Small businesses are growing rapidly, and so is technology. The business and IT sector (Information Technology) grow together and help each other evolve. Usually, small businesses don’t use much technology, but now, technology is a must for every business. No matter how big or small, if you want good exposure and growth, you need to invest in good technology.
Since small businesses are not that vast, their IT network must be compact and easy to manage. Every business structure is different, and so their tech needs also differ from one another. While big enterprises need a vast IT network, small businesses need a simple and easy IT network to work through.
A small business uses a small network that connects to the internet, limited office computers, and some printers. When setting up a network for your small business, one must consider first what type of network they want?
Two types of internet service available
- Home Internet Service
- Business Internet Service
Guidance On How to Purchase Internet For Your Small Business
First, you need to consider what will suit your business best since both the services have different qualities. Business internet comes with more extra features compared to the home internet. It has a fast upload speed and more data security.
Business internet connections usually use a static IP address (Internet Protocol) with a permanently assigned number by the ISP (Internet Service Provider). Static IP also goes by the name of a fixed address. This fixed address is very convenient when it comes to web hosting or connecting your email server to a whitelisted server.
Three options when setting up a computer network
- Wired
- Wireless
- Hybrid
Another thing to keep in mind is the location you want your business internet device to be placed at. Another one is how fast you need your internet service to be. Costs of the internet services are more or less same, and it somewhat varies as per the network speed.
Wired Network
The wired network is also known as the Ethernet network. This has the capacity of data transfer from 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps (Megabytes Per Second). Though this speed also depends on the type of cable you are using. Gigabit Ethernet allows a speedy and brisk transfer rate. It allows you to use up to 1 gigabit per second, which is 1000 Mbps.
The wired network also provides:
- High security and fast service
- The wired network doesn’t hinder by a mere wall or any other object
But the problem is you need to connect each device and hub via a cable. This is very time-consuming and can be tricky if you have devices placed in different rooms. Also, it can cost a fortune to purchase all the hardware. For example, Ethernet network adapter, Ethernet hub or switch, Ethernet cables, Modem.
Wireless Network
Wireless Network is a little slower than a wired network. It provides a data transfer service between 10 Mbps to 600 Mbps. This also depends on the kind of wireless modem standard you are using.
Wireless Network has some advantages to it:
- It is quite flexible since there is wire involved, and you move the devices as per your need.
- If you are facing difficulty with the signals, you can use the wireless repeater. It helps pick up a degraded signal.
- It costs less compared to the wired network.
However, wireless networks are slower than wired networks and work at half the speed of the rated speed. However, it doesn’t need as much hardware to work with only a Wireless router and Wireless network adapter. Also, if your devices have in-built Wi-Fi features, then you won’t need a wireless network adapter.
Hybrid Network
A hybrid network is an amalgamation of both wired networks and wireless networks. This combination provides the best kind of internet service for both desktops and devices with Wi-Fi features. Like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. A hybrid network depends on:
- Special hybrid routers
- Hubs
- Switches
- Ethernet cables
All this hardware helps connect with hybrid networks. A hybrid router has two specific features-
- It broadcasts a wireless signal
- Provides wired access ports
This also goes by the name of a Wi-Fi router with Ethernet ports.
This combo of the wireless and wired network provides the best network speed service. It also provides-
- High security
- Affordability
- It is very mobile since there are not many wires included. You can move devices from one place to another easily.
- It only needs a network adapter, hybrid router, and Ethernet cables.
Conclusion
Setting up a network for small businesses is important in every step of business operations. No business can operate without any IT system (Information Technology). Nowadays, businesses must adapt to and create an authentic computer network to maintain their business operations.
