Networks
Networks, Routers, Firewalls, Content Filters, Servers, Switches, Workstations, oh my!
We can cover all of the above, from deployment, to maintenance, and repair. We are not here to hit you with a big upgrade, but rather evaluate the equipment you have, then make recommendations on how we can get the best Performance and Security from what you already have in place. We are just a budget conscious as you and are very adept at making technology come together.
Slow Internet?
Let us take a look. We can offer solutions with a quick glance at your system.
Routers
Routers have a big job. Besides bringing the Wide Area Network (WAN) into your Local Area Network (LAN), they are in charge of routing your traffic with your LAN where it needs to be.
When you send a document to Network Printer as an example, the computer sends the data through the Router which calls up the Printer and sends what you want to print there. The Router uses an Internet Protocol (IP) address to keep track of where data is routed.
What is an IP address? As an example, it is like a phone number and when you want to talk to another machine, the Router completes the call. An example of a LAN assignment would be one assigned to the Router as a Static IP (which means it owns that address and it never changes unless a human does it through the Routers Configuration). This IP could be; 192.168.010.001, although what we see is 192.168.10.1, but all the language in that "phone number" consists fo 12 numbers, just like our Smart Phone numbers have 10.
Consumer grade Routers (which populate most small businesses), have no protections or features noteworthy to protecting your data.
Learn more about how your Router works by scheduling a Free Consultation.
Firewalls
These are not designed to keep a real fire out, but it will keep viruses from getting in, and will block access to your precious data. Most consumer grade Routers have a Firewall, but their only purpose (as discussed above) is to block any port access to any equipment within your Local Network. They do not provide protection against antivirus, malware, and ransom ware attacks.
Some Business Routers have Antivirus options, as well as Content Filters (which we will talk about in the next section).
There are also standalone Firewalls that provide everything from minimal coverage to all the bells and whistles protection with various annual subscription plans from the Hardware Vendor.
Content Filters
Just like the title says, a Content Filter allows you to decide the content you want your employees (or kids) to have access to. This can be as simple as a "Dirty Word Filter", or to prevent access to particular web content, or even block Websites. These are available in a package with the Router, or as a standalone.
Does your employees visit Facebook, X, or shop Amazon or E-Bay causing loss of productivity? This appliance can help you get a handle on this.
Switches
A network switch is networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device.
A network switch is a multiport network bridge that uses IP and MAC addresses to forward data at the data link layer of your Network.
There is managed and un-managed versions of this appliance and we can help you decide which is best for you.
LAN Servers (within your Local Area Network)
A server is essentially a computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network. In theory, whenever computers share resources with client machines they are considered servers.
Servers take many forms. Some store and provide data which are called File Servers. Others handle your credentials and are known as Domain Servers. A Windows domain is a form of a computer network in which all user accounts, computers, printers and other security principals, are registered with a central database located on one or more clusters of central computers known as domain controllers. Authentication takes place on domain controllers, giving you access to the resources set in place by a owner or network administrator, giving you access to certain data.
Bigger companies have mail servers. A mail server consists of multiple components. A mail transfer agent (MTA) receives and sends emails via SMTP. Received and accepted emails are then passed to a mail delivery agent (MDA), which stores the mail in a mailbox. We can work with you any type of Server you may have and make recommendations on how to move forward.
Workstations and Laptops
Simply put, this is the connection between the user (you and your employees) and the data you work with. Many applications exist to make your life easier and more productive. These systems are dependent on all of the above resources, or can be standalone like a home computer which is just connected to the Internet via a Network Card and cable, or wireless and a printer through a USB cable.
The Cloud
Sounds ominous doesn't it? In our opinion it could be! First, let’s start off by getting a couple of things in order.
1. The cloud is just someone else's computer.
2. There are hundreds if not thousands of people out there selling services and storage through the "cloud"
How do you trust them? Well you don't without some guidance from a trusted professional. The Cloud consists of a Server or Computer, hooked to the Internet, giving you access (in most cases for a fee) to store your data and make it available anywhere you go. Sounds cool don't it? It is still someone else’s computer!
They sell you on encryption, throughput speeds, and low cost. Can you rest easy when you realize that it might just be a computer sitting in a kids basement underneath their parents?
If you are going to use the cloud, special consideration and study is needed to understand the vulnerabilities of Cloud Storage and what you can, and should not put in the Cloud.
We can help with that also.