Overview.
While there are many aspects of planning out an IT network that are specific to the business needs of the company, there are a few core elements that must be commonly regarded for all of them. Every network environment is indeed unique in its own right; however, achieving its overall effectiveness and maximized results of its implementation begins at the planning phase, just like every other successfully implemented project. During planning, one must determine the design requirements of the network. For instance, the type of hardware needed to create access for network connections; bandwidth or performance expectations; as well as, and most importantly, how the project will impact the organization as a whole—i.e., cost of capital, ROI, etc. This article will cover some basic elements that should be incorporated in everyone’s plan for creating and modifying a network design for the small business office space.
Decide on access types for connectivity.
It is obviously important to determine the type of connections devices and equipment will need for network access. Different devices need specific medium access for network connectivity. For network access, a wired connection is needed when a device has network components compatible only with physically wired networks. A wireless connection, of course, for its compatible devices. A hybrid involves a network design consisting of both connection types, wired and wireless. While a hybrid design is the most popular and modern for small businesses, not all networks need both. Make sure you only plan for the type of access you need for the devices that exist in the business now and in the foreseeable future. After all, there are budget goals set up for this design project, right?
Address network traffic expectations.
Appropriately assessing daily network traffic behaviors helps uncover those common, and unique, network features that will need to be considered when making decisions within this phase (planning)–and also within proceeding phases for this type of project, such as procurement. Furthermore, project goals, such as scalability of the final design, as well as performance metrics, like cost, are a few out of many other key success factors that will benefit from knowing this information.
Align the design to core business functions.
At the end of the day, no matter how you design your network, always ensure the objectives of this project are aligned with the overarching objectives of the business holistically. Truly understand what holistic impact the network design will have on the business. Assess the pros and cons and decide whether that impact should be embraced or avoided—and how so, for the sake of business success. For a quick example, let’s consider the scenario of implementing a Wi-Fi network so teams can access a newly purchased wireless printer/scanner. The flipside to having that new Wi-Fi network results to potential loss in productivity for any team member preferring to scroll through social media now that they have free Wi-Fi at work! Of course, no one on your team would actually do that though. This is an example… So as a precaution, perhaps the notion of implementing respective traffic policies becomes the crux to a successful project that doesn’t create new risks to your overall business performance.
In conclusion.
May this article provide you with resourceful insights on ways you might be able to positively impact, your business when planning your next rewarding network project.