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Networking Solutions Overview

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Basic networking consists of two essential pieces of equipment: network switches and network routers. If you know how this hardware works, you'll have a fundamental understanding of basic networking as well. Knowing more about basic networking and network equipment can help you make better decisions about the network design, services, and features your business needs to implement in order to thrive.

Networking solutions for small business can keep your employees connected and productive whereever they are. Small Business computer networking helps you better compete against larger companies while lowering communications costs, enhancing efficiencies, and improving customer service.

Foundations of a Network

Switches and routers are what basic networking is all about. Though they look similar and perform similar tasks, there is a difference.

Network Switches [View Details]
Network Routers [View Details]

Switches

Switches are the foundation of most business networks. A switch acts as a controller, connecting computers, printers and servers to a network within a building or campus. Switches allow the devices on your network to communicate with each other as well as with other networks. Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save businesses money and increase productivity. There are two types of switches to consider as part of your basic networking building blocks: managed and unmanaged.

An unmanaged switch works out of the box but can't be configured. Home-networking equipment typically offers unmanaged switches.
A managed switch can be configured. You can monitor and adjust a managed switch locally or remotely, giving you greater control over network traffic and access.

Routers

Routers connect multiple networks together. They also connect computers on those networks to the Internet. Routers enable all networked computers to share a single Internet connection, which saves money.

A router acts a dispatcher, analyzing data being sent across a network, choosing the best route for your data to travel, and sending it on its way. Routers connect your business to the world, protect information from security threats, and can even decide which computers receive priority over others.

Depending on your needs, you can choose from among routers offering different features, such as a firewall, Virtual Private Network (VPN), or Internet Protocol (IP) communications system.

What a solid network can do for you

Cisco and Tener Technologies can help your company connect and collaborate better—so you can stay focused on your business. Along with providing a solid network, Cisco Small Business Solutions can help you:

Reduce costs. Having one network for data, voice, and wireless simplifies network installation and management, which reduces costs. It helps cut phone costs and long-distance charges too.
Provide secure, remote access. Give everyone secure access to the tools they need to communicate effectively and collaborate easily, even when they're on the go. Extend your phone system to mobile workers over wired and wireless connections.
Prepare for the future. You can add new capabilities—such as wireless and voice—as needed, without expensive upgrades.

Network systems for small businesses, especially those supporting voice, data, and wireless on one network, offer additional advantages including:

Comprehensive security from hackers, viruses, and other threats
The ability to easily and cost-effectively add, move, or change users on the network
The flexibility to add new capabilities as needed without expensive upgrades

Network Systems Basics

Learn about the basic elements of a small business network.
3:21 min

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