The infrastructure of a network is perhaps the most important consideration when building a network. But what is infrastructure in the first place? And what is it made of?
Infrastructure networks are simply networks based on the network hardware they use to send and receive information. If you are one of the more than 270,000 IT professionals and want to be a better IT professional, learning about these networks is something you need to do.
So today, we’ll be covering the most important parts of infrastructure networks, what they are, and what they’re made of. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
The Basics
An infrastructure network is a system of hardware and software that enables computers to communicate with each other. The best known computer network is the Internet, a global network of millions of computers. But there are many other types of networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
And in order for a network to function, it must have certain hardware components. This is composed of network adapters, routers, and switches.
Network adapters are installed in computers and allow them to connect to the network. Routers are devices that forward data packets between networks. Switches are devices that manage the flow of traffic within a network.
In addition to hardware, network infrastructures rely on certain protocols, or rules, for communication. The most common protocol is the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is used on the Internet. TCP/IP defines how data is packaged into packets and how packets are addressed and routed from one computer to another.
Wired vs. Wireless Networks
Wired networks are generally faster and more reliable than wireless networks. They are also more secure. It is more difficult for unauthorized users to access a wired network. However, wired networks are more expensive to install and maintain than wireless networks.
Wireless networks are more convenient, since they can be accessed anywhere there is a signal. They are also more portable, making them ideal for laptops and other mobile devices. However, wireless networks are more vulnerable to hacking and interference than wired networks.
The Design
An infrastructure network has a huge role to play in business operations. This means that it has to be designed to support the specific needs of the enterprise.
It must take into account the different types of devices that will be connected to it. Each type of device has different requirements for data throughput and latency.
The IT networks must be able to support the combined traffic of all devices. They must also be capable of accommodating future growth. Some examples of these are the FMA and the Harmonic MAC architectures.
And lastly, IT infrastructures must also be highly available but secure. Users have access to data and services when they need them. At the same time, network services should be designed to protect against external attacks and internal threats.
Infrastructure Networks Are Essential To Run an Organization
Without an infrastructure network in place, an organization would be unable to communicate internally or externally. All business processes would come to a standstill. There is no operation without the ability to exchange information between departments or partners.
Well-designed infrastructure networks allow organizations to connect their people, processes, and data, enabling the flow of information and collaboration.
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