How to Set Up a Business Network

When first setting up your personal business, one of the most difficult things to do is set up your business network; thankfully, advances in hardware and the creation of automated software installation has largely eliminated the need for the traditional high level skills once thought to be the exclusive domain of computer experts.

1. Do a complete backup. Creating and installing a network entails connecting your various computers together so that they can share access to the Internet, to printers and exchange files and data back and forth between users. This means making significant changes to the configuration of the computers involved. Always make sure that you have a complete backup of all critical data files and pertinent settings prior to beginning.


2. Pick the type of network that works for you. An Ethernet network set up has the advantage of being quite inexpensive and simple to extend should you happen to purchase additional PCs. It also requires that you run the wires for your connections between systems, your switch or your router. Wireless networks have the advantage of being able to be used at any location within the business without being tied down by wires, yet they can also cost you up to three or four times as much money than an Ethernet or phone network. The overall performance and speed of the wireless network can also begin to fail the farther away your PCs get from each other. Your final network choice is that of the telephone network. These can be very inexpensive and easy to install since they make use of your pre-existing telephone wiring and are usually fast enough to perform most of the everyday network tasks your business might need. However, if your building happens to have older telephone wiring, then the overall performance of your network can suffer in the performance department.  


3. Install your network adapter. Make sure you turn off and unplug the PC before removing the cover. Locate a free PCI slot and gently insert your network card into it then fasten it down with a screw. Your system should automatically detect the new hardware and walk you through the steps of installing the driver as per your manufacture’s instructions. If using a USB or PC card, simply plug them into their respective slots on the computer and install the drivers per the manufacturer’s instructions. 


4. Hook up your router and firewall to your cable modem or DSL box using the cabling that came with your router. If you’re running a standard network, plug a category-five network cable into every PC networking card and then into your hub or switch. Repeat for your router and firewall and install the software to set up the hardware and adjust the network settings in accordance with your manufacture's instructions. Install all the drivers for your network adapters. 


5. Try to access your network. Test everything out by trying to gain access to your network and the Internet. If things aren’t working properly check your product manuals to make sure you have set things up accurately. Go back and double check all of your connections to make sure there are no loose wires or that a computer was not inadvertently left off. If you’re still having no success, do not hesitate to contact your tech support people for assistance.