The importance of a network design plan

All businesses need a network that supports them 24/7. They want quick, efficient connectivity with no down time. It's good network design right at the beginning that makes the difference between uninterrupted service or a productivity nightmare. 

What does network design mean?

Network design is planning how you'll build a system that operates as efficiently as possible, before you go ahead create it.

Often represented as a blueprint, a network design tells everyone involved in building your framework exactly what's required and where. During the design process, network engineers work out what hardware, processes and procedures they need to set up so that information moves around as quickly as possible. It's a bit like planning a new town development – engineers aim to ensure everyone can access what they need by installing the right number of roads and traffic lights to keep cars moving.

A well-designed network ensures your connections are as efficient as possible.

Why is a network design so important?

1) Identifying what physical equipment you need

Your network design blueprint confirms exactly what kit you need to create your physical network. It identifies what cabling is required and where it needs to go, as well as the type of network devices you need, such as routers, servers and switches. More importantly, it looks at how the placement of this equipment can help your network operate more efficiently.

2) Engineers understand how your network is used

Your network encompasses all the technology your team use to connect with each other. They may use multiple devices to access your network and require security protocols that restrict folder access for certain users. Your network configuration ensures these needs are met across your entire system, without comprising efficiency.

3) A good design enhances performance

A poor network set up slows everyone down. Without the right hardware and routing protocols in place, your staff can't communicate with each other and the technology they need as efficiently as you want them to. 

Properly considering the design allows you to make sure you have the right number of switches, servers and routers. In large environments, layout is important too. Having key pieces of kit in the right place allows data to move through your network as quickly as possible without any unnecessary bottlenecks.

Experienced network engineers consider what type of network is best suited to your needs, as well as the best way to transport your data.

4) It accounts for future growth

When you create a network, you have to take into account your current size and future growth plans to ensure it can cope with the number of people using it. If you create your network without thinking through what you need in the future, or how different parts of your business connect, you might find it doesn't work very well once you add extra users or different types of software.

Part of good network design is looking ahead and ensuring you can cope with growth.

5) Security is at the heart of the design

Security shouldn't be an afterthought, or something you add afterwards. It should be embedded in the design of your network. 

As well as clear policies about who has access to each area of your network, you'll also want to take into account how devices access your network and what authentication procedures are in place. A key part of your network design is making sure anyone who shouldn't be accessing your network is stopped straight away, preventing harmful cyber attacks. 

At Biztech, we've helped many companies get their network design organised and implemented. Get in touch today to start a conversation.