Network Support for Beginners in 6 Easy Steps
Maintaining your company’s network support is an important aspect of running your business, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you’re struggling with the difference between a VPN and a LAN, here are 6 things you need to know about network support for beginners.
1. When was the last time you replaced your firewall?
Your firewall ensures that your internal network is protected from the wild world wide web, but it needs regular maintenance to function properly. Think of it like Customs. In order to get into the country, you need to pass through a series of stops to determine whether or not it’s safe for you to enter. But if one of the bag scanners breaks, it will both slow down the process and make the system more susceptible for security breaches.
The same is true for your firewall. If your technology is older and slower, it is easier for hackers, viruses and other unwanted things to get into your internal network, which can create loads of trouble for your business. Ensure that your firewall is regularly maintained to keep your network safe.
2. Are employees able to access the network remotely?
In today’s working environment, it is important to be able to connect remotely. Whether your team travels frequently or works from home, it’s crucial that everyone is able to connect to your network in order for your business to run smoothly. Long story short, set up a VPN and make everyone’s lives simpler.
3. Do employees have access to email via their phone?
Along the same lines as being able to connect to the network remotely, having access to email via a mobile device is key to keeping your company operating efficiently. Between your sales department meeting with leads and your office manager keeping the office supplies stocked, your team is constantly on-the-go, and needs to have access to their inbox at all times.
4. Is your equipment protected by uninterruptible power supplies?
Stuff happens, which is why it’s so important to have a backup plan. In the event of a power outage, having an uninterruptable power supply (or a UPS) will provide emergency power to your devices. This ensures that no data or important files will be lost in this type of scenario. While a UPS does not provide power for long, it will give you enough time to start up a standby power source or turn off the appropriate technology.
5. Does your business need a failover internet connection?
Most businesses rely on an internet connection to get work done. If you’re one of these businesses, what happens when your connection breaks? Now, imagine not being able to connect for a few hours or maybe even a full day. You would most likely experience downtime. Luckily, there’s a way to alleviate this.
A failover internet setup is a secondary connection to keep you up and running even when your primary internet connection fails. Having this system in place will ensure that you will never have to deal with being disconnected from online. Creating this type of connection can be expensive but, depending on your business, it could be crucial.
6. Are your servers and workstations kept up to date?
One of the main aspects of network support for beginners is maintaining the technology you have in place. Updating software and backing up files is crucial, but these monotonous tasks are often skipped over or forgotten due to more pressing issues. Replacing old devices needs to be a part of the plan as well. Switches, firewalls, servers and desktops should all be on a schedule for replacement. The person responsible for maintaining your IT infrastructure should have an ongoing plan for upgrades and back-ups, so any concerns should be brought to their attention. The best way to avoid a technological disaster is to take good care of the systems you currently have in place.
Maintaining your business’ network support is a big job and requires a lot of time and energy. We understand how challenging this can be, which is why we offer affordable, flat rate managed services plans to keep you focused on running your business. If your business needs assistance with network support or other IT needs, Onset Solutions offers complimentary consultations. Click here to schedule a free consultation today.