Startup 101: How to set up a computer network

When it comes to forming a startup business, one of the greatest challenges is slotting all of the pieces together: securing the financial backing you’ll need, setting up a business bank account, registering for tax purposes, finding suitable premises, equipping your office, and so on and so forth.

One asset that your company won’t be able to function without is computer equipment, and this is just one more thing that you’ll have to sort out before you can launch your business. For the technologically illiterate, this can pose something of a challenge. Setting up a computer network probably seems akin to landing an alien spaceship on Mars, but with the right guidance it’s actually infinitely possible – and it requires you to follow just three simple steps…

 

Step One: Draw Up a List of the Equipment You’ll Need 

You don’t have to be an IT genius to work out what basic equipment your company will require, so the best way to start outfitting your office is simply to sit down and consider what you’ll need. Computers, of course, will be required, but will they need to be desktops, laptops or tablets? How many of each will be necessary? A printer should probably be added to the list as well, and perhaps some extra storage like the options available at Pinnacle Data.

Once you know what you need, try costing it up, working out how much you can spend on each item. Use this to locate some suitable options that meet both your budget and your performance needs. You might find that your best bet is to approach a trade supplier or IT company, as these may be able to offer a discount for those buying in bulk.

 

Step Two: Get Online

The next step is to get connected to the internet. Modern businesses simply cannot function unless they’re online, so a broadband package is vital. Depending upon your location, you may find that your office provider includes this as part of your agreement, in which case all that you need to do is connect to it. If the choice rests in your hands, however, shop around for a high-speed, fibre-optic broadband package that will meet your needs and still comes within your budget.

 

Step Three: Set Up Your Network

Although the thought of setting up your own network might sound daunting, it’s anything but complicated. Essentially, it’s a simple case of connecting the equipment you’ve bought with the internet and each other. The easiest place to begin is usually with your internet router. Most routers will have four Ethernet ports, which means that four separate devices can be connected to it. This is often too few for office environments, but it’s easy enough to buy a switch device so that you can add more. Most modern networks will also allow you to connect wirelessly.

So there you have it: three simple steps and your network will be up and running.