Download Networking your business Information technology Directors’ Briefing

Information technology
Directors’ Briefing
Networking your
business
A network can link all the computers in
your office, allowing users to share files,
programs and resources such as printers
and internet access. You’ll almost certainly
want to create a computer network even if
you only have two computers.
This briefing will help you to install a new
network or upgrade an existing one.
This briefing covers:
•
•
•
•
Types of network.
The equipment you need.
Wireless networks.
Installing and managing your network.
1 Network basics
store files and run the network.
• Introducing a server makes your network
more versatile.
• In general, if you have a small number of
computers (five or fewer), a server is not
required.
• You may benefit from a server if you have
more computers or need to run centralised
applications like a customer database.
• Setting up and managing a server can be
complex. It may be easier to use cloud
computing services to perform similar
functions.
2 Network equipment
2.1You may need to purchase a network
server.
A network is a way of connecting all the
computers in your business.
Even if you only have two computers, creating
a network is still worthwhile.
1.1A network makes it easier to work
together and share resources.
• You can share files and databases easily.
• All computers can access the internet
and email.
• Everyone can use a single printer.
• You can set up an intranet and allow
employees to access company resources
from outside the business.
1.2You can build a network with or without a
server.
• A server is a central computer used to
England
Updated 01/04/15
Directors’ Briefing
• A server is used to administer the network
and store key files.
2.2Unless you are opting for a totally wireless
network (see 2.5) you will need cables to
connect your computers together.
• The most common type of network cable is
often referred to as an ‘Ethernet cable’.
These cables are similar to telephone
cables and have a plug on either end that
looks a bit like a telephone connector.
• The cables are rated for speed.
Most cables are either Cat5, Cat6 or
Cat7. Choose Cat6 or Cat7 cables and
equipment for the fastest speeds. You can
mix different categories of equipment on
the same network.
2.3Every device you want to connect to the
network must have a network adaptor.
• Most computers have a network adaptor
built in.
If not, you can buy them cheaply (around
£10).
• If you are creating a wireless network, your
computers need wireless adaptors.
Most laptops have these built in. If not,
you can buy plug-in adaptors or expansion
cards.
• Some thin laptops and most tablet
computers will only allow you to connect to
the network wirelessly.
2
• An AP acts just like a hub, but uses radio
links instead of wires.
Computers with wireless adaptors connect
to it to join the network.
• You can buy access points seperately, or
as part of a hub or router (see 2.4).
• You may need several access points to
provide wireless coverage throughout your
premises.
2.6A hardware firewall can protect your
network from online security threats and
hackers.
• A firewall blocks malicious internet traffic
and hacking attempts.
• If you have a server, make sure a hardware
firewall sits between it and your internet
connection.
• Many internet routers have firewalls built in.
These are adequate if you do not have a
server.
3 Internet
You will almost certainly want to connect your
business network to the internet.
You can set your network up so employees can
access it from outside the office.
3.1The easiest way to connect your network
to the internet is to use a broadband
connection.
2.4You will also need a hub or router.
• The hub or router sits at the very centre of
your network.
• A router will manage the traffic on your
network and ensure all computers
communicate correctly.
• A hub is a simpler piece of equipment
without the ability to manage network
traffic.
• Opt for a router if possible.
It will give you more flexibility and better
performance.
• Make sure your router has enough
connections (called ports).
If you have five computers and one printer,
you will need at least six ports.
• Some routers can connect to the internet
directly. This makes it easy to share your
connection.
• You may want to get a router with a built-in
wireless access point too (see 2.5).
2.5You may require a wireless access point
(AP).
• The cheapest type of broadband is called
ADSL.
ADSL packages cost from about £10 per
month.
• If you have a basic network without
a server, you can buy a router which
connects directly to the internet using
ADSL.
• The router also acts as the centre of your
network (see 2.4), so you need to connect
all your computers to it to share the
internet.
• It is very easy to set up this type of internet
connection sharing.
Operating systems like Microsoft Windows
will recognise the connection when you
plug each computer into the router.
3.2An ADSL connection may not be
adequate.
• Many people using the connection or
downloading lots of files at once will slow it
down.
“
IT networks need
to be intelligent
and able to help
your business to
grow, not hinder
it. Staff need
always-on access
to email and files
whether they are
in the office or
working remotely
and data needs
to be backed up
so it cannot get
lost. IP networking
represents a way
to consolidate IT
and telephony
investments, realise
costs savings
through single
suppliers, lower
maintenance and
call costs and
more importantly
enhance business
by providing new
features that help
bring companies
closer to their
customers.
James
Passingham,
Foehn
”
Directors’ Briefing
• With ADSL, uploading is much slower than
downloading.
This means ADSL is not usually suitable if
you send out large files, or want employees
to connect to your network from other
locations.
• Additionally, many ADSL packages do not
have guaranteed levels of service.
You could find yourself stuck if your
connection goes down.
Wireless networks
3
3.3There are other types of connection you
can consider.
• Fibre connections are available across
most of the UK. They are significantly faster
and more reliable than ADSL - and usually
worth the extra cost.
• If you have a large network or specialised
needs, talk to your internet service provider
and your IT supplier to establish what type
of connection best fits your needs.
3.4You should host your website separately.
Wireless (Wi-Fi) networking offers a realistic
alternative to wired networks.
• It is generally best to host your website with
a specialist web host rather than using your
own server.
A Wi-Fi networks replace network cables
with a radio link.
4 Installing your network
• Wireless is not as fast as wired
networks, but more than adequate for
day-to-day work.
• All new laptops and smart phones have
wireless built in.
• They are fast to set up and you can add
new computers by switching them on
and adding them.
Installing a network is disruptive and requires
careful planning.
B Although these are generally easy to set
up and use, there are some issues to
be aware of.
• Install enough cabling and outlets to see
you through any planned growth.
Spare outlets let you add new computers
quickly.
• Remember to install a cable that runs to
your wireless access points. These are
often located on the ceiling.
• They have limited range.
You may need to install several wireless
access points to cover your business
premises, especially if you have thick
walls.
• Interference can be a problem.
It can be caused by other Wi-Fi
networks, electrical equipment and a
host of other items.
• They are less secure than cabled
networks.
You should always use strong access
controls and encryption to prevent
unauthorised connections. Look
for hardware that supports WPA-2
encryption.
C Many businesses find a combination of
wired and wireless technologies works
best.
• Fast, reliable access can be supplied to
fixed desks via cables.
• A Wi-Fi network can be set up to cover
meeting rooms and common areas.
It is ideal for ad-hoc working and
meetings.
It often pays to bring in a specialist contractor,
especially if you are installing a server.
4.1Installing cabling will cause the biggest
disturbance and take the most time.
4.2Install network hardware once the
infrastructure is in place.
• Connect the network server and one
desktop computer to configure the system.
• Check all parts of the network server are
working correctly.
• Install any other communications hardware
you need, such as routers.
4.3Install the network software.
• Configure the network operating system
software using the test desktop computer.
• Install any network applications on the main
server.
• Run a full backup and check it carefully.
• Configure one of the desktop computers.
• Configure and run any network
management software you use.
• Copy the desk configuration to each PC
once you are confident the system is
working.
➨See Network
servers for more
information on
the hardware and
software you need
and other aspects
of security.
Directors’ Briefing
• Establish access rights and passwords for
individual users.
5 Network security
Your data is valuable and vital to your business.
It is important to keep this information secure.
4
6.3You may need two or more people to
provide network support if a large network
is central to your business.
Do not underestimate the resources
required to keep your network running
smoothly. Seek advice from your IT supplier
or consultant if necessary, and budget
accordingly.
Expert
contributors
Thanks to James
Passingham (Foehn,
020 8940 7919).
5.1Control access with usernames and
passwords.
• Each user of the network should have their
own username and password.
• Only grant each of your employees access
to the resources they need.
5.2Use security software on all your company
computers and servers.
• Good security software will protect against
viruses, spyware, Trojans, hackers and
other online threats.
5.3Use multiple firewalls:
• Firewalls protect your computers from
people trying to access them over the
internet.
• You should install firewall software on every
computer.
• A single hardware firewall between your
internet connection and network will
provide extra protection.
5.4Keep your server in a secure location and
follow good IT security practice.
6 Network management
Networks become more complicated as they
grow.
You need to have a realistic idea of the
resources and support you will need.
6.1A typical small network only demands a
few hours’ attention each week, if that.
There is little complexity involved.
6.2A medium-sized network with a server
and 10 to 100 computers needs at least
one person working full-time to manage it.
There may be more complex issues about
who can access information and programs:
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is for general guidance
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disclaim all liability for
any errors or omissions.
Consult your local business
support organisation or your
professional adviser for help
and advice.