A small business using a standard phone line for calls, a printer and a couple of laptops the Broadband service may be all that is required.
When you begin to grow it is very likely you will need someone to install some network cabling, you will probably need a box called a network switch to join all your various items together. There will be a number of questions you need to answer before you can select the right network switch including:
- How many people in the office?
- Do you want to use VOIP?
- If so, how many calls per day (incoming and outgoing)?
- What else do you use computers for in the office?
The company that provides you with the Internet connection will almost certainly provide a box called a Router. For simple requirements that may be all you need, but that depends on questions like:
- How many people in the office?
- Do you want to use VOIP?
- If so, how many calls per day (incoming and outgoing)?
- What else do you use computers for in the office?
- Do you need access to other services outside the office, for example Accounts Services or Shared Data?
- Do you need Wifi in the office?
- Do you need a Guest Wifi for visitors?
- When you are out of the office, do you need access to any of the computers or applications in the office?
Normally a Router will sort out the connection of all your computers etc in the background. However, when your network requirement grow it is important to use features on the Router to specify your network configuration. It makes management easier and improves security.