In today’s world, technology has become more prevalent than ever before. Whether you use it for business purposes or for personal enjoyment, it’s something we rely on nearly every day. While technology is amazing, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make it all function smoothly. Have you ever wondered how each of your technology connections work? While it’s not necessarily all that complicated, there are a few components that are absolutely necessary to ensure a successful connection. It’s also important to know that technology is ever-changing, meaning that what processes that once worked have now become outdated, as other, more efficient processes have taken their place. In order to keep up with the changing technology, our businesses must be willing to adapt to new standards and types of technology.
This week’s UGrid Network blog provides a comprehensive guide that details everything you need to create a successful technology connection within your business. Whether you’re using two different types of equipment, or hundreds, the same rules still apply.
UGrid Network specializes in technology connection devices including networks, wall plates, audio and video, USB and CCTV, and more. If you’re in need of a specific connection device, reach out to our experts — we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn more about what equipment you need for a technology connection in your business and contact us today!
The Basics
Before you spend money on a bunch of unnecessary equipment for your business, you should first consider the basic information. Begin to consider things like the size and layout of your company, as well as your data-access needs. You’ll need to ensure you have the right amount of cabling, enough modems, and a way to provide internet connectivity to all employees.
You’ll want to consider things like how to make your network most efficient and how to set it up in a way that’s scalable, for when your company grows. Ensure that you’re investing in technology connection devices that are reliable and redundant so you’ll have continuity within your network and be better prepared to handle unexpected events if they happen to arise.
What You’ll Need
Now that we’ve discussed the basic considerations, let’s move on to the physical parts and pieces you’ll need to create a working connection. While your specific setup may vary slightly, these are our recommendations for equipment every business should have when creating a technology connection.
Internet Modem
First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a modem (or modems, depending on your needs) that meets your company’s demands. So what is a modem anyway? A modem is what receives information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) through phone lines, optical fiber, coaxial cable, or some other connection cable, and converts it into a digital signal.
Router
You may have used the words “modem” and “router” interchangeably, but did you know there’s actually a difference? A modem, as mentioned above, is an interface between an ISP and your office network. A router, however, is what allows all of your wired and wireless devices to use the Internet connection at once. It also allows these devices to “talk” to each other without having to do so over the Internet. You’ll connect your router to your modem using an Ethernet cable, which we’ll discuss below.
Ethernet Cabling
In order to connect these boxes, known as routers and modems, to your internet, you’ll also need to ensure you have a sufficient number of Ethernet cables. An Ethernet cable is something that will connect your electronic devices (such as a computer, gaming system, or other device) to your network, which will then allow you to gain internet access, as well as interact with other shared network resources.
The reason these cables are used is because technology is not perfect. Your Internet connection can easily be damaged or interfered with by many factors. The Ethernet cable is a way of providing you with a guaranteed connection to your network. It can also serve as a more reliable backup option for your important information in case your WiFi connection happens to be down.
You can generally purchase cables at a variety of lengths, so that they can reach various places across your workspace. Before you decide which type or length of cable to purchase, though, consider how many you’ll need and where you’ll put them to maximize the efficiency of your connection. You’ll need to ensure that the type of cables you purchase is compatible with your router. Contact UGrid Network for any questions regarding which Ethernet cables would be sufficient for your technology connection.
Network Switch
Because routers typically have a limited number of physical ports, you may need to connect yours to something called a network switch, which can have as many as 48 physical ports. For added convenience, switches can be stacked on top of each other to help save you some space.
Patch Panels
A patch panel is a piece of mounted hardware assembly that contains a specific number of ports to connect and manage the incoming and outgoing cables. Typically, you’ll find patch panels placed in a wiring closet or other area with the racks connected to each other.
A patch panel works by terminating cable elements and routing each signal to its final destination, using the patch cords. They make it easier and neater to connect a large number of computers or other network devices, which is helpful in larger commercial environments. They can also help make it easier to troubleshoot connectivity issues within your network.
Servers
A server is a software or hardware device that responds to requests made within a network. It is used for file sharing and as a local data backup location for each individual computer. They’re basically a way to manage network resources and share information across the network. Depending on factors such as the size of your business, type of business, budget, and other important considerations, you’ll want to evaluate which type of server would work best for you.
Trust the Professionals at UGrid Network
Technology connection can seem overwhelming for someone who is just trying to run a business. That’s why the professionals here at UGrid Network are here to help you. We can assist you in determining which devices would be best suited for your business based on a variety of factors. We provide high-quality, reliable technology connection devices for businesses and individual consumers. Whether you need network tools, audio and video equipment, adapters, or other important equipment, we can help!
If you’re looking to set up a technology connection, reach out to our team of experts at UGrid Network today!