Schools and businesses have become increasingly reliant on technology to evolve and remain competitive in their sectors. The speed and efficiency at which these technologies can operate are intrinsically linked to the design and specification of the organisation’s IT network and the performance of the wireless network to which devices are connected.
If technology is outdated or the physical IT network and/or the wireless network is poorly configured, then this usually results in slower network access and slower processing of files and folders, with download speeds being severely impacted. Users and processes will take much longer to perform regular tasks and responsibilities and regular operations will become inefficient.
In a school environment, this can quickly lead to bored and impatient learners, disrupting lessons and frustrating teachers.
In a business environment, these inefficiencies could mean that people are not as productive as they could be, which may affect the business’s competitive advantage and profitability.
The benefits of networks and wireless networks include:
- Sharing data and information – One of the biggest advantages of a network is sharing data and information between each of the devices that are connected to the network. In addition, networks allow access to files, databases and video conferencing equipment which helps people to communicate and collaborate.
- Communication: A network gives all users the ability to quickly communicate with each other using chat, instant messaging, e-mail, and videoconferencing software.
- Shared hardware: Hardware devices connected to a network can be shared with all users, for example, a network printer allows all network users to print to a single printer.
- Shared software: As long as proper software licenses are in place, the software can also be shared and may only need to be installed on a single device.
- Security: Being connected to a secure network allows a user or organisation to digitally transfer documents securely and carry out financial transactions safely. For example, a network could enable an organisation and its users to access an employee benefits system, process timesheets and payroll, but also transfer their salary to the employee’s bank accounts.
What is a Network?
A network refers to the physical cabling and/or wireless connectivity that is installed within a building or buildings the organisation operates. Hardware such as laptops, printers, computers, tablets and telephone systems are connected to networks in order to exchange information.
A new modern network that needs to be designed will need to consider the building layout, number of users, types of devices, security, scalability and the software being used. A modern network should be able to improve and accommodate tasks such as accessing, saving, amending, resaving and sharing a document held on an interval server or in the cloud quickly and efficiently. Delays in processing any stage of these tasks will lead to a poor user experience and slower efficiency.
Wireless Connectivity
Leads and cables are increasingly becoming a thing of the past as more and more people choose to adopt more agile working practices and utilise the capability of technological advances to improve working productivity and mobility. High-speed internet access coupled with high-speed physical networks and wireless networks are essential tools if IT users are to be efficient and productive.
How can Link ICT help?
At Link ICT our IT Network Managers have comprehensive knowledge of wireless network design and are highly experienced in completing site surveys. They will spend time getting to know the needs of your organisation and use this information to design a wireless IT network that ensures all required areas of your building are networked and have access to a fast, reliable internet connection.
We offer a fully comprehensive service, from designing your network, all the way through to installation and implementation of the final hardware. We have distributor agreements with a wide range of wireless networking manufacturers and we can utilise our bulk buying power to secure competitive discounted prices. As part of our ongoing partnership with you, we monitor connectivity performance and upcoming license renewals to ensure your users and devices have access to the best possible network speeds and access to the internet.
If you would like us to review and look at improving the performance of your network infrastructure, please get in touch.