Here we can see, “What Issues Should Your Network Plan Address?”
Your network plan should answer the following topics in addition to the basic questions of why you need a network, what sort of servers you need to provide, and what kind of infrastructure your network will require:
- Is there room for expansion? What areas of growth do you expect to see over the next few years? Does this network plan allow for such expansion? For example, if you have 20 devices on your network right now, a 24-port switch might be enough. Instead, you should choose a 48-port switch. It will cost more today, but it will make future expansion easier.
Similarly, if you expect each office to have only one person, think about what you’ll have to do if you run out of offices and have to put two employees in each. You’ll have to pay to have a second cable run later if you only run one cable to each office today. It’s better to spend a little more and have the technician run two wires to each business. (Or, better yet, have the installer run three wires to each office so that when you add a second employee, you can also add a printer.)
- How are you going to keep it safe? What security measures will you use to keep unauthorised users off your network? To prevent intruders from breaking into your network via your Internet connection, you’ll need a robust, well-configured firewall. You’ll need to take care to secure wireless networks if you’re installing wireless access points. You’ll also need robust password policies to prevent hackers from gaining access to any sensitive data on your network.
- How are you going to back it up? You’ll need a good plan in place to back up your servers and the data they contain. Additional hardware, such as separate disc storage to keep the first level of backup data, as well as a way to move the backed up files off-site so they can survive a true calamity like a fire or flood, will almost certainly be required.
You’ll also want to make sure you have enough network disc storage so that all users may save their work on the network and have it backed up. You’ll need a strategy that backs up both your servers and your clients’ computers in the absence of that.
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- How will you bounce back from setbacks? Make sure you have a plan in place to protect you against everyday calamities like power outages, as well as the unexpected, such as vandalism, robbery, or fire. Battery backup should be installed on every device on your network, no matter how small. If at all feasible, keep spares of important components on hand.
User Questions:
What are some of the most typical concerns to keep in mind as you plan your computer network?
Balance security concerns with quick access to information, put redundancy into the network in case of failure, and standardise hardware and software to save maintenance costs.
What are the questions you’ll ask your client before you start designing a network?
- Who are the main players, sponsors, and end-users?
- What is the point of having a project in the first place?
- What are the present stumbling blocks?
- What are the expected business outcomes for the customer?
What are the prerequisites for a successful network design?
- A network map that is easy to understand.
- The cabling’s structure and configuration are necessary.
- The number, type, and location of all network devices.
- The structure of your IP address.
- Your network security architecture and operations in detail.
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What are the benefits of planning a network before attempting to set it up?
Effective preparation can help to avoid system downtime, network breakdowns and ensure a smooth transition with minimal user inconvenience.
What are the prerequisites you should gather before starting to establish a network?
- Connectors and cables These connect your network’s PCs, printers, servers, and other devices.
- A router is a device that connects two computers.
- An access point for wireless networks (optional).
- An internet connection is required.
- A firewall that is built into the hardware.
Conclusion
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