Acquiring customers. Expanding products and services. Hiring more staff. You've got enough to focus on.
Engage the Experts
North Star Strategic IT is an expert at implementing a Cisco-based network foundation that help your business reduce cost, enhance security and prepare for the future.
Basic networking consists of two essential pieces of equipment: network switches and network routers. If you know how this hardware works, you'll have a fundamental understanding of basic networking as well. Knowing more about basic networking and network equipment can help you make better decisions about the network design, services, and features your business needs to implement in order to thrive.
Networking solutions for small business can keep your employees connected and productive whereever they are. Small Business computer networking helps you better compete against larger companies while lowering communications costs, enhancing efficiencies, and improving customer service.
Foundations of a Network
Switches and routers are what basic networking is all about. Though they look similar and perform similar tasks, there is a difference.
Switches are the foundation of most business networks. A switch acts as a controller, connecting computers, printers and servers to a network within a building or campus. Switches allow the devices on your network to communicate with each other as well as with other networks. Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save businesses money and increase productivity. There are two types of switches to consider as part of your basic networking building blocks: managed and unmanaged.
An unmanaged switch works out of the box but can't be configured. Home-networking equipment typically offers unmanaged switches.
A managed switch can be configured. You can monitor and adjust a managed switch locally or remotely, giving you greater control over network traffic and access.
Routers
Routers connect multiple networks together. They also connect computers on those networks to the Internet. Routers enable all networked computers to share a single Internet connection, which saves money.
A router acts a dispatcher, analyzing data being sent across a network, choosing the best route for your data to travel, and sending it on its way. Routers connect your business to the world, protect information from security threats, and can even decide which computers receive priority over others.
Depending on your needs, you can choose from among routers offering different features, such as a firewall, Virtual Private Network (VPN), or Internet Protocol (IP) communications system.
What a solid network can do for you
Cisco and North Star Strategic IT can help your company connect and collaborate better—so you can stay focused on your business. Along with providing a solid network, Cisco Small Business Solutions can help you:
Reduce costs. Having one network for data, voice, and wireless simplifies network installation and management, which reduces costs. It helps cut phone costs and long-distance charges too.
Provide secure, remote access. Give everyone secure access to the tools they need to communicate effectively and collaborate easily, even when they're on the go. Extend your phone system to mobile workers over wired and wireless connections.
Prepare for the future. You can add new capabilities—such as wireless and voice—as needed, without expensive upgrades.
Network systems for small businesses, especially those supporting voice, data, and wireless on one network, offer additional advantages including:
Comprehensive security from hackers, viruses, and other threats
The ability to easily and cost-effectively add, move, or change users on the network
The flexibility to add new capabilities as needed without expensive upgrades
Network Systems Basics
Learn about the basic elements of a small business network. 3:21 min
Serving all of the Denver Metro Front Range of Colorado Including: Denver, Denver Tech Center, Aurora, Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Englewood,
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Specialists in Microsoft Small Business Server, IT and Network support,
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