As your business grows, you will definitely have to start considering computer networking options. You don't have to go for an expensive setup, your needs will dictate the shape of the network. You will have to start with a basic setup. Here's what you need to know to get your business network started.

Starting with the Most Basic Network

At a basic level, a computer network is just a group of computers connected to each other. In fact, if you don't plan for your office connections to go beyond sharing files and other information between a select few PCs, then you don't need much.

The Basic Ad-Hoc Network

If you connect your interoffice PCs through Ethernet cables or wirelessly, then you'll have a viable network. This type of network, where computers connect to each other directly, is an ad-hoc network. These types of networks are ideal for many reasons.

• They're easy to set up
• They require no additional equipment such as routers

Once you want to go beyond such a simple structure, you still have options. You can set up a network in infrastructure mode.

The Basic Infrastructure Mode Network

In infrastructure mode, you will need a router that all of the equipment on the network use to interface with each other. To put that in perspective, an ad-hoc network has the equipment talking directly to each other.

In infrastructure mode, the equipment has to send the information to the router, which then sends it to its intended recipient. These types of networks cost more but they come with more benefits.

• They add scalability to your network
• They add more security and security possibilities

Most modern routers come with settings for both ad-hoc and infrastructure mode. However, many other modern devices don't play well on ad-hoc networks. Some may not connect unless you're in infrastructure mode. This is important if you want to share printing capabilities or other peripherals with others on your network.

Adding Features to Your Network

Of course, you will probably want to add more to your network such as,

• A dedicated server to give access to certain files to every employee
• Equipment dedicated to backing up your data
• Internet access that everybody can take advantage of
• A cloud server for file serving or redundancy
• The ability to access the network from outside the network
• Network security features
• VoIP capabilities

These are all things that are possible, but you must start with a basic network before you can start adding on to it.

You should outline what it is you want your network to do for you or your business. After that, you should contact computer networking specialists about how best to set up your network.

A professional will help you to set up a network properly. That way, you can make sure everything works as it should. Although, it's important that you have a little understanding of how your network works. So ask questions and keep scalability in mind. To learn more, contact Advanced Business Systems.