7394. We’d be happy to assist you with your professional business networking needs.

You can also visit WorkingNets.com and follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn and Google+

The Benefits of Professional Network Management

As a small business owner, whether you’re in Maryland or any other part of the country, you know that there’s only one thing keeping your systems connected and communicating with the world at large: Your network. Aside from connecting you to the world, you network stores valuable files, client information, and personal data so keeping it up and running, and secure, is of paramount importance. But why do it all on your own while running a business? Working Nets is here with some of the perks of professional network management.

Minimize Network Downtime

Every small business’s worst nightmare, one their sure to experience at least a handful of times, is a downed network, which can bring even the most productive day to a screeching halt. Fortunately, with professional network management, you’ve got a team of qualified experts monitoring your network around the clock, preventing network collapse whenever possible, and quickly restoring it to operational capacity if it goes down.

Device Configuration Management

Professional network management services have the power to conduct quick and accurate inventories of every network-connected device at any time. This allows them to better identify problem devices, inappropriate network use, and security threats. Additionally, network management for your small business ensures that all your connected devices will be kept up to date with the latest security software, and will be properly configured to interface as efficiently as possible with every other device in your system. .

Optimized Network Security

Keeping your small business’s data secure is of paramount importance. There aren’t only your interests at stake either. Because most business’s networks store some amount of client information, you’ve also got to look out for the sensitive data of your loyal customers. Professional network management ensures that your network’s security protocols are constantly up-to-date, and that you have a team of experienced cybersecurity professionals standing by, ready to disable any threat that comes your way.

Get Professional Network Management with Working Nets

We’re a Maryland based company with years of experience managing networks of both large and small businesses, as well as a team of highly dedicated, well-trained technical experts who stay on the cutting edge of network management so you don’t have to.

To talk to someone about network management for your small business, give us a call at (443) 992-7394. We’d be happy to assist you with your professional business networking needs.

You can also visit WorkingNets.com and follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn and Google+

Outsourced Preventative Computer & Network Maintenance Program

Productivity is crucial in any business.  For this reason, we at Working Nets have put together a preventative maintenance program to analyze your computer systems for potential problem areas to keep your business running smoothly, reducing costly downtime. And by reducing downtime, your office remains more productive, more often.

The Benefits of Working Nets’ Preventative Maintenance Program

  • Productivity: As we have already touched on, Working Nets can identify and remedy problems before they result in downtime, meaning your employees can remain productive.
  • Minimize Breakdowns: Besides keeping productivity high, preventative maintenance helps eliminate most costly breakdowns.
  • Keep Data Secure: You rely on your business information to stay profitable. So doesn’t it make sense to do whatever you can to protect your business critical information?
  • Optimize Machine Performance: Regular maintenance can help you get the most out of your machines.
  • Reduce Intrusion: Hackers can be a business’s worst nightmare. Is your network secure?

Performing proactive maintenance, by taking care of the overall health of your network,  is the most cost-effective and efficient way to prevent system problems and minimize breakdowns.

If you have any questions about Prevetative Maintenance or Outsourced IT Services, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

At Working Nets, we support your business by providing top-notch Information Technology (I.T.) services to companies like yours: Companies that don’t need full-time I.T. services, but do need someone to turn to, when they are having a problem. We provide services like Network Design, Monitoring and Maintenance. We troubleshoot technical issues when they arise, and give you options for solving them. We help you use your technology investment to achieve your business goals.

At Working Nets, our focus is on your needs!

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