If you’re setting up a remote team, you need to ensure that your network can support your collaboration and communication needs. But what are the best networking hardware options for a remote team? In this article, we’ll explore some of the key factors to consider when choosing your networking hardware, and some of the common options available.
The first thing you need to decide is what kind of network devices you need for your remote team. Network devices are the hardware components that connect your computers and other devices to the internet and to each other. Some of the most common network devices are routers, switches, hubs, and modems. Routers are devices that route traffic between different networks, such as your home network and the internet. Switches are devices that connect multiple devices on the same network, such as your laptop and printer. Hubs are similar to switches, but they broadcast the same signal to all connected devices, which can slow down your network. Modems are devices that convert analog signals to digital signals, and vice versa, so that you can access the internet through a phone line, cable, or fiber optic connection.
Setting up a remote team necessitates a streamlined network infrastructure. A router connects the team to the internet, while a firewall ensures data security. VPNs establish encrypted connections for privacy, and switches facilitate internal communication. Access points enable wireless connectivity, and load balancers distribute traffic for optimal server performance. VoIP phones support clear communication, and network monitoring tools ensure proactive issue detection. Modems connect to the internet, and Ethernet cables provide reliable wired connections. Together, these devices create a robust network, fostering seamless collaboration for remote teams.
The best networking hardware options for setting up a remote team: Routers: Cisco, Ubiquiti, TP-Link Switches: Cisco Catalyst, NETGEAR, HPE Aruba Access Points: Ubiquiti UniFi, Cisco Meraki, TP-Link EAP Series VPN Gateways: Cisco ASA, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet FortiGate Firewalls: Cisco ASA, Fortinet FortiGate, pfSense Ethernet Cables: CAT6 or CAT6a for high-speed connectivity Network Adapters: Intel, TP-Link, ASUS Modems: NETGEAR, Motorola, ARRIS Network Attached Storage (NAS): Synology, QNAP, Western Digital Power over Ethernet (PoE) Injectors/Switches: TP-Link, Ubiquiti, NETGEAR These options can change based on the size of the team, budget considerations, and specific networking requirements.
The next thing you need to consider is what kind of network type you want for your remote team. Network types are the ways that your network devices are configured and connected. Some of the most common network types are LAN, WAN, WLAN, and VPN. LAN stands for local area network, and it refers to a network that covers a small geographic area, such as your home or office. WAN stands for wide area network, and it refers to a network that covers a large geographic area, such as a city or a country. WLAN stands for wireless local area network, and it refers to a network that uses wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices without cables. VPN stands for virtual private network, and it refers to a network that creates a secure and encrypted connection between devices over the internet, allowing you to access your company’s network from anywhere.
Remote teams rely on various network types for efficient collaboration. Local Area Networks (LANs) enable swift communication within a confined area, while Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect teams across different locations. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) ensure secure data transmission over the internet, and Cloud Networks facilitate remote access to shared resources. Wireless and cellular networks offer flexibility and mobility, supporting diverse work environments. Intranets and Extranets aid internal communication and collaboration with external partners, respectively. Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) enhance performance, and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks allow direct device connectivity.
The third thing you need to think about is how to secure your network from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. Network security is the process of protecting your network devices, data, and communication from hackers, malware, and other threats. Some of the most common network security measures are firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and authentication. Firewalls are devices or software that filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules, blocking unwanted or suspicious connections. Antivirus software are programs that scan your devices for viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious software, and remove them or quarantine them. Encryption is the method of converting data into unreadable code, so that only authorized parties can decrypt it with a key. Authentication is the method of verifying the identity of users or devices before granting them access to your network or resources.
Network security is paramount for remote teams. Firewalls block unauthorized access, antivirus software guards against malware, and intrusion detection and prevention systems monitor and respond to suspicious activities. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt data for secure transmission, while multi-factor authentication enhances access controls. Regular security audits, patch management, and network segmentation mitigate vulnerabilities. Security awareness training educates team members on best practices, and data encryption protects sensitive information. Together, these measures fortify the network, ensuring a resilient and secure environment for remote team collaboration.
The fourth thing you need to pay attention to is how fast your network can transfer data and handle multiple tasks. Network speed is the measure of how quickly your network can send and receive data, usually expressed in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Network speed depends on several factors, such as your network devices, network type, network security, internet service provider, and bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data that your network can handle at a given time, and it can be affected by the number of devices, users, and applications on your network. To ensure that your network speed can support your remote team’s needs, you need to choose the right network devices, network type, network security, and internet service plan, and monitor your bandwidth usage and performance.
Network speed is a critical aspect of remote team performance, impacting the efficiency of communication and collaboration. Measured in terms of bandwidth, network speed determines how quickly data can be transmitted between devices. A higher network speed, often expressed in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps), enables faster file transfers, smoother video conferences, and seamless access to online resources. Factors influencing network speed include the type of connection (e.g., fiber optic, DSL, or cable), network congestion, and the capabilities of routers and switches. Ensuring a fast and reliable network speed is essential for optimizing productivity and maintaining a smooth workflow within remote teams.
The fifth thing you need to ensure is that your network can operate consistently and reliably without interruptions or failures. Network reliability is the measure of how well your network can function under normal and abnormal conditions, such as power outages, weather events, hardware issues, or cyberattacks. Network reliability depends on several factors, such as your network devices, network type, network security, network backup, and network maintenance. Network backup is the process of creating copies of your data and settings, so that you can restore them in case of a network failure or loss. Network maintenance is the process of updating, repairing, and optimizing your network devices, software, and configuration, so that you can prevent or resolve network problems.
Network reliability is essential for remote teams, ensuring consistent and stable connectivity. It refers to the dependability and consistency of a network's performance. Redundant systems and fault tolerance mechanisms contribute to reliability, minimizing downtime and disruptions. Proactive monitoring identifies issues promptly, supporting uninterrupted access to resources for seamless collaboration and productivity.
The sixth thing you need to look for is how flexible your network can adapt to your remote team’s changing needs and preferences. Network flexibility is the ability of your network to accommodate different devices, users, locations, and applications, without compromising your network performance or security. Network flexibility depends on several factors, such as your network devices, network type, network security, network scalability, and network compatibility. Network scalability is the capacity of your network to grow or shrink according to your remote team’s demand, without affecting your network quality or cost. Network compatibility is the compatibility of your network with different operating systems, platforms, and protocols, so that you can avoid network conflicts or errors.