Getting multiple devices to communicate with each other on a unified network involves many parts. IT network support services ensure that your network is safe from malware, data loss and technical malfunctions, through onsite and remote maintenance.
IT Network Support Services – The Who, What and Why’s
IT network support is essential for every business. The services offered by a network engineer are vital to the productivity, security and effectiveness of your business. Unlike a personal computer, a computer network enables all devices within to work from a single operating platform. A network allows non-centralized IT support to perform fault analysis, manage performance, and keep the network running optimally at all times.
What’s a Computer Network?
A network, is a group of computational devices, or “nodes,” (ie. computers, laptops, mobile devices, etc.) which can exchange data without direct connectivity. The World Wide Web, is a good example of a huge network. If you are not on the network, you can’t interact with the content contained within. And, those that are on the network, have varying degrees of administrative abilities, navigational freedoms and interactable resources.
An internet analogy – network control is like your browsers parental controls: Parents have the ability to implement a wide range of internet access parameters for their children. A child cannot access restricted content without password protected administrative access. The same is true on a business computer network.
How are Networks Made?
Networks can incorporate any internet and telecommunications device. This can include phones, printers, desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices, smart TV’s – and more. The integrated functionality of a network is made possible through a software platform – the foundation on which every node stands. Once the infrastructure of the network is built, and the physical hardware installed, IT support will setup the software that allows each device to be accessed, monitored, maintained, and secured.
IT Network Engineer
The most important step to building an efficient, functional network, is to enlist the services of an IT network engineer. Network engineers support the design, installation, setup, security and ongoing maintenance of a computer network. The experience and expertise of a network engineer will dictate the proficiency at which your network runs. From the wiring, to the software setup and the security system – the quality and effectiveness of your network will be up to your engineer of choice.
Building a Computer Network
Every computer network is unique to its owner. A networks infrastructure is designed differently for an industrial manufacturing plant, than for an emergency medical clinic. The first step to building a network, is to have a consultation with a professional network support service provider. In this consultation, you will determine the most effective strategies to implement in the design of your network’s physical infrastructure. Once complete, networks can share data between nodes, via hardline fiber optics or other cable media – or, through a wireless exchange, like WiFi.
The infrastructural design will take into consideration a business usage requirements. A wide range of applications will, undoubtedly, be used by the network. But, a company that specializes in digital video editing will need different hardware than a cloud storage datacenter. Lakeland IT, provides turnkey network support services for businesses all over the country. Contact Lakeland IT for a free network consultation on remote support services.
Network Management Software
System administrators are able to perform network access and interface functions through a network management software. Depending on the software used, an administrator can access a network offline, online, or both. Possible access methods of network management software include…
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
An internet standard protocol, used for collecting, monitoring and analyzing data over a network IP address.
- Command-Line Interface (CLI)
CLI is a method used by professionals with advanced scripting skills. From a command language interpreter, or Shell, the administrator issues commands by entering successive lines of text. CLI does not involve a graphic interface, and is not widely used. However, it offers the most versatility and command power for users of adequate skill and experience.
- Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
WMI enabled local and remote access and management of a networks connected nodes, via computer script language. WMI offers an operating system interface, to extend the functionality of basic SNMP and CLI access methods.
- COBRA
COBRA, or Common Object Request Broker Architecture, allows for programs written in different script languages to communicate. All of a networks myriad software and hardware uses COBRA as a central communicatory catalyst.
- NETCONF
Using XML, NETCONF allows administrators to execute remote operations for programs on a network. These operations can include installation, alterations, configuration and more.
- Java Management Extensions (JMX)
JMX, enables administrators to manage and monitor all of a networks systems, applications and devices. It includes a suite of Java tools for interfacing with the components of a network.
Key Network Support Services
The network support services offered by a professional provider, include three key categories: Network Planning and Implementation; Network Security; and Technical Support. Often, these services are included with a network support contract. Read below, for a basic overview of each….
Network Planning & Implementation
Network planning and implementation, is the first step to building a network. Even existing networks might require upgrades and optimizations. A network engineer will assist in planning, purchasing and installing all cables and equipment. The better a networks initial strategizing and planning, the more effectively it will operate over the long-term. Planning and implementation consists of architectural redesign, infrastructure enhancements, analysis of drives and system auditing.
Computer Network Security
If your personal PC gets infected with malware, the problem will be solved as soon as the infection is removed from the device. However, if a computer network is infected, it is impossible to remove the infection via a single node, or workstation. Computer networking enables more effective project management and oversight – but, with added convenience, comes increased vulnerability.
Network support will include three main security services: Firewall installation and configuring, malware protection, and URL filtering and scanning. In addition, a network engineer will facilitate the update and maintenance of all firewall protocols, antivirus security updates and URL blacklist amendments.
Remote Security Monitoring
Networks can be remotely monitored by the network admin, from any node with administrative access. Remote security monitoring enables admins to enforce user policies, analize firewall ports, and manage ongoing security patches.
Ongoing Technical Support
Networks are regularly maintained through onsite and remote support. In the event of data loss, network support services will keep an ongoing backup recovery file of a networks aggregate data.
Do I Need Network Support Services?
Attempting to build a businesses network, without the proper knowledge, is tantamount to declaring your business bankrupt. Even if a network is not vulnerable to cyber threats, a business can still lose valuable time and resources from network malfunctions. It is vital to enlist a professional. If you’re business operates with more than one computational device, network support services are an essential.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was useful to understand the features and benefits of IT network support services. Feel free to leave comments and questions in the space below.
Works Cited
Network Planning and Implementation, 3 Jan. 2018, www-01.ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?htmlfid=EFS03037GBEN.
“An Architecture for Describing Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Management Frameworks.” IETF Tools, tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3411.
“Command Shell Overview.” Microsoft TechNet, technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490954.aspx.
“Computer Network.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network#Properties.
“Netconf Status Pages.” IETF, tools.ietf.org/wg/netconf/.
“Network Management.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_management.