The ultimate guide to enterprise network design

An enterprise network without a clear plan leads to inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and costly downtime. These challenges leave your IT team scrambling to keep the network performant and secure. 

Our guide to enterprise network design is your detailed blueprint for building a strong, reliable, ready-to-scale network. 

We’ll cover:

• What is enterprise network design?
• Key considerations in enterprise network design
• Core components of an enterprise network
• 6 steps to designing an enterprise network
• Best practices for enterprise network design
• Common challenges and how to overcome them

What is enterprise network design?

Enterprise network design describes the planning and layout of a company's network, including the arrangement of devices, connections, and data paths. 

Enterprise network design includes the overall structure of the network, defining how different components like servers, routers, and firewalls interact and support business operations. 

Both aim to provide reliable, scalable, and secure network services. The process of enterprise network design includes: 

• Planning connections between offices and data centers.
• Integrating network services like virtual private networks (VPNs), voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and cloud services.
• Implementing security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. 
• Assessing current and future needs by conducting stakeholder interviews, analyzing network usage, and reviewing business growth plans.
• Ensuring high availability by using redundancy, implementing failover mechanisms, and regularly testing backup systems. 
• Implementing policies for network management and monitoring. 

Key considerations in enterprise network design

You can avoid chaos and failure with careful planning, so keep these key considerations in mind when designing your enterprise network: 

• Scalability ensures the network can handle future growth and increased demand. Design the network with a clear vision of future devices, users, and services and use scalable technologies like modular switches and cloud services.
• Security is a top priority for protecting sensitive and customer data. Establish access controls and user authentication processes immediately. Then stay on top of updates and patch systems to address vulnerabilities.
• Reliability is critical to boost availability and minimize downtime. Regular testing and maintenance, along with network monitoring, will help you detect and resolve small issues before they become bigger problems. 
• Performance optimization is crucial for network speed and efficiency. Regularly review and upgrade your hardware and software to keep them in top shape. 
• Compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements is key to avoiding legal issues and fines. Stay informed about laws and regulations relevant to your industry and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance.

Core components of an enterprise network

These five components are key factors in the level of performance, security, and scalability your network design will deliver:

1. Network infrastructure

Network infrastructure encompasses the physical and virtual parts of a network that connect devices and systems. These connections allow for smooth communication and data transfer. 

Network infrastructure includes hardware such as: 

• Routers: Direct data traffic between different networks.
• Switches: Connect devices within a local area network (LAN).
• Access points: Provide wireless connectivity to devices.
• Modems: Convert digital data to analog signals for internet access.
• Firewalls: Protect networks by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic. Meter offers a security appliance that handles this for you.
• Servers: Store, manage, and process network data and applications.
• Cables: Transfer data between network devices.

As well as software like:

• Operating systems: Manage hardware resources and network operations.
• Network management software: Monitor and manage network performance and issues.
• Firewalls: Protect networks by filtering traffic.
• Antivirus software: Protect devices from malware and viruses.
• VPNs: Securely connect remote users to the network.
• IDS/IPS: Monitor and respond to network threats.
• Network monitoring tools: Analyze and troubleshoot network traffic.
• Domain name system (DNS): Translate domain names to IP addresses.

At Meter, we can design the entire network, install all the relevant hardware and software, and pre-configure the settings for you.

2. Network topology

Network topology refers to the arrangement of disparate elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network. Choosing the right topology can drastically impact the performance and scalability of your network to make it more reliable and easier to manage.

• Star topology: Devices connect to a central hub or switch. This setup is easy to manage and simple to troubleshoot. If one device fails, others are unaffected. It has a single point of failure.
• ‍Mesh topology: Devices connect to multiple other devices. This arrangement has higher redundancy and reliability because multiple paths exist for data. However, it’s expensive and complex.|
• ‍Hybrid topology: This layout combines elements of star and mesh topologies. The benefits include more flexibility and scalability tailored to specific network needs.

 Important: Previous methods, such as ring and bus topologies have become obsolete. 

3. Redundancy and failover

Redundancy and failover mechanisms are essential to keep your network running smoothly during hardware or software failures. Redundancy provides backup paths for data if primary connections fail. Failover mechanisms automatically switch to a backup system when the primary system fails. Best practices:‍

• Implement redundant hardware: Use backup servers, switches, and routers to avoid single points of failure. Secondary switches, routers, and dual power supplies act as backups if the primary ones fail. 
• Use multiple internet connections: Ensure continuous service this way, even if you are affected by an outage. 
• Use failover protocols: Protocols like HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol) and VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) ensure automatic switchovers. Set up automatic failover to switch to backup systems instantly during failures.
• Regularly back up data: Backups to multiple locations, both on-site and off-site, help you avoid data loss. On-site backups help if there's a technical failure, while off-site backups are crucial if there's a disaster that damages the building or your equipment. 

4. Network segmentation

 Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a network into segments in order to restrict or control traffic flow and access. This technique is especially helpful for enterprises because it improves performance by reducing congestion and enhances security by isolating sensitive data.Key strategies for segmenting the network include:

• Using VLANs: Separate network traffic into different virtual LANs to reduce bottlenecks and boost security.
• Implementing subnets: Divide the network into smaller subnets to improve performance and control traffic.
• Isolating critical systems: Place sensitive data and critical systems on separate segments to protect them from general traffic.
• Employing firewalls: Use firewalls between segments to control and monitor traffic.
• Setting up access controls: Restrict access between segments so only authorized users can reach specific parts of the network.

5. Wireless and wired integration

Wired connections offer stable, high-speed access for stationary devices like desktops and servers. Wireless connections provide flexibility and mobility for devices like laptops and smartphones.  Like most things in life, balance is key:‍

• Assign wired connections to high-bandwidth and latency-sensitive components, like video conferencing tools.
• Deploy access points strategically to cover all wireless areas without overlap.
• Use network management tools to monitor and optimize both wired and wireless traffic.

 Integrating both into your enterprise network design results in optimal performance and user convenience. 

How to design an enterprise network in 6 steps

The key to success is breaking down the complex process of enterprise network design into smaller, more manageable tasks.

‍1. Assess requirements

A thorough assessment will guide the network design to meet both current and future needs. Start by:

• Considering your needs, including the number of users and devices, applications, security needs, and budget. 
• Interviewing stakeholders to understand their requirements and challenges.
• Surveying users to identify common issues like slow internet or frequent disconnections. 

Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) can also help enterprises zero in on specific requirements.  

For example, e-commerce companies rely on high uptime and fast transactions to provide a smooth customer experience and avoid losing sales. They might set a KPI of 99.99% network uptime, meaning the network should be up and running 99.99% of the time.  

Since this is a critical KPI for them, they might use backup servers and redundant network paths along with a network monitoring solution to ensure their network is stable and protected. 

2. Develop a good enterprise network design

A good way to figure out what your network should look like is to sketch the network layout, showing how devices connect.  

Start with a list of all critical devices like servers, computers, printers, routers, and switches. Organize everything visually by sketching out your space, adding each device and how they’ll connect. Remember to include connections to the internet, internal networks, and backup links. Next, move on to narrowing down extra hardware you might need. To ensure scalability, look for switches that allow you to add modules as your network grows and routers that offer easy upgrades. Planning for redundancy is a key aspect of enterprise network design.

Make sure you include backup paths, like secondary internet connections, and automatic failover mechanisms, like a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP).  Designing a network that scales easily as your needs grow is vital for enterprises. A flexible layout that includes extra ports on switches and routers, for example, will allow you to add more devices in the future. Installing additional cabling during the initial setup is another proactive approach that helps avoid disruptions when expanding.  

3. Maximize security

Security is a top concern for enterprises that handle sensitive information or customer data. Implement multi-layered security measures to protect your network from threats. Build your security system by:

• Deploying a firewall to block unauthorized access
• Installing IDS/IPS for real-time threat monitoring
• Using VLANs to segment the network and isolate critical systems
• Implementing regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities
• Encrypting sensitive data to protect private information
• Ensuring all devices have up-to-date security patches

4.   Implement and configure

Setting up and configuring network hardware and software can be tough if you don’t know where to start.

‍Follow these steps for a smooth setup. Start by referring to your network design to place devices like routers, switches, servers, and other hardware in the correct locations. Make sure to use clear labels for all cables and devices to avoid confusion during troubleshooting and future maintenance. Next, configure each device with the appropriate settings:‍

• Assign static IP addresses to critical devices like servers, printers, and network hardware. 
• Use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) for dynamic IP allocation to user devices.
• Enable and configure security features like firewalls, VLANs, and access control lists to manage traffic flow and secure your network.

Properly integrate your wired and wireless devices. Wired devices will need to be connected to switches or routers as per your design. Connect wireless access points to the network using Ethernet cables and configure them through their management interface. Finally, test connectivity between devices using a ping test.

A ping test checks if one device can communicate with another by sending small data packets and measuring how long it takes for them to return. For example, ping from a workstation to the server to check if they can communicate.  Want to reduce the risk of user error? Can’t figure out which type of router or security protocols you need?

Meter can design, implement, and configure your entire network for you. Get in touch to learn more about how we do it. 

5. Test and optimize

Make sure your network performs well, even under heavy use, with testing and optimization. 

Stress tests simulate high traffic loads on your network to see how it performs under pressure. You can use Speedtest, found in your Meter dashboard, to measure the speed and reliability of your network. It will analyze and report how fast data travels across your network and identify any slow areas.

Target weak points by upgrading hardware or software. For example, if a stress test shows that certain routers are slowing down under heavy traffic, consider a more heavy-duty model or use network segmentation to redistribute the traffic load.

6. Monitor and maintain

Network monitoring tools maintain ongoing performance and security. They’re an excellent way to check for connectivity problems, latency, and bottlenecks.

For example, Meter’s platform helps track network health, detect anomalies, and alert you to issues in real-time. Other ways to maintain a reliable, secure network include:

• Firmware and software updates to protect against vulnerabilities and improve performance
• Monitoring alerts for unusual activity or performance drops
• Regular maintenance to check and replace faulty hardware
• Security audits to ensure compliance with policies

Best practices for enterprise network design

Plan for success by incorporating these key practices in your enterprise network design:

• Future-proof with scalability: Plan for higher bandwidth and traffic by using scalable solutions like modular hardware and high-capacity routers.
• ‍Adopt standard protocols: Ensure all network components can work together by using widely accepted protocols. Then learn whether the equipment being deployed supports new efforts and standards, such as IPv6.
• ‍Train IT staff: Keep your IT team updated on the latest technologies and security threats with training sessions and certifications.
• ‍Automate network management: Automate routine tasks like firmware updates and configuration backups with software to reduce human error and improve efficiency.
• ‍Document and review: Keep detailed notes about your network design, configurations, and changes. Regularly review and audit this data to ensure the network meets current and future needs.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Companies often struggle with scalability, security, and integration when designing enterprise networks. Not future-proofing your network can lead to performance issues down the line. 

A common mistake companies make is designing a network with limited capacity. To overcome this, plan for future growth from the start, keep the design simple, and invest in quality hardware that can be easily upgraded.

We’re all guilty of ignoring security updates sometimes, but companies that underestimate security needs leave themselves vulnerable to attacks and unauthorized access to critical information. To improve security, use a multi-layered approach, keep everything updated, and train employees on security best practices.

Not checking if new technologies and your current setup are compatible is a recipe for disaster. To avoid this, thoroughly assess compatibility by testing new systems in a controlled environment before full deployment.

Scale your enterprise network with Meter 

Meter helps your business grow by keeping your network in line with your organizational goals. Our cloud-managed infrastructure provides an end-to-end solution that handles everything from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and support. We work with network engineers to handle your biggest challenges. 

Meter’s capabilities create robust enterprise networks with:

• Meticulous network planning and design: We design your network with your unique business needs and goals in mind.
• ‍Professional installation and configuration: No need to hire a service or spend hours searching for optimal device locations. Meter’s technicians will install all custom hardware and configure your software.
• ‍Centralized platform: Meter’s Dashboard is your single source for monitoring, managing, and updating your enterprise network easily.
• ‍Security: DNS security, malware protection, and VPN capabilities are built-in to prevent unauthorized access and keep your data safe. Real-time insights and alerts help you stay secure.
• ‍Free upgrades and relocations: Planning to move or expand? We'll transfer your network or expand your hardware at no additional cost.
• ‍24/7 operations: With remote monitoring and constant assistance, your network stays up and running smoothly. For minor issues, we offer phone support, and for more complex problems, we’ll quickly dispatch a technician.

Contact us for a demo of Meter to see how we can build your entire enterprise network design for you.