What Does It Take to Install a Computer Network in My Office?

When you’re running any type of business, maintaining efficiency is a must. Savvy small business owners realize that waste of any kind means potentially unhappy clients and lost revenue. While there are several means of achieving peak efficiency, one of the most surefire ways is to install a computer network.

Regardless of the kind of business you’re operating, the odds are good that it’s spread out across more than one machine. That’s why—no matter which industry you call your own in Virginia—it’s vital to contact some talented commercial electrical contractors in Alexandria, VA and get to work installing a network.

What is a computer network?

This one’s easy: a computer network is a means of connecting all the computers in your small business to each other and the internet. In today’s internet-heavy world, networks are everywhere. The good news is, the ubiquity of the internet means that in the hands of experienced commercial electrical contractors in Alexandria, VA, setting up a computer network in your small business is a breeze.

Here’s what you’ll need?

For a typical small office network, you’ll likely only need two distinct pieces of equipment:

  • A switch allows the various machines on your network—desktops, laptops, printers, etc.—to speak to one another.
  • A router connects all your devices to the internet. Routers, especially wireless routers, do have a cone of maximum effectiveness.

Depending on the size of your business, you may require more than one switch and router to achieve optimal effectiveness.

Wired or wireless?

You’ve likely encountered this very decision in your own home. A direct, wired connection to a router tends to be more reliable and stronger than a wireless connection. However, it lacks the portability of a wireless setup.

Most networks use a mixture of wired and wireless to get the job done, so that’s also an option.

Special considerations for your small business

Setting up a commercial network is different from setting up a home network. Here are some things to consider when having your office computer network installed:

  • Go with business-grade switches and routers, because they’re equipped to handle more users and a heavier traffic load.
  • Think about your network’s security considerations from day one.
  • Get a network that has room to grow alongside your business. There’s nothing more frustrating than having your business’ upward path stymied by a restrictive infrastructure.

Perhaps the most important consideration of all, however, is choosing the right team to handle the installation.

Walsh Electric is your commercial electrical solution

For more than 30 years, Walsh Electric has stayed on the cutting edge of electrical installation, maintenance and repair. No matter what you need, our team of NFPA and NETA certified professionals are poised and waiting to ensure that every electrical project is handled with care and expertise.

Add to that our reputation as one of the friendliest residential and commercial electrical contractors in Alexandria, VA, and you’ve got a great recipe for success. Find out what all the buzz is about—call Walsh Electric today to schedule an appointment.