Local Area Networks

LANs often include most, if not all of the following:

Firewalls can be seperate pieces of equipment or integrated into a Router. A firewall will block outside intruders from getting into your network unless they are authorized. Firewalls can often setup Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections to secure communications with individuals outside your network.

Routers determine what traffic on the Local Area Network (LAN) must go out the Wide Area Network (WAN). Routers also assign IP addresses for computers to use and direct incoming traffic to those computers. There is a significant difference in functionality, flexibility and reliability between consumer-grade and commercial-grade routers. TeleNavigators reccommends commercial-grade routers for our Security & Productivity solutions.

Data Switches direct traffic between users and the router. This sheilds computers from having to listen to all communications and allows far better use of the network bandwidth. Managed switches are available that allow login to check status and tweak settings. Unmanaged switches are inexpensive and fine for most applications.

Patch-Panels, Wiring & Jacks carry the digital signals to physically connect the above network equipment, Servers and user computers.

Network Diversity is important in mission critical applications, such as some security solutions. One common form of Network Diversity is to use Internet connections from both the Telco & Cableco. Some routers can load-balance so you get higher bandwidth during normal operation, but havea automatica fail-over switch to the working conection in the evnt that one WAN connection were to fail.

Labelling, Documentation & Control is essential for a stable and reliable network. Static IPs & DHCP IP ranges and forwarded ports must be inventoried and kept up to date. This inventory must be consulted and updated to prevent network conflicts. Documenting equipment logins, passwords & current configuration files is important to increase reliability and decrease downtime. Labelling all computing/network equipment, jacks, patch panels and wiring can make troubleshooting far easier and faster, decreasing downtime.

This part of a LAN is most often neglected, but most commonly the cause of network reliability issues and extended downtime.

The TeleNavigators Difference:

Our ability to implement all of the above technologies and applications combined with our consultative approach, helps customers maximize the effectiveness of our solutions for a given cost investment.

Please Contact Us Now for a free consult on how we can help you obtain the most cost-effective solution.