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What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is a connection of computer systems and other peripheral hardware devices that are connected together via communication channels to enable communication and resource-sharing between a wide variety of users.
The process of designing a new computer network is a crucial one. It doesn’t matter the people who will use the system but what matters is the needs and desires of the users alongside those who will be responsible for paying for it.
Additional things to put into consideration that might be overlooked by most users include balancing the security issues with the need for easy availability of information. It is also to ensure that measures are put in place so that in case something terrible arises, a disaster recovery strategy should be implemented.
In case the performance within the organization is going on well, room for future developments should be added into the network system.
The following five recommendations should be on the top of your main concern list when setting up a new computer network for your organization
1. Connectivity and Security Issues
Computer network today comprises more than Ethernet cables and wireless access terminals. Unlike in the olden days, today people are more connected while on the fly and many would want to read organizations email as well as data while they are not in the office.
Harmonizing users’ needs without compromising security is one of the challenges that require crucial considerations during the design phase of any computer network.
This takes into account things like where data will be stored, either on-site or offsite with cloud-based solutions, the type of information accessible at any given time, the users who should access the information, the type of hardware device to be incorporated. Note that firewalls and access servers should be secure without halting operations.
2. What is the Purpose of the Computer Network?
Although this is something that must be considered, many business owners don’t put into consideration the purpose of their network during the design phase. It must be put straight what the computer network is intended to link up computers, either locally or offer remote access.
If there will applications and resources that will be shared from a central source or distributed amongst various computers, this must be considered beforehand.
Once the purpose of a computer network is determined, it becomes easy to buy the appropriate components as well as setting up the right connections crucial to meet the computer network needs.
3. Budget Establishment
A computer network incorporates numerous devices and hardware interlinked together, which means these components must be purchased, that is why a budget has to be established. This is an important aspect to consider else the network will be faced with a multitude of issues in the future.
Without having all the components in mind which are necessary for the right computer network could lead to buying the wrong component that might not be compatible with the already existing system.
Also without considering the amount of money that needs to be spent on the computer network from the design phase could lead to money shortages before procurement and installation of all the right hardware.
Take for instance you buy the greatest backup system on the market yet there isn’t sufficient money to be used for setting up, operation and maintenance, this might not be helpful.
4. Security
In today’s world, faced with a multitude of security threats, it is vital to ensure measures are put in place so that the security of the computer network is not compromised. However, users don’t actually identify the need for security until it is too late.
In matters regarding computer networks, it is very crucial to establish security from the design phase of the network. There must be software necessary for blocking spam, advertisements, and malware from infecting the network. Patching and updating of all operating system software, as well as user applications, is also vital. Another important measure that must be put in place is the use of strong passwords for all user accounts.
5. Training
Training can be placed alongside the security phase since users of the network must be able to understand how to use the network so as to ensure the computer network is not compromised.
The organization’s staffs need to be enlightened on what constitutes proper use of an organization’s network resources to keep the system free from malware and viruses.
The last bit is maintenance where computer network needs to be sustained to make continue operating effectively.
However, this can be turned into full-time employment which tends to be a challenge for most small business owners but it can be made easier by outsourcing the operations.
