3 Factors to consider when ensuring that your network infrastructure is up to scratch

The Business Backbone – Network Infrastructure

If you have a workforce that regularly uses the internet, a server, email, etc., then your business uses a network. A network is truly the backbone of your IT infrastructure. It is what allows everyone to reach the internet, emails, and any other resources that you use. Your workforce is dependant on your network being secure, speedy, and accessible in order to get their work done.

How can you ensure that your network is up to scratch? Let’s investigate:

Security

Keeping your network infrastructure secure can be a tricky task. We advise getting experts in to ensure that all is as it should be, but there are a few guidelines that you can follow. Make sure that you have a properly configured and updated firewall, check that all user devices have an updated antivirus and always ensure that your WiFi is password protected. Try not to share your WiFi passwords with anyone outside of your organisation, it may be given to someone you’d rather not have it. If guests or visitors do need access, ask your team to make sure that you have a proper guest WiFi system in place for proper control over what they have access to.

Speed

Having a slow internet connection will not only be frustrating but will also hinder productivity. Make sure that your connection is fast enough to cover the number of users that you will have working on it, as well as be reliable. Fibre connectivity is a business standard at the moment, with 5G promising to be even faster. We always advise a failover connection for days where your main connection fails or isn’t working correctly.

Accessibility

A business network will not only need to be accessed at work. Working from home is becoming more common across the world, which means resources from the office will also need to be accessible remotely. There are multiple ways of doing this, but if you have server resources at the office, the best approach would be using a VPN. If your firewall has the capability, the most secure and least resource-heavy VPN is known as an SSL VPN. Ask your support team about how they can help set this up for you and your workforce.

Having a quality network will ensure that your other IT investments are being used to their utmost potential. If you are unsure about the quality of your network, feel free to contact us and we will gladly help you out.

If you have any network tips, leave a comment below! You may help someone who needs it.