Office Network Setup Experts in Santa Barbara

Creating and managing an office network setup can be a complicated, time-consuming task. Our experts will ensure you have all the hardware you need, and its proper installation. Whether you want to control access, engage an extensive guest network, or just connect to the internet with your internet service provider, our team is dedicated to keeping your networks running smoothly on multiple devices, whether they’re wired or wireless devices.

First, we’ll make sure you have the necessary equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

We Setup and Maintain Routers & Wireless Networks

This is probably the network device you’re most familiar with. A router ties multiple networks together and functions like a police officer directing traffic. They route incoming and outgoing data down the best or most appropriate path. It’s traffic control for your small office network. 

Routers are also used to set security controls for your network. Whether it’s a home or a business network, the process is similar. You set up a network name and password through the router. 

You’ll likely want a wireless router for a wireless network in the workplace. Wireless routers create both wired and wireless networks, giving you options for either setup.

Any business computer network will need at least one router, but you may need more depending on the size of your workplace and the number of devices you need. Our experts will help you decide how many routers you need.

Network Switches For Small Office Settings For Fast Network Connection

Switches are similar to routers in that they facilitate communication between network devices. The difference is that routers connect multiple networks together, while switches allow communication within a network. 

A router connects your network to the internet, while a switch connects network devices on your network directly to each other. So, switches are effectively what create your office network. 

There are two different types of switches, managed and unmanaged. An unmanaged switch is basically a plug-and-play option, it needs no set-up or formatting. Just take it out of the box, plug everything in, and you’re ready to go.

Managed switches are a bit more involved, but they also offer more features. Our team can help you decide which is best for your needs.

Firewall Setup and Maintenance

A firewall is an essential part of your network. Imagine your network as a castle; the firewall is the wall that keeps the armies at bay. It’s your first line of defense against malicious software.

Firewalls are often software, but they can also be hardware. Whichever you choose, you can’t risk setting up an office network without one. 

Servers

Servers look like desktop computer towers, but they’re designed to handle more complex tasks. Servers handle file sharing, printer services, email, databases, and other major functions. You can’t have a network infrastructure without one.

Cloud-based servers can be an affordable option, but an on-site server offers certain advantages that cloud services don’t have. We’ll go over all your options with you and make sure that you get the server that will best serve your needs.

Network Design

Getting the network hardware is only half the battle. After you’ve purchased the hardware, the network still needs to be designed and set up.

Whether you want to set up a local area network and establish a wired network within the office or you’re ready to go full wireless, we can help you every step of the way.

Everything has to be installed properly, and the difficulty of that task increases with each device added to the network.

You need firewalls between the internet connection and your router. It’s key that each device is connected to the proper switch. You’ll also want more firewalls at each wireless access point. 

The server needs a professional’s touch for proper set-up and to ensure the network software on the router is adjusted to your preferences. Remember to change the network name and password since each router comes with generic login information from the manufacturer. 

It’s a lot to handle, and have other things to spend your time on. Let our team of experts get your office network up and running, so you can focus on what’s important to you.

Small Business Network Management

Is your internet connection speed slowing down? Are you having connectivity issues? Whether we originally set up your network or not, we can help you. There might be outdated or faulty hardware causing the problem, or perhaps some malware that slipped past your firewall. Give us a call and one of our experts will diagnose the issue and get it working right away.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re just dissatisfied with your current network, we can help.