Setting up networks in the house or in a small office is a great way to share different computer peripherals and be imaginative with them. IT networks can allow users to share internet access, printers, file sharing or playing music and videos. IT Networks can be built in house or via a IT Support Company.

Setting up a small IT Network is not easy, there are many things to consider in relation to building this framework so that it meets your requirements now and is adaptable to future requirements if the company was to grow.

There are a number of things that need to be considered before building the network to ensure that sufficient IT Support can be given. You have to look at how the business is likely to change over time by analyzing the following:

Usage requirements

Determining how many people will be using the IT network as well as determining what their hardware and software requirements are. Looking at whether they will be using it remotely, due to the nature of their job. Interaction with the network is also important to determine peripherals required.

Research

Again, look at the requirements of the rest of the team and individual departments, identifying the relevant costs of including them into the network plan.

Future Planning

Look at growth of the company, any expansions that will be required to accommodate new employees, any additional hardware or software requirements needed in the future as well as time, effort and costs for these.

Network Management and maintenance

As the network becomes more complex then you will need to determine if there are sufficient resources available in-house to support the network or whether an external IT Support Services consultant or agency will be required. Also as networking products have become easier to use over the years, it has become easier to manage the internal day-today- running of the network so management and maintenance is very much cost effective. If external support is required then remote network administration tools will need to be considered so that the number of on-site visits required to maintain the smooth running of the network is reduced.

Security Considerations

Security measures need to be incorporated into the network plan to ensure that the network cannot be hacked into. The main measures include passwords, virus protection, external firewalls and data protections.

Other things to consider

Other Things to consider that may affect integration, use and maintenance of the network include Information Management, Remote Access and Staff Training.

Information management is to do with how information will be shared across the server. This could be done by creating separate folders for different departments, looking at naming conventions for files and looking at enforcing rules when considering the creation of new files and folders.

Remote access is also another issue, especially for people in the sales roles because they have to travel quite a lot or for somebody who wants to work from home after their maternity leave is over to spend some time with their children as well as working. Remote access can be achieved via remote dial-ins or via the internet using a VPN connection.

Staff Training will need to be completed to ensure that their work habits as well as timesaving and productivity is not interrupted due to lack of knowledge on how to use the network. Training needs to be built into the network plan as well as into the current work commitments for staff. Follow-up sessions can be scheduled at a later date to address any final issues, challenges or concerns.