November 26th 2010
Network Managed Services: Recommending the Best Technology for Dependable Transmission
A network is a hardware component and computer combination connected through one or many channels of communication. When properly managed, these technology setups help a business share resources or various types of information. Many companies offer services to make the setup and management of this infrastructure portion easier on businesses. The type used is typically classified by how the data is shared, the communications protocol, or the topology. Networking setups are most commonly used to facilitate communication through various channels, share multiple types of data, and to make specific resources available. Network managed services assist by combining the appropriate technologies and performing setups that promote efficiency as well as enhanced security.
IT Management Services: Understanding Networking Fundamentals
IT management services will often separate networks into two basic communication media categories. Wired technologies are the most common grouping consisting of twisted pair, coaxial cable, or optical fiber. Twisted pair technology is basically a step up from telephones lines promising an average transmission speed between two million and ten billion bits per second. Optical fiber is the fastest method offering an extensive transmission speed over the other named methods at a much longer distance. Wireless methods such as a global area network or satellite may be suggested to reduce cabling requirements. These are the methods for connecting needed components but not the protocol used to transmit information.
IT management services can be acquired to assist with determining the type of network to be implemented or as a tool for managing an existing setup. If they are providing a solution, the communications protocol will be one of the many decisions being made. This may be restricted by what is available in the area or even by cost factors but can be in the form of Ethernet, the Internet Protocol Suite, Synchronous Optical NETworking, or asynchronous transfer mode. Ethernet and TCP/IP (Internet Protocol Suite) are the most common communication formats for business networks. Providers of these services deliver additional knowledge for deciding how communication will be accomplished.
A local area network may be used to connect devices residing in the same physical location such as in a business office. They are also viable when data or resources will be shared between buildings positioned closely together. In this setup, every computer is a node connected in most cases by Ethernet technology. LANs typically have higher transfer rates, cover a smaller geographic area, and require no leased lines. They can transmit data at a maximum rate of ten gigabits per second. These small internal communication groupings can be connected to a wide area network using routing devices. A WAN might be used if a business has a head office location with many regional offices or remote users accessing information. The communication channel may be in the form of telephone lines, cables, or even satellite transmission. Network managed services can help a business determine what setup is best, based on how the network will be used and who will be needing access. Once a solution has been derived, these providers assist with implementation as well as offer continued support. Management may include monitoring, administration, and maintenance of all included components.