Network Design
How do you ensure that your network is going to work at its optimal performance? You have to start with a plan. Network design is the key to having an efficient and secure infrastructure.
Turning Point Solutions Group has a special process that we use to design your network:
Network Assessment
They always say you can’t get to where you want to go without first analyzing where you are now. The same goes for IT planning. You have to know what issues exist before you can develop a plan to correct the problems.
So what is involved in an IT Assessment? A highly skilled member of our team will:
- Test every network connection to verify that there are no errors or “noise” on the line. We have very advanced tools that allow us to analyze network wires. These tools actually allow us to “certify” the quality of the lines. Why is this important? Because bad cabling or interference can cause slow network response as well as computer connectivity errors.
- Analyze all computers, servers, switches, routers and other network devices. Our team member will gather important data such as the types of computers in use, how old the equipment is, and will determine if there are any major concerns such as lack of data backups.
- Meet with your designated staff representatives to review any ongoing issues such as viruses, spam email, and errors as well as discuss the future technology goals of your organization.
Once this information is gathered, our team member will compile the information in the form of an IT assessment and will review the information with you or a designated member of your staff. At the direction of your organization, we will provide any quotes that are necessary to rectify any issues that are discovered.
Design
The design step is really two fold. While creating the design, the engineer will first make recommendations to correct any issues discovered during the network assessment. The engineer will incorporate those recommendations into the overall design of your network.
When the engineer creates a network design, he creates a Visio drawing to document every aspect of the network. This includes location of server, switches, routers, computers, printers and any other device that will be placed on the network. The engineer will also include diagram all wiring. If you have an existing network, the engineer will only move devices if necessary.
Network Cabling & Wireless
The basic foundation of any network is the wiring that connects all of the devices together and then to the outside world. Without a solid foundation, you are in danger of having serious communication issues. That is why testing all existing wire during the network assessment is so critical. The engineer will recommend if any existing wiring needs to be replaced or if new wires need to be added to accommodate new devices or employees.
There is a lot that has to be considered when designing and implementing wire runs. It is important to allow Turning Point to manage this process to ensure compliance with wiring guidelines.
There are basically three wiring options:
- Cat 5/5e/6 network cable – This is the most common form of wiring.
- Fiber – This is the newest form of wire being used. This provides a much faster rate of data transmission.
- Wireless – Allows computers to be on the network without the use of cable. It is extremely important that the proper security is placed on the wireless network in order to protect your network’s data.
The team at Turning Point always installs wiring in a professional, organized way. If running wires along a wall, we recommend using Panduit to ensure a “clean” appearance. We also label all wiring so that your network documentation accurately shows the layout of your network. And of course, we insure that all wireless networks are properly secured.
Once network issues are resolved, we strongly recommend utilizing our ReliaTech Managed Services plan. This is a monthly service plan that will ensure your network stays in excellent shape!
Ready to learn more?
Take a look around our website to see the wide variety of services and solutions we offer and the industries we serve. Learn more about our company and the impressive credentials and experience that our technical staff possess. Or just give us a call at 318-442-0044, option 2 or email us at info@tp-solve.com.
Need an assessment of your current systems or network infrastructure? Contact us for a free two hour consultation. We can then work together to define the services and solutions that will meet your needs.
