Factors to consider for a good LAN infrastructure

When installing a new office today, many people think about the physical space and the furniture that will accompany it. However, it is unfortunate that many only think about the LAN (local area network) infrastructure when they are already seated and looking for a way to get the systems up and running. This often leads to a random LAN infrastructure setup where anything goes as long as people connect to the Internet. This is not the right way to go, as connecting to the internet is often not the most important goal when building a network.

• How many devices do you need to connect?
• Do you need to connect wirelessly?
• Is your phone system IP-based?
• Are your databases hosted locally or not?
• Do you need to integrate your security surveillance with your local network devices?

LAN configuration today includes things like databases with company information, company security, telephone systems, and finally the Internet link of your ISP (Internet Service Provider). All of these things are interconnected as they depend on a stable LAN infrastructure to serve their purpose. Whether it’s access control systems, surveillance systems, or even the Internet protocol (IP), phone systems, and even enterprise Wi-Fi, you need to plan for a stable cable infrastructure on a CAT6 backbone.

Therefore, it is necessary to find systems that can be easily integrated with each other on the network. With your server on the same network as your PBX (private branch exchange) system and even the surveillance and security system, you need to make sure that nothing goes wrong on this network. For that reason, it is even more advisable to have the same team looking at all of these systems. With that kind of arrangement, that team has a responsibility to make sure nothing goes wrong. IP address conflicts could easily freeze all your devices making it impossible to make calls, access your databases or even access your premises if the conflict affects all devices.

Decide on a suitable distribution plan

Your network layout plan is important. This includes choosing locations to terminate your network points, choosing a server room, positions for your switch cabinets, and even the power supply for the cabinets. Clean power for your core switches and all other switches and APs (access points) is very important. If you have phones and laptops for your users, you don’t want a situation where there is a power outage, but you can’t connect to your important resources through your laptops because the routers and access points are down too.

You must choose good and strategic positions for your access points to ensure that no one is left outside the coverage areas. When designing for a large organization in a wide area, you should always think about business Wi-Fi and especially software-controlled options. This is because these systems are easier to manage compared to standalone APs. Also make sure the hardware you use, such as modules and patch panels, are of the best quality to last longer. You don’t want a situation where you have to troubleshoot connectivity issues as a result of faulty hardware during the course of normal infrastructure use. However, it’s worth noting that proper labeling of your data points, voice, and even patch panels will make it easier to maintain your LAN infrastructure in the long run.

Once you have backbone your infrastructure on solid copper and fiber links, it is time to analyze the security of your databases within the local area, especially at the time when you introduce a router to link it to the global network . Because this happens through your ISP (Internet Service Provider), you should consider routers with secure firewalls and even antivirus systems to ensure that you protect against the possibility of unauthorized intrusion into your system. At this point, you may need to further investigate the pros and cons of having hardware- or software-based firewall systems.