How to Design the Right Network For Your Business
When it comes to outlining your technology strategy, network management is right up there as one of the most critical tasks that you need to take care of from the start. With so many factors to account for, ranging from network traffic monitoring to fully optimizing security practices, it’s imperative that you cohesively align each part of your network design with your long-term business goals. We’ve listed some of the most important areas you should be focusing on when setting up a network for your company.
Firewalls and Network Security
This immediately stands out as one of (if not the most) critical areas any company should invest time and resources into. While a firewall actively works to secure the perimeter of your network, there are other measures you should look into implementing, including redundant data backup and comprehensive network monitoring practices. Keep your intellectual property and sensitive information safe with a fully-formed security solution.
Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
VLAN is the separation of unique network devices that utilize the same physical infrastructure. When working in tandem with a proper subnetting scheme, a VLAN assignment can reduce network overhead, improve cybersecurity, and make management a more cohesive and effective enterprise. It can also make user access hyper-specific—you’ll enjoy more control over who accesses your network which in turn helps security.
Hierarchy
A tiered design for your network allows you to scale your data, hardware, and cybersecurity more effectively. A three-tiered solution composed of core components, distribution, and access layers is a cohesive, well-layered solution. Make sure that the first layer (the foundation) is strong enough to support the others—embedding more features in the initial layer, before building out to access layers for end users is a safe option for optimal performance.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
A DMZ is a segment of the network that users can access from the Internet. It allows users to access their email or a specific website without necessitating access to the internal network. It adds an extra layer of security through the segmentation of your external resources.
Wireless Access
If you’re a company operating with more modern technology (and have a modern approach to a conventional work schedule), ensuring wireless access is critical. Not only does it remove the need for high-cost wiring, but it can also help streamline data sharing. Now, your employees will be able to access the information that they need to perform their role, no matter where they are. Your employees would need access to a certified VPN, but that’s an issue that doesn’t demand a lot of effort.
Optimizing your network might seem like a tall order, and it’s crucial that you get everything right before rolling it out. Hopefully, this blog sheds light on some areas you were previously uninformed about, and now you have more resources to develop a unique solution that delivers what you need.
