Network installation: How to get it done the right way

Because enterprises rely heavily on efficient communication and data management, proper network installation is critical. Without a well-installed network, operations can become chaotic, data can be insecure, and scalability can be a challenge.

A well-installed network forms the backbone of any business, providing cohesive collaboration, secure data access, and the flexibility to grow.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The definition of a network and why one is important
• A step-by-step guide to network installation
• Tips on troubleshooting common network installation issues
• Cost considerations and budgeting tips
• How Meter simplifies network installation

What is a network?

A network is a collection of interconnected devices—such as computers, servers, switches, and routers—that communicate to share resources and data. Networks can vary significantly in size and complexity, from small office setups to expansive corporate networks spanning multiple locations.

What makes a network important?

A network’s importance lies in its ability to enable efficient communication, resource sharing, and collaboration within an organization. It allows for centralized data management, which improves data security and accessibility.

Networks also support scalability, allowing businesses to grow and adapt their IT infrastructure as needed. Additionally, a well-designed network provides reliable Internet access, which is critical for day-to-day operations and making use of cloud-based services and applications.

Network installation: Step-by-step

Network installation is fundamental for any enterprise, as it establishes the backbone for efficient communication and resource sharing. A well-installed network enhances data security through centralized management and supports scalability, enabling business expansion.

Follow these network installation steps to boost your business’s operational efficiency and provide it with the flexibility and security necessary for growth.

1. Assess your business needs

Understanding your business requirements is the first step in network installation. Here's how to approach it:

• Examine existing network setups and identify what needs improvement.
• List all devices currently in use and their specifications.
• Survey employees to understand their networking needs.
• Categorize users by their network usage patterns (e.g., light, moderate, heavy).
• Identify critical applications and their network requirements.
• Consider future application deployments that might impact the network.
• Analyze business plans to forecast future network needs.
• Plan for additional users and increased data traffic.

This assessment helps define network requirements like bandwidth, security, and scalability.

2. Plan the installation

A thorough site survey and detailed planning are key factors in a successful network installation. To set yourself up for success:

• Use tools like Wi-Fi analyzers to map signal strengths and identify dead zones.
• Document the physical environment, noting potential interference sources.
• Create detailed floor plans showing hardware placements and cable routes.
• Include redundancy in the design to establish network resilience.
• Ensure sufficient power outlets and backup power solutions.
• Consider cooling requirements for network hardware, especially in server rooms.

A well-thought-out plan helps form a clear roadmap and anticipate challenges.

3. Choose the right equipment

To build a reliable network, you’re going to need to select the appropriate hardware for the job:

• Choose routers with sufficient processing power and advanced features like QoS (Quality of Service) and VPN support.
• Consider routers with built-in security features to protect against cyber threats.
• Select managed and unmanaged switches based on network complexity.
• Verify switches support the necessary data transfer rates (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet).
• Choose access points that support the latest Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6).
• Place access points strategically for uninterrupted coverage and high user density.

Avoid integration issues by verifying that all equipment is compatible.

4. Install the network

The installation phase involves both physical setup and software configuration:

• Securely mount routers, switches, and access points.
• Run cables neatly and label them for easy identification.
• Use high-quality cables for reliable connections.
• Test cable connections to verify proper installation.
• Install network management software to monitor and control the network.
• Configure security settings, including firewalls, VPNs, and encryption protocols.

Verify that everything is properly situated before moving on to testing.

5. Test and optimize

Testing and optimization are necessary to your network’s operational efficiency. Proper testing requires you to:

• Test each network segment for connectivity and performance.
• Verify that all devices can communicate as expected.
• Adjust network settings to balance load and optimize traffic flow.
• Use network monitoring tools to identify and resolve performance issues.
• Continuously monitor network performance and usage.
• Implement automated alerts for potential issues.

Regular testing helps maintain a high-performance network.

6. Maintain the network

Network maintenance is an ongoing process that guarantees a smooth operation. Efficient network maintenance requires that you:

• Schedule regular firmware and software updates.
• Keep network hardware and software current to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Use network monitoring tools to detect issues before they affect performance.
• Conduct regular audits to validate network health.
• Establish a clear process for addressing network issues.
• Provide training for IT staff to handle common network problems.

Consistent maintenance allows your network to remain reliable and secure.

Troubleshooting common network installation issues

Network installation can be complex, and encountering issues is not uncommon. Here’s how to address some of the most frequent problems you’re likely to face:

Physical layer

The physical layer refers to the hardware components of the network, including cables, routers, switches, and access points. Issues at this layer often involve problems with physical connections and placements.

Faulty cabling: If you notice no connectivity or intermittent connections, the problem might be with the cables. Use a cable tester to identify and replace faulty cables.

Incorrect hardware placement: Weak signals or dead zones often result from poor hardware placement. Routers and access points must be strategically positioned to optimize signal coverage and minimize interference.

Configuration errors

Configuration errors occur when network devices are not set up correctly, which can lead to connectivity issues and inefficiencies.

IP address conflicts: Devices that cannot connect to the network may be suffering from IP address conflicts. Make sure each device has a unique IP address. Consider using a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) to manage IP addresses automatically when they connect to the network.

Network segmentation problems: Network congestion and security issues can arise from improper network segmentation. Implement VLANs to segment traffic appropriately and enhance network performance.

Connectivity problems

Connectivity problems prevent devices from communicating effectively over the network, often due to misconfigurations or restrictions.

Misconfigured devices: If switches or routers are misconfigured, they can prevent devices from connecting or routing traffic properly. Verify and correct configurations, ensuring routing protocols and interfaces are set correctly.

Firewall restrictions: Blocked access to network resources often stems from firewall restrictions. Check and adjust firewall settings to allow necessary ports and protocols.

Performance problems

Performance problems affect the speed and efficiency of the network, often due to bandwidth limitations or interference.

Bandwidth limitations: Slow network performance may indicate bandwidth limitations. Consider upgrading your bandwidth or optimizing network traffic with Quality of Service (QoS) settings.

Interference: Poor Wi-Fi performance often results from interference. Change Wi-Fi channels to avoid overlap with other networks and use the 5 GHz frequency when possible to reduce interference.

Software and firmware issues

Software and firmware issues come about when devices run outdated or incorrectly configured software, leading to vulnerabilities and malfunctions.

Outdated firmware: Incompatibility and security vulnerabilities are common with outdated firmware. Regularly update firmware on all network devices to the latest versions.

Incorrect software settings: Devices not functioning as expected might have incorrect software settings. Double-check and correct these settings, focusing on security protocols and management interfaces.

Cost considerations and budgeting for network installation

Network installation can represent a significant investment for any business. Proper budgeting and understanding the costs can help you manage expenses and avoid unexpected financial burdens.

Here’s a breakdown of the key cost considerations and budgeting tips:

Initial costs

Initial costs refer to the expenses incurred at the beginning of a network installation project. These costs cover everything needed to set up the network infrastructure. Here's a breakdown of common initial costs:

• Hardware: The cost of routers, switches, access points, and cabling can vary widely based on quality and specifications. High-performance equipment typically comes with a higher price tag but offers better reliability and scalability.
• Software: Network management software and security solutions are crucial for maintaining and monitoring your network. These may require a one-time purchase or ongoing subscription fees.
• Installation services: Hiring professionals to install and configure your network ensures a smooth setup but adds to the initial cost. Fees can depend on the complexity of the network and the expertise of the installers.
• Site preparation: Preparing the physical site for network installation may include costs for cabling, power supplies, and cooling solutions, particularly if a server room is required.

Ongoing costs

Ongoing costs are recurring expenses required to maintain and optimize your network after the initial installation. These costs support the efficient and secure operations of your network. Here are some key ongoing costs:

Maintenance and support: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your network running smoothly. This includes software updates, hardware replacements, and technical support, which may be offered on a contract or pay-as-you-go basis.

Training: Training your IT staff to manage and troubleshoot the network can incur initial and ongoing costs. Investing in training helps prevent costly downtime and ensures efficient network management.

Upgrades: As your business grows, your network needs may evolve, requiring periodic upgrades to hardware and software. Planning for these upgrades in your budget helps spread the costs over time.

Budgeting tips

Prevent overspending, facilitate better decision-making, support long-term planning, and more with the following budget tips:

• Plan for contingencies: Include a contingency buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses like hardware failures or additional cabling.
• Consider managed services: Managed network services, like Meter, can provide comprehensive support, often at a predictable monthly cost. This can be more cost-effective than handling all aspects of network management in-house.
• Leverage vendor discounts: Establish relationships with vendors to take advantage of bulk purchase discounts, promotions, or financing options.
• Regularly review and adjust: Periodically review your network expenses and adjust your budget as necessary. Keep track of maintenance costs and plan for future upgrades to uphold continuous network performance.

Next steps: Meter makes network installation simple

Meter simplifies network installation and maintenance by offering comprehensive and professional services that cover every aspect of setting up and maintaining a network.

Partnering with Meter enables your network engineers to focus their minds on other, more important tasks while leaving the more day-to-day mundane ones to us.

With Meter, you get:

• End-to-end services: At Meter, we handle everything from initial planning and network design to installation and ongoing maintenance. This comprehensive approach eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple vendors, saving you time and reducing complexity.
• Professional setup: Our expert team guarantees your network is correctly set up from the start, optimizing performance and reliability. We take care of hardware and security appliance installations, software configuration, and thorough network testing.
• Scalable solutions: We offer scalable solutions tailored to your specific business needs to ensure your network can grow as your company expands.
• Continuous monitoring: Our continuous monitoring and support identify and resolve issues before they affect your operations. This proactive approach maintains peak network performance and security.
• Simplified management: With our advanced network management tools, monitoring and controlling your network is straightforward, even without in-house IT expertise.
• Reliable infrastructure: We use high-quality hardware and network design principles to certify your network infrastructure is reliable and capable of meeting modern business demands.

Contact Meter to discuss how we can assist in the installation of your network today.