Small business computer networks setup

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If the devices running Windows Vista are connected to either a hub or a switch using a cable, then they're already on the network, and ready to use. To find other devices running Windows XP or earlier versions of Windows, and to use file and printer sharing on any version of Windows, open these ports:.

If you have devices running Windows XP, you may need to do a little more work to add those devices. Now that you've decided to invest in a wireless network for your business, you have to select a network standard and set up your network.

Wireless networks WLANs don't require much in the way of network infrastructure. Many small business owners select wireless networking because it's flexible, inexpensive, and easy to install and maintain.

You can use a wireless network to share Internet access, files, printers, file servers, and other devices in your office. Once you have the network set up, you can enable sharing, set permissions, and add printers and other devices. The most common wireless network standards are Prices vary for each standard as do data transfer rates. Typically the faster the data transfer rate, the more you pay. In general, data transfer rates for each standard work as follows:.

The transfer times listed are under ideal conditions. They aren't necessarily achievable under typical circumstances because of differences in hardware, web servers, network traffic, and other factors.

A wireless router sends information between your network and the Internet by using radio signals instead of wires. You should use a router that supports faster wireless signals, such as For the best results, put your wireless router, wireless modem router a DSL or cable modem with a built-in wireless router , or wireless access point WAP in a central location in your office.

If your router is on the first floor and your devices are on the second floor, put the router high on a shelf on the first floor. If your ISP didn't set up your modem, follow the instructions that came with your modem to connect it to your device and the Internet.

If you're using cable, connect your modem to a cable jack. Protect your router by changing the default user name and password. Most router manufacturers have a default user name and password on the router in addition to a default network name. Someone could use this information to access your router without your knowledge. Check the information that was included with your device for instructions. To connect to a wireless network, your device must have a wireless network adapter.

Make sure that you get the same type of adapters as your wireless router. The type of adapter is marked on the package with a letter, such as G or A. Whenever possible, you should connect to a security-enabled wireless network. If you do connect to a network that's not secure, someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the websites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords that you use.

A firewall is hardware or software that helps protect your device from hackers or malicious software. Running a firewall on each device on your network can help control the spread of malicious software on your network and help protect your devices when you use the Internet.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen if using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down. If you want to use a USB flash drive to copy network settings to your device instead of typing a security key or passphrase, follow these steps:. A network adapter connects your device to a network.

Make sure that you write the security key and keep it in a safe place. If you have a USB flash drive, you can also save your security key to the flash drive by following the instructions in the wizard. A workgroup is a group of devices that are connected to a home or small office network and share resources, such as printers and files.

When you set up a network, Windows automatically creates a workgroup and gives it a name. In a workgroup:. The Device Name for each device on the network must be unique, and the workgroup for all devices on the network must be the same. A hybrid network refers to any computer network that contains two or more communications standards such Ethernet A hybrid network relies on special hybrid routers, hubs, and switches to connect both wired and wireless computers and other network-enabled devices.

It enables the network to maximize the benefits of both these network types. In a wired computer network, all devices are connected by physical cables to a central access point.

This access point can be a router, hub, or a switch. The function of this access point is to share a network connection among several devices. All the devices are plugged into the access point using individual Ethernet CAT 5 cables. If the devices need to share an Internet connection as well, then the access point is plugged into a broadband Internet modem, either cable or DSL.

In a standard wireless network, all networked devices communicate with a central wireless access point that broadcasts a signal. The devices themselves need to contain wireless modems or cards that conform with one or more Wi-Fi standards, either In this network configuration, all wireless devices can share files with each other over the network. Does your server allow virtualization? Are you going to host a website on your server?

Do you need to have remote access to the server? Do you intend to install IP phones in the offices? Many servers can manage multiple workloads at the same time. Still, these questions need answers before you buy a server. You can use your smartphone for server remote administration. Dell has many special offers. Check them online and maybe save some bucks. Below is an example of small office network with one server. Along with server, you have firewall and router. As you can see firewall is the first line of defense, the icon next to Internet.

You can use another firewall after WIFI access point to protect all laptops, desktops or smartphones who access office network wirelessly. This is just a simple example of LAN local area network infrastructure. You can always customize and make it suitable for devices in your company. Some of the networked computers can be easily replaced with the printer, fax machine or IP phone.

In this office network diagram , we did not add modem since your Internet service provider ISP will provide and setup modem for you. The network topology is crucial for the reliable and redundant network.

There are other things to take into the consideration; IP addressing and subnet management, choosing internal domain names, data and network separation for better performance, licensing requirements , etc. All manufacturers have generic or default information for router access. Change them to avoid intrusion into your network. When finishing WIFI network setup, create a password and prevent unauthorized users connect to the business network.

If you are running a restaurant or similar business, you can set dedicated WIFI network for guests and visitors only. That was the main reason to set up office network in the first place.

This guide is for Windows 10 users , but very similar procedure stands for other Windows versions. For other versions visit Microsoft support portal. Turn on Sharing Options — When you connect to the network for the first time set sharing options manually for network discovery, network sharing, file sharing and printer sharing.

These tools and articles will help you make important communications decisions to help your business scale and stay connected. Learn how to make the right decisions for designing and maintaining your network so it can help your business thrive.

Skip to content Skip to search Skip to footer. Watch overview Contact Cisco. Get a call from Sales. What is a switch? What is a router? Get started with a free trial of Cisco Meraki cloud networking. You may also like: Networking basics: what you need to know What is a switch?

This is one component of your network that you might need help with. To know exactly what type of network server you will need, please contact our network team. There many variables we need to consider to give you proper server size specifications.

To size a server, things like applications, amount of users, storage requirements, and security requirements have to be considered. You can call our network team at , and we can help you size your server free. Protecting your business from cyber threats is paramount.

Today more than ever, businesses have to take proper steps to protect their data and files from cyber thieves. Your business will also need Microsoft Office tools to be able to process documents, spreadsheets, and email. Endpoint protection software is the shield and protection for your computers.

Your firewall will protect you from outside threats trying to make it to your computers, but if a threat makes it to your computer, your Endpoint protection will stop it. Many businesses fall victim to cyber-attacks, and the trends are growing. Businesses are also failing to recognize the importance of encryption software in an office environment. Simply put, encryption software can protect your business even when firewalls, intrusion prevention, and even antiviruses fail.

If your files are stolen, they will be useless to the crook as the encryption will not allow the files to be read, and your data, although stolen, will still be protected. Building and configuring a small business network can be a challenging task. Although it is not impossible for a business owner to build a small network, our recommendation is to always work with an experienced IT company like Corporate Shields.

Our team of experts can offer Network Setup Service to any business owner and business type. This article gives you good information to build and set up your small business network. However, setting up a network can be a large project and we recommend you get advice from a reputable and professional IT company. Feel free to contact our office at with any questions. View Larger Image.