Information technology has become an indispensable and essential component of every organization, big or small. Information technology better known by its abbreviated form I.T is a vast field and includes several elements such as computers, systems, software, and networks. I.T is a driving force in many business organizations and backbone to ensure that the organizational tasks are performed efficiently and effectively. The advent of the internet transformed the business dynamics and allowed companies to coordinate their activities, make use of information in improving their products and services.
Information technology has allowed business organizations, manufacturers, suppliers, and customers to come together and communicate in real-time. The I.T field is expanding with advance and innovative hardware and software solutions. The advancement has given an opportunity for organizations to reengineer and reshaped their business processes. The modern and purposeful information tools have given way to the centralization of information and helping organization to reduce redundancies, improve productivity, and make timely decisions.
An enterprise network is considered to be a backbone of communications in an organization and it helps in connection with computers and devices among different departments and network systems. The main purpose of an enterprise network is the accessibility of data and information to every employee and manager of the organization. A well-defined and designed enterprise network is also known as ‘corporate network,’ will reduce the communication protocols, support integration, and improve internal and external data management.
A big organization usually has several departments and units which sometimes lead to multiple network systems and workgroups. Management of I.T related things becomes a problem and leads to a decrease in productivity. An enterprise network removes the isolated and individual users and workgroups and integrates the systems so it is easy for everyone in the organization to enter and retrieve information. An enterprise computing model may be developed to analyze and improve existing enterprise communication strategies and protocols.
An enterprise network usually consists of both local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN), and its configuration depends on the needs and requirements of an organization. The best thing about an enterprise network is that it can seamlessly be integrated with nearly all types of systems, whether it is Windows, Unix, or Apple operating system, mainframe, or modern devices such as smartphones and tablets. A specially designed and developed enterprise network combines and uses different electronic devices and system protocols and ensures reliability, security, and superior performance.
What does an enterprise network consist of?
An enterprise network is made possible with a combination of various networking devices, which includes routers, switches, and wireless access points.
- Routers
The device that connects multiple networks and systems is called a router. This device sends and receives data from one device to another. The router is also the device that helps users on the network to connect with the internet
- Switches
The network controllers are called switches, and they help in connecting computers, printers, and servers on a network, and allow data to be moved within it. Switches ensure that devices are connected and help to form a shared resource.
- Wireless access points
The wireless access points enable wireless connections and work similarly like a router and send data from one device to another.
Why enterprise networks so vital for every organization?
In business, time is money, and organizations know that in a competitive market, they have to incorporate modern networking methods to ensure seamless connectivity within the organization and with the clients, suppliers, and business partners. There are numerous studies and surveys that suggest that the network downtime cost is more than $5000 per minute and can be higher for technology and internet-dependent organizations. As the enterprise network, architecture gets complicated than organizations big or small find it hard to keep up with the pace and adapt to the changing trends. But several networking solutions allow an organization to simplify its processes and improve efficiency.
There are different aspects of enterprise network configuration that includes
- Networking
It is a known fact that organizations cannot work and give a coordinated effort without proper networking systems and networks. The components of networking, such as routers, and switches, have already been discussed. Networking is a cost-effective solution that helps to improve communication and coordination, allow fast and convenient file sharing, increase security.
- Wireless
One of the keys to future technologies is being wireless, where there are no connecting wires, and radio waves are used to enable communication. The data is sent and received seamlessly without the need and hassle of any wires. Wireless technology helps to ease scaling, improve management of mobile devices, and reduce the confinement to office environment and workstation.
- WAN
One of the certain elements of an enterprise network is WAN (Wide Area Network), which helps the organization to connect with their offices if they are located in different cities domestically and globally. The internal office departments are connected to LAN (Local Area Network), which is further connected to WAN. The advantages of WAN are that it leads to a centralized I.T infrastructure, provides privacy, and allows smooth communication.
- Security
One of the essential aspects of the enterprise network is security, and policies and protocols play a part in network security. The security of the network ensures that no unauthorized person can get any access to sensitive data and information about the organization. The lapse or error in network security can result in the misuse of information. The security solutions help to minimize the downtime, prevent virus attacks in the systems, and improve network performance.
The advantages of an enterprise network are
- Fast and reliable communication
Fast communication is key in today’s competitive business environment. I.T solutions help every employee and manager to communicate and get the work done efficiently. Several activities are made possible through enterprise networks such as email messaging, IP (internet protocol) telephony, and video conferencing.
- Help in management
The enterprise network ensures a shared resource that simplifies most of the tasks. The files are stored in a central location, which allows access to everyone in the organization. The files can be retrieved, modified, and stored again in the database.
- Cost minimization
The combination of hardware, and devices, in the enterprise network, reduces the cost of infrastructure and services considerably. WAN and wireless technologies further reduce the cost of scaling and expanding the network of the organization.
- Improved productivity
An enterprise network will help an organization to streamline its business function, overcome challenges, and achieve organizational efficiency.
