As a company we do networking – in all senses of the word.

We attend local business networks to connect with local business people.  It’s not just about selling our services, but collaborating with others too.  For instance, in the Bromley Business Network I meet other IT professionals, who offer similar, but not always the same, services as we do.  But, rather than seeing them as competitors, we often work together.

They may be closer to a site than we are and can easily pop in and do a 5 minute job that would take us an hour and a half of travel time to do.  We may be able to offer their clients services they don’t do, giving them access to business they’d otherwise have to turn down.

Networking works!

Then there’s the other kind of networking – the IT networks.

As we work with a lot of SMEs who have business premises, their networks are critical.  If the hardware and software isn’t connected properly the business simply doesn’t function efficiently – or at all.

It’s not as simple a plugging a router, like in your home.  Business premises are usually bigger with a lot more people and a lot more devices making demands on the network.

When it comes to data most businesses today store everything in the Cloud, but that still requires a broadband connection and a secure means of accessing it.

What’s in a network?

Firstly, you’ll need an internet connection (preferably fibre cable) running to the premises, and a professional router attaching to that.  A business router has the facility to be managed remotely, so everything doesn’t completely grind to a halt while someone drives to your premises if there’s a signal glitch.  Instead we can diagnose the problem from our help desk.

Once the router is installed data cables are run from the router to the various devices – PCs, printers, scanners, etc.

So, next to your router you have a data switch – effectively a hub that all the wires to various access points are attached to, carrying the WiFi signal to where it’s needed.  You can have dumb switches and managed switches.  Basically, anyone can plug their device into a dumb switch and get into your network.  Managed switches are configured to prevent that, so devices can be monitored for location and usage and unauthorised devices simply can’t gain access.

It also means that you can prevent anyone accessing your WiFi network, unless they have a password.  Your network can allow separate WiFi access to staff and to guests.

When the premises is large, maybe with a showroom or a warehouse, or several floors in a building, physical wires connecting access points are much more reliable.  Even with WiFi, access points cables will be required to link back to the router.

Think of it operating like a mobile phone network, where your long chat with your mum, while you’re thundering down the motorway switches from one mast to the next seamlessly.  That’s how a well-installed network works.  You can move around the site without losing connectivity.

At home you probably have a small mesh network, which is fine for domestic use, but isn’t robust enough for business.

All IT technicians don’t install networks – but EJJB do.  And we keep them running efficiently, so you and your staff can get on with your core business and the IT just works.