We live in a time of advanced technologies, wherein new innovations are introduced daily. This, in turn, has an impact on how businesses operate.
To run a business of any size, whether you are overseeing a large corporation or a startup, a high-quality computer network is vital. In fact, we have come to rely on computing systems so much that if things go wrong with them, it can be detrimental to the company’s finances and can even lead to miscarriages of justice.
There are several reasons why having a comprehensive and competent IT system in place is beneficial. To get this right, you need to know the difference between the two main networks: wired and wireless. Here is a look at why the right network is essential for your business.
Why do we need a network?
The tech used in a business is becoming increasingly complex, and major players in the computing world want us to keep up with the latest developments. But why is it so important to introduce a network?
First, it enables communication. From staff members keeping in touch with one another to handling client relations, everything is done over a network. In fact, it’s this network that has helped companies make the move to working from home in the last year.
File sharing is an important part of doing business. It enables you to communicate your ideas and plans for both your employees and clients. But it will not be possible without a functioning IT network.
Secondly, these systems make it easier to connect everyone with office resources. If your workforce is slowly returning to the office, your network will connect printers, scanners and copiers needed to get through the workday.
A robust network is also a cost-effective option as you’re just using a single internet connection. This can be something to consider, especially if your team is returning to the office.
Which network do you need?
Small businesses tend to use a wired connection, also referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN) connection. Here, a group of computers are connected to each other, as well as to other devices, in the same room or building. If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely to need a LAN connection for your office.
There are other instances as well where a LAN network is a suitable choice. As part of Allied Electronics’ Ask The Expert series, William Dorow, product specialist for LUTZE Inc., explained: “Wired solutions tend to be the best option for industrial applications that experience a lot of noise and interference. For instance, if a production line is using a vision system for quality control, there may be numerous variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, and other sources of interference along the signal route that could disrupt the transmission.”
“These vision systems not only require high signal integrity, but they also need a high rate of data transfer. In a wired network, we’re able to maintain these speeds while also protecting against a lot of the interference generated by industrial equipment that could slow down or ruin the integrity of a wireless signal.” – he added further.
When is a wireless network needed?
Wireless networks are popular in large and modern offices. They allow smart devices to connect and can help to elevate communication between teams.
As long as they stay within the network’s reach, users can move around freely with their wireless laptops and still get an internet connection. This is ideal for larger corporations and sprawling industrial settings where workers need to send data across different departments.
The main downside to wireless networks is they’re not as secure as their wired counterparts. Therefore, it’s worth considering setting up both a LAN and wireless version if this is a concern for you. By having a combination of networks, you’re not likely to have the issue of your wireless network losing signal and dropping out of range.
Which network is best suited to your business? Do share your thoughts through the comment section below.
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