Planning an Office Network

In what I like to call the "olden days", offices would communicate with each other via memo and inter/intra office mail.  In this modern world of ours, employees communicate via email and instant message.  In order to convert an office from the "olden days" to the modern world, once computers have been installed, it is necessary to set up a network.

Computer networks can be either very simple - such as a cross over cable connected to two computers, or very complex - dozens of virtual lans, separated by switches, routers and firewalls, and managed by teams of IT professionals. 

In order to determine the requiresments for the office network, it is necessary to ask some questions:

• how many computers (ie people) will be using the network?
• is there any remote access requirements (vpn)?
• what servers and other network attached devices are required?
• who will manage and maintain the network?
• are their specialised requirements for different departments?
• how is the connection to the internet to be maintained?
• is there a requirement for servers facing the internet - mail server, web server, etc?
• what is the planned growth for the company over the next (x) years?

Once these questions have been answered, then a network design can be developed.  There are many tools out there for designing networks, but one of the best is Microsoft Visio.  Visio provides the user with many useful templates for drawing networks, and is very simple to use. 

After the network has been drawn up, a list of items that need to be purchased can be made, and a complete budget can be drawn up.  When it comes to purchasing nework equipment for offices, one of the best companies around is Cisco.  There are several advantages to utilising Cisco products:

• Cisco has very good support programmes, and can provide support 24x7 if required.
• Many computer professionals have the basic Cisco qualification - CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), and more these days have higher qualifications from Cisco - CCNP or CCIE.  This makes it easy to hire new staff if needed to support the network from day 1.
• While Cisco is not the cheapest, over the longer term their equipment tends to perform better than other cheaper brands.
• Cisco produces network components for all aspects of the network - firewall, routers, switches, VOIP, etc.

If the network is designed to complement or replace an existing network, then it is advisable to install the network in multiple stages, so to eliminate any possible issues that can occur.