Enterprise network design sets the stage for secure, high-performing systems. Without it, businesses face slowdowns, security gaps, and growing costs.

This post focuses on the key steps needed to design a network that supports modern business goals—and lays the groundwork for future enterprise network transformation.

Why is enterprise network design important?

Enterprise networking and design affect how fast, safe, and reliable your systems are. When built around real business needs, the right design helps teams avoid delays, cut risk, and save time.

Better planning lowers IT workload

A clear design makes it easier to find and fix problems. Segmenting traffic or using separate areas for guest Wi-Fi can keep issues from spreading. Fewer problems mean less time spent on support.

Good layout improves speed

Design controls how fast data moves across offices, apps, and the cloud. VoIP and video calls work better when traffic is routed through faster paths. Simple steps like adding VLANs or traffic rules can reduce lag.

Segmentation limits damage

Putting high-risk systems in separate zones adds protection. Segmented networks make it easier to control who can reach what. This also helps meet rules in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

We focus on building networks that match how your business works—not just how the hardware fits together.

Measurable benefits from upgraded designs

Design upgrades lead to faster tools, lower costs, and fewer outages. We’ve seen it firsthand—and the research backs it up.

Modern Wi-Fi improves scan speeds in logistics

Well-placed access points and Wi-Fi 6 tech reduce delays at scale. Zebra’s 2023 Warehousing Vision Study found that high-density Wi-Fi 6 setups improved scan cycles by 27% through better roaming and less packet loss.

SD-WAN cuts costs and boosts cloud performance

Moving from MPLS to SD-WAN often lowers costs by up to half. Brightlio’s study of manufacturing firms showed that using redundant broadband links—84% cheaper than MPLS—cut traffic costs by 50%, especially for real-time data.

IoT segmentation reduces outages and improves audit results

Segmentation protects IoT devices and limits downtime. According to Palo Alto’s 2024 OT/IoT Security Report, manufacturers using zero-trust segmentation saw 55% fewer unplanned outages and 60% fewer audit failures.

Core components of an enterprise network

Strong network performance depends on a few key building blocks. Each one plays a part in how fast your systems respond, how secure your data stays, and how well the network can grow with your business.

Network infrastructure connects and protects everything

Every business network starts with infrastructure. This includes the hardware that moves data and the software that keeps things running.

Routers, switches, access points, modems, and firewalls all work together to move traffic between devices and keep connections stable. Servers manage files and applications, while cables carry data between equipment.

Behind the scenes, software controls and secures it all:

• Operating systems run the hardware.
• Monitoring tools check performance and alert teams to issues.
• VPNs help remote employees connect to the office network.
• Firewalls and antivirus tools block outside threats.
• DNS systems handle the job of turning domain names into IP addresses.

At Meter, we install every part of the network—hardware, software, and settings—so everything is ready on day one.

Enterprise network topology shapes performance and uptime

Topology is how your devices and connections are arranged, like in these examples:

• A star layout connects everything to a central hub—easy to manage but vulnerable if that hub fails.
• A mesh layout has each device linked to several others. It’s more reliable, but it costs more to build.
• Hybrid topologies combine both. They work well when different parts of the business have different needs.

Older designs like ring or bus are rarely used today.

Redundancy and failover keep your network online

If something breaks, your network should keep running. That’s where redundancy and failover come in.

Backup switches, routers, and internet links help prevent downtime. Failover systems can switch to backups in real time when something goes offline.

Using protocols like HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol) or VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol) makes that switch automatic. We also recommend regular backups—locally and off-site—to keep data safe during hardware issues or disasters.

Network segmentation improves performance and limits risk

Segmentation means breaking your network into smaller zones. It cuts down on congestion and helps stop problems from spreading.

VLANs and subnets divide traffic for better control. Firewalls and access rules limit who can reach what. Keeping sensitive systems—like payroll or customer databases—on separate segments helps protect them from outside threats.

Wired and wireless need to work together

Most enterprise network infrastructure will use both wired and wireless connectivity.

Wired connections are better for desktops, printers, and servers—they’re faster and more stable. Wireless is great for phones, laptops, and shared spaces.

We place access points where they give full coverage without overlap. Wired and wireless should be managed together, so traffic is balanced, and connections stay fast.

Meter installs and manages both types as part of the same system.

How to build a resilient network

A resilient network keeps your business online during outages, failures, or cyberattacks. Good design, cloud tools, and smart routing help you stay prepared.

High availability and failover

1. Start by removing single points of failure. Use backup switches, routers, and more than one internet provider.
2. Load balancers split traffic between paths. Failover tools like VRRP and HSRP switch to a backup link if the main one goes down.
3. Keep core services like DNS and authentication on separate paths. That way, if part of the network fails, key systems stay online.

In one real-world case, AT&T used SD-WAN to link 500+ stores across 70 countries. When one line failed, traffic rerouted in seconds—no downtime.

Scaling with cloud and managed services

Cloud networking makes it easy to expand without adding hardware. Teams can launch virtual routers, firewalls, or switches in new regions from a web portal.

Network as a Service (NaaS) gives you tools like monitoring and security without owning the gear.

Many businesses use more than one cloud provider. A multi-cloud setup avoids lock-in and keeps apps available even if one provider has issues.

Future-proofing with new tools

Networks have to evolve with threats, traffic demands, and remote access needs. Businesses that plan ahead avoid rushed upgrades later. Two of the most useful tools right now are ZTNA and SASE.

ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)

ZTNA gives users access only to what they need. Unlike VPNs, it checks every request and blocks unknown devices. This makes it harder for attackers to move through your network.

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)

SASE combines network and security tools in the cloud. It merges SD-WAN, firewall services, and threat protection. It helps reduce cost and keeps your network safe.

Smart upgrades like these make networks stronger now and safer in the future. Now that you know all the core principles, let’s look at how to put them into practice with your network design:

How to design an enterprise network in 6 steps

Designing an enterprise network doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Breaking it into smaller steps makes it easier to plan, build, and scale.

1. Assess your needs

Start by looking at your users, devices, apps, and budget. Ask teams what’s working—and what’s not. Common issues like slow internet or dropped connections often point to design gaps.

Set clear performance goals. For example, an e-commerce business might target 99.99% uptime. That means using backup paths, network monitoring, and redundant links to avoid outages and keep sales flowing.

2. Map out the design

Draw a simple layout showing how everything connects—servers, switches, routers, and access points. Note your internet link and backup paths. Think ahead: choose switches with extra ports and routers that support upgrades.

Add backup internet, failover tools like VRRP, and enough cabling to support future growth. A flexible layout avoids costly changes later.

3. Build in strong security

Protect the network at every layer. Use firewalls to block outside threats and VLANs to isolate sensitive data. Install intrusion detection tools (IDS/IPS) for real-time alerts. Encrypt key data and keep all systems patched.

Run regular audits to spot issues before they cause damage.

4. Install and configure

Use your design plan to place and connect each device. Label cables and ports clearly. Assign static IPs to servers and other key gear. Use DHCP for user devices.

Set up your firewall, VLANs, and access controls. Connect and configure wireless access points. Run ping tests to make sure devices can talk to each other.

Need help with setup or picking the right gear? Meter can design, install, and configure everything for you.

5. Test and tune performance

Stress-test your network to see how it handles heavy traffic. Use tools like Speedtest in the Meter dashboard to measure data speeds and spot slow spots.

If a router slows under load, upgrade it or segment the traffic to reduce pressure. Test again after changes to confirm improvements.

6. Monitor and maintain

Use monitoring tools to watch traffic and detect problems early. Meter’s platform can alert you to outages, odd behavior, or weak spots.

Other good habits include:

• Keeping software and firmware up to date
• Replacing aging or failing gear
• Running regular security checks

Small steps now make your network easier to run and grow later.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Building a reliable network is rarely simple. Many businesses run into the same problems—scaling too slowly, missing key security steps, or mixing tools that don’t work well together. Planning ahead can help you avoid costly fixes later.

Planning for growth too late

One of the most common issues is designing a network that can’t grow. Teams often build for today’s traffic but forget how fast the business might scale. That leads to clogged bandwidth, outdated hardware, and a messy layout that’s hard to fix later.

To avoid this, start with a layout that allows room to grow.

Choose switches and routers with extra ports. Run more cable than you need now, so you’re not ripping out walls later.

Keep the design simple—fewer layers and easy-to-upgrade hardware make changes faster and cheaper.

Skipping or delaying security steps

Many companies delay updates or skip audits to save time. That’s risky.

Unpatched systems are easy targets for attackers. If one device is compromised, it can spread across the network fast—especially without proper segmentation.

Use a layered defense:

• Firewalls
• VLANs
• IDS/IPS
• Access controls

Make updates part of your routine. Even small delays can open the door to threats.

Plus, don’t forget the people—train employees to spot phishing, avoid unsafe apps, and report anything odd.

Poor integration with existing systems

New tools don’t always play well with older setups. Businesses often add cloud apps, security tools, or wireless upgrades without checking if they’ll break something else. You wind up with downtime, lost data, and hours of support calls.

Test everything in a small, safe environment before full deployment. Run compatibility checks with your existing hardware, software, and services. Work with vendors who can guide you through integration and flag issues early.

Missing compliance and data isolation

Sensitive data needs more protection than general network traffic. Many firms fail audits because they don’t separate or control access well enough.

Use network segmentation to isolate finance, HR, or customer systems. Apply strict access rules to those zones.

For global businesses, map your network against regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS. Both require access controls, encryption, and audit trails.

Managing costs while scaling

Scaling doesn’t have to mean big upfront spending. Legacy networks rely on hardware upgrades, but newer models offer more flexible options.

Cloud-based network tools remove the need for on-site controllers and reduce hardware costs.

Many companies now use managed services to grow at their own pace—adding bandwidth, security, and hardware as needed. The pay-as-you-grow model avoids overbuying while supporting fast expansion.

Better still, Meter offers a vertically integrated network.

That means we provide and manage the hardware, installation, monitoring, and support—under one monthly subscription. You get full performance, automatic scaling, and fewer moving parts to manage.

Why businesses choose Meter for enterprise network design

Businesses choose Meter for enterprise network design because we handle so much in one service—monitoring, SD-WAN, and security.

Black Pine Circle School cut network costs by 35% after switching to Meter. Clients also save hours each day by avoiding complex setups and manual work.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: Meter-built access points, switches, security appliances, and power distribution units work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed experience: Meter provides proactive user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide an address and floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly subscription fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.