What is Networking Solutions?
Networking solutions consist of a group of servers, mainframes, network devices and endpoints (like computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones) that are connected to allow sharing of data between all components of the network. Networks can be segmented into two major categories:
- Local Area Networks (LANs)
- Wide Area Networks (WANs)
Every organization uses networks to communicate and collaborate with key stakeholders — employees, customers, partners, suppliers and, increasingly, other machines.
Components typically comprising a network include:
- Servers
- Mainframes
- Firewalls
- Switches
- Hubs
- Modems
- Routers
- Bridges
- Repeaters
- Consoles
- Endpoints (desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, webcams, etc.)
What is a Local Area Network?
A local area network, or LAN, comprises switches, routers and other components that enable devices to connect to internal servers, web servers and even other LANs via WANs. The advantage of a LAN is that it enables your team to share files, printers, one internet connection and more.
What is a Wide Area Network?
A wide area network, or WAN, is a computer network that spans over a large geographic area and connects multiple local area networks (LANs). In practice, a LAN serves a single office, store location or campus while a WAN connects LANs across cities, states, regions or countries. A WAN’s primary purpose is to connect computers on one LAN to computers on another LAN or to computers located at a central data center located on-premises or hosted by a cloud service provider.
How to Improve Networking Solutions Performance
Figuring out how to improve your corporate network can be a tall order, so we recommend leaning on a well-versed MSP like TPx to guide your business through the process from end to end.
Here are five steps to improving networking solutions performance:
- Gain Network Visibility – through network management tools, gain insight into your network to assess current status and resources.
- Assess Network Needs – network requirements change over time, so network configurations must be assessed and revised to meet evolving needs.
- Monitor Network Performance – observe your network over time to discover what’s working well and what should be improved.
- Patch Firmware – sometimes improving a network simply means keeping firmware up to date. Since network technology is all software-based, an MSP working on your behalf can patch the applications remotely.
- Upgrade Gear – finally, depending on your network structure, you may elect to acquire new and improved network technology such as Wi-Fi 6 access points or upgrade to new hardware components like edge devices
