Network Services Offered:

Assessment Design Implementation Support Security

What is a Network

Simply, a network is a collection of computers, printers, and other electronic devices, linked by cables or wireless, allowing them to communicate with each other. A network allows individuals to share and exchange information (files and programs), access common services (email and applications), and shared hardware (printers, servers, image scanners, and fax machines).

What are the Benefits of a Network

Increased Employee Productivity

When an office is connected, so are people. Ideas are shared more quickly. More informed decisions are made. Everyone moves faster. Being connected saves time. Progress can happen with fewer meetings. Data is conveniently shared without trading floppy disks. Users have access to better shared equipment. Collaboration happens. The organization is more competitive.

Reduced Communication Costs

Network-based communication such as e-mail and "instant messages" are a cost-effective alternatives to phoning and faxing, with the potential to deliver significant savings in long distance charges. The combination of the public Internet with secure "virtual private networking" VPN technology allows for office-to-office networking without costly dedicated Wide Area Network (WAN) connections, also realizing major cost savings.

Equipment Costs

Networking allows equipment — mainly printers and servers, to be shared with multiple users. Shared resources are used more often and efficiently. More users can be brought online without large additional costs. Investments in equipment benefit more workers.

Access to Resources Anytime/Anywhere Networking brings mobility. Key files, data, and services can be accessed from any place on the network. With remote access in place, one can travel or work remotely and still be connected. Access to files, data, and messages when away from the office provides employee flexibility. Users can respond to co-workers and customers quickly, from anywhere.

Network Types

Peer-to-Peer Network

A peer-to-peer network is ideal with 5 or 6 nodes to connect. In this configuration, using a central controlling device, called a hub or switch, all computers are connected together. Each computer is an equal, or peer, of the others and can share files and peripherals connected to the network. While a peer-to-peer network is a simple, low-cost, easy to-install solution, it is not as efficient for finding, retrieving, and storing files.

Client/Server Network

With six or more nodes to connect and large files such as databases and information that needs updating regularly, the best choice is a client/server network. The presence of a central computer or server in this configuration provides several advantages. As files are stored in a single location, they are easier to update, back up, and archive with dependable results. The server is typically a high-performance computer that ensures speedy data access and delivery, and gives a business the platform to add capabilities such as centralized accounting and general ledger, manufacturing, order entry, shipping, or inventory management software. Again a centralized hub or switch is the solution to this configuration.

Internet Solutions

The Internet is an essential activity for any business today. With the widespread adoption of e-mail, and new technologies such as "instant messages", an Internet connection is key to maintaining close ties with customers and keeping up with industry trends and competitive developments.

The Solution

The simplest solution for connecting small businesses to the Internet is to network a cable or DSL broadband Internet connection. The connection and basic equipment typically comes from the local Internet Service Provider.

A gateway router acts as the interface between an internal private LAN and the public Internet. It sits between a cable or DSL modem and the internal network. The Cable/DSL Gateways are affordable and easy-to-use small office Internet gateway routers allowing PCs and laptops to network together and share a single broadband Internet connection. Designed for branch and small offices, the devices allow multiple PCs to share a single cable or DSL modem.

A VPN (virtual-private-network) provides the same functionalities as other WANs but in a different way. It is created by supplying IP addresses of the machines to be part of the network. The Internet then creates a virtual-private-connection or "tunnel" between machines or offices by encrypting data passed between them such that only the machines at the end-points of the "tunnel" can access or read the data. This provides security and other facilities the same as or better than the privately owned networks at substantially less cost.

COMPLETE NETWORK SOLUTIONS is experienced in each of the above WANs. We can design and implement a VPN for you as we have for others. We can troubleshoot and repair one that isn't working properly. Call us for references.