Note: This blog post was updated on July 22, 2021.
All IT networks need to meet the needs of their company to maximize efficiency. Therefore, crafting an ideal IT network requires thorough consideration of various aspects to assure it both performs optimally under high volume and also maintains secure connections.
Achieving these goals requires understanding what you want from the IT network and considering essential components when designing it. While each network will fit the specifications of its respective business, the essentials are typically the same. Here are some key factors you should consider when creating the IT network.
1. Understanding your network goals. Surprisingly, not all businesses consider what the actual goal of their IT network is. Before moving forward with network creation, it’s crucial to establish what its purpose is to acquire the right components and resources. Will it incorporate a BYOD strategy and remote locations? What types of information will be stored on segments of the network? Considering these factors will help prevent future confusion.
2. Creating a budget and acquiring components. A budget is one of the most important aspects of network construction. IT costs can escalate quickly when they’re not managed properly, so you want to make sure that capital is reserved for essentials.
Once the budget is done, getting the proper equipment is just as important. Switches, servers, PCs, and all other necessary hardware components play a big role in the success (or failure) of an IT network.
3. Training. Training your staff on newly established policies is important and another aspect that determines how successful an IT network venture is. This goes double for security policies.
4. Security is not something to overlook. Properly assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your IT network will determine its stability in the future. It’s important to stress test the IT infrastructure and security against various threats. Otherwise, all the investment involved in creating the network will be threatened by malicious third parties.
5. Scalability is also a crucial element. IT resources need maintenance, upgrades, and updates. Understanding expected network growth will help prevent surprise costs. It will also prepare your organization for necessary expansion, if/when the situation occurs.
6. IT maintenance. You’ll need to consider IT network maintenance. Depending on the size of your company, maintaining the upkeep of all hardware and software components can be a herculean task.
7. Automatic updates. Configuring automated updates and patching for all network components will ensure the best possible performance and lowest possible security risk level.
8. Forward-thinking and intelligent products. Optimize your network operations with advanced technologies, including smart-enabled equipment and solutions that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve greater efficiency and visibility.
For some businesses, this is simply too much to handle with their own resources. Understanding whether or not you will have the staff to manage IT network demands is a critical component when designing the ideal one. You might want to consider IT managed service providers as a third-party option.
A finely tuned IT network can completely renovate company productivity and successfully integrate it into the modern world. But one that is not planned correctly will have the opposite effect, leaving a complex, costly mess. Be sure to consider these four crucial factors to ensure optimal network operation.
For more information about creating a reliable and secure IT network, contact us today by calling 877-599-3999 or emailing sales@stratospherenetworks.com.
