Your computer network keeps your business going. The network allows data to move from one place to another. Some of it is perfectly ordinary, but some of your data is highly sensitive. Whatever its nature, your ability to put data to work for you makes it possible for you to do things that would have been unimaginable a few decades ago.
Network infrastructure consists of a combination of hardware, software, and network services that make it all happen. So, before considering anything else, it will be important to know about the different things that make up your computer network infrastructure.
What is Network Infrastructure? Components to Know About
As we noted, your network infrastructure consists of three categories of components. They work together to allow data to flow smoothly between devices and the people who need it to work. It should be such a seamless process that you rarely even think about all the parts that are working for you. Here are some simple explanations:
Network Hardware
These are the devices and components you can see and touch. They include routers, modems, hubs, firewalls, switches, access points, and cables. Your choice of network hardware depends on needs like speed, scalability, security, compatibility, and reliability.
Network Software
To make everything in your network work together smoothly and to keep it secure, you will need the right network software. It manages your network, monitors it, and keeps it secure. All the devices that access your network will do so through your network software.
Network Services
Network services are applications that you are likely to be familiar with. For example, email is a network service. Other services include Voice over Internet Protocol (VoiP), your Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), file and directory services, and secure remote access systems. They are run on in-house servers or are cloud-based.
Why is Network Infrastructure So Important?
Productivity and Efficiency
Few businesses today are functional without a robust network infrastructure. We rely on a smooth flow of data to complete a variety of tasks a thousand times more efficiently than ever before. Employees collaborate even when they are miles apart, and workflows move from one step to the next without pause. In short, productivity and efficiency rely on network infrastructure.
Continuity
At the same time, things can go wrong, but your network infrastructure should be designed for continuity. Downtime should be a rare exception, and your network should be able to retain stability regardless of the amount of data your organisation moves through it. Your network’s ability to do these things relies on the network infrastructure you provide.
Security
Data is a valuable asset, and like all things of value, it is important to keep it safe and secure. Some of that data is sensitive, and you are required by law to take reasonable steps to protect it. Without good network security built into your network infrastructure, your entire network becomes vulnerable. A cyberattack could bring your organisation to its knees and ruin its reputation.
Types of Network Infrastructure
There are many factors to take into account when choosing the right network infrastructure for your organisation. They include bandwidth, scalability, security, and the ways you want to be able to work. We can broadly classify types of network infrastructure as:
- Local Area Network (LAN): As the name suggests, this is a localised network. For example, you are using your network within a particular building.
- Wide Area Network (WAN): A wide area network allows you to connect across different locations that can be very far apart. For instance, it connects offices, data centres, and cloud-based applications and storage.
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): This type of network connects locations within a metropolitan area. Its coverage is greater than that of a LAN but smaller than that of a WAN.
In general, modern operational requirements call for Wide Area Networks that allow companies to use a wider range of Network services and work over distances that are larger than those covered by a LAN or a MAN.
The Internet as Network Infrastructure
The internet offers a simple networking solution with worldwide reach, however, there are issues that organisations must address if they hope to connect via the worldwide web. The most pressing of these is security, a many-faceted challenge. Continuity challenges may also arise if one is dependent on particular service providers.
Most organisations today do use the internet as a component of their network infrastructure, but must take extra steps to ensure that their information remains secure. These consist of layers of protocols and may include the use of dedicated VPNs and encryption that prevents information from being intercepted.
The Future of Network Infrastructure
The cloud has already made its mark as a vital component in modern network infrastructure. Hybrid models are part of how many organisations function. Security-driven infrastructure is already an essential, but we can expect networks to become increasingly proactive in detecting anomalies.
Networks themselves will get smarter, using predetermined policies to become self-healing entities. AI will be increasingly useful, predicting needs and responding to the threats it detects. It is an exciting time to be engaged in network infrastructure development, and we can expect more advances in the near future.
Future-Proof Network Infrastructure Solutions With Advantex
Advantex specialises in information technology and security, placing a team of experts at your disposal. Large and small organisations place their trust in us, achieving network infrastructure and security that allows them to work with confidence. We consider every contingency, and offer several packaged services that meet the needs of organisations around the UK.
Ours is a path of continuous learning and growth, ensuring we remain on the cutting-edge of an industry that continues to develop by leaps and bounds. With our help, you can focus your energy on your core business, secure in the knowledge that Advantex network and IT infrastructure solutions are available where and when you need them most.
