Introduction
Network infrastructure is the backbone that connects people and businesses to each other. It’s what makes our everyday lives possible, and it’s critical to making sure that we can get the information we need when we need it.
It allows us to send emails, stream music, and video, make phone calls, access the internet, and even connect with friends through social media. But what is network infrastructure? And why does it matter? Let’s take a look.
What is Network Infrastructure?
The network infrastructure consists of the hardware and software components of an entire network that enable connectivity, communication, operations, and management. It provides the communication path and services between users, processes, applications, services, external networks, and the internet. Since connectivity is almost limitless, it is essential to have controls and security to prevent theft, intentional data corruption, and just access by mischievous users.
How Do Wired and Wireless Networks Differ?
Wired and wireless networks are similar in many ways, but there are some key differences.
A wired network is one that uses cables to connect all of the computers on the network. Wired networks can be very fast, but they’re difficult to set up. If you want to add a new computer or device to a wired network, you have to run new cables back to where the local service originates.
A wireless network is one that uses radio waves to send information between computers. If you have a wireless network, it is much easier to set up than wired ones and can be set up quickly even in large buildings.
However, they aren’t as fast as wired networks and often have more issues with interference from other wireless devices nearby (like cell phones) other access points, and other inherent issues with the actual device itself.
Mist AI and machine learning can improve connectivity by compensating for every device on the network with the use of automation.
Additionally, the building, objects, and concrete walls can degrade signals. Planning the wireless network is an essential part of deploying a high-quality wireless network. Trying to fix a poorly designed Wireless Network is costly and results can be varied
Component of Wireless Network Infrastructure
Access points
Access points, or APs, are the network devices that allow you to connect your wireless network to the internet or a local or remote application. They provide coverage for a specific area of your home or office and allow you to connect multiple devices together through Wi-Fi. They also act as a bridge between wired and wireless networks.
What is software-defined networking (SDN)?
Software-defined networking (SDN) is a technology that enables you to build, deploy, and manage your network using software.
Using SDN, you can automate network processes, such as the creation of virtual networks and the routing of traffic between them.
Mist AI uses a combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science techniques to optimise user experiences and simplify operations across the wireless access, wired access, and SD-WAN domains.
SDN also allows you to programmatically control the flow of data through your network infrastructure. This provides users with a much better user experience.
It gives you more control over how your network operates and makes it easier to implement changes. With SDN, you can use software to automate many of the processes involved in managing networks. It works virtually all of the time to improve communications and can solve problems through analysis.
Network Infrastructure Components
The network infrastructure consists of physical devices and logical services that allow people to share resources, such as data, applications, and devices. These components include:
- Network Hardware
- Network Software
- Network Services
Network hardware is a physical device that sits between the end user and the network. It provides networking functions, such as routing and switching. Examples of network hardware include routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
Network software is software that runs on network hardware. It provides networking functions, such as routing and switching. Examples of network software include Cisco IOS, Juniper JUNOS, and Linux. The hardware is managed so that access can be granted to specific users and devices.
Network services are the streams of data that are permitted to and from the Internet or application servers to your company’s servers, switches, and routers.
Your company’s network requires a carefully set up set of services to allow the required services and block those that may harm your company’s critical data.
Infrastructure services and application services are the two categories of Network Services.
Infrastructure services include the transport layers for various things like file transfer, email, network time settings, and where to find the requested information (internal or external).
Application services provide you the means to read your email, access the data in your accounting system, and provide users with the interaction required to complete their work. These application services may be provided by internal servers or cloud-based servers provided by those that specialise in the needed business application.
These services are the key to the user experience.
AIOPs today are used to guarantee service levels by monitoring and correcting response times through machine learning.
They are typically outsourced to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Difference between Network Infrastructure and IT Infrastructure
Network infrastructure is the core of the network that connects all the devices, applications, and users together. It includes all the hardware, software, and services that make up your business’s communication systems.
Network Infrastructure is a data superhighway that connects your internal users to both internal and external data and customers with access to data you wish to share with them.
IT infrastructure is a subset of network infrastructure; it refers specifically to information technology (IT) systems for organisations like networking equipment such as routers or switches; databases including relational database management systems (RDBMS) such as MySQL databases; web servers including Apache HTTPD web servers; load balancers such as HAProxy load balancer software
IT professionals can also learn about Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which helps them understand how best practices should be implemented within an organisation so they can provide better service levels while reducing costs at lower risk levels.
Though these are a form of structured recommendations it is important to balance your company’s exact needs and adjust accordingly.
Common Types of Network Infrastructure
LAN, WAN, MAN, and PAN are all types of network infrastructure.
LAN stands for local area network. It is a computer network that spans a relatively small area like a building or a campus. Wide area networks (WANs) can be formed by connecting together a series of local area networks (LANs).
WAN stands for wide area network. It is a large computer network that covers a wide geographical area such as cities or countries, or even continents.
MAN stands for metropolitan area network and refers to the area between LANs and WANs in terms of size and scope. MANs can be connected together to form larger networks called wide area networks (WANs).
PAN stands for personal area network and refers to the computer networks used by individuals within close proximity to one another such as in an office environment where multiple employees might share files via wireless technology such as Bluetooth on their laptops and smartphones.
Network Infrastructure Management
Network infrastructure management is the process of managing and maintaining a company’s network infrastructure. The physical equipment and software that supports the computers and other devices that run the business are what make up the network infrastructure.
The goal of network infrastructure management is to ensure that everything works together smoothly so that employees can work efficiently, without interruption. This can involve upgrading hardware or software when necessary; implementing new security policies; monitoring traffic patterns, and making sure there are enough bandwidth resources available to meet demand.
Poor infrastructure management and outdated equipment cause poor user experience and higher costs of operations. Many times customers add costly bandwidth instead of finding the bottlenecks. Juniper Marvis can provide you with the insight needed to make better decisions and find network problems.
Network Infrastructure Solutions
Network infrastructure solutions are the services that allow companies to connect their computers and other devices together and share information. This can include servers, routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and more.
When you’re looking for network infrastructure solutions, you’ll want to be sure you’re choosing a networking service provider company that has a good reputation in the industry as well as experience with your specific needs. This can help ensure that your network will be secure and effective.
Managed Services VS NaaS
Blue Chip has been providing NaaS before the term was invented. I never understood the MSP model and its focus on PCs. Frankly, I always believed that the server and the network were the keys to a successful business. An example is the point of sale. These character-based devices have provided a fast and reliable function. Process the orders or products and print a receipt. Add a bunch of devices to make it fast (old tech – barcodes).
This business model does not require PCs. It requires a flawless network connection and a reliable server. The POS or PC, Tablet, Phone, or whatever is easily replaceable. It is merely a dumb endpoint in which data is processed. Arent the registers at Costco etc just big dumb terminals with drawers, scanners, and credit card readers?
Not much has changed except the location of the server. Since they reside in the cloud or a data center, network delivery to users and customers should be the key concern. This change requires a flawless network, secure transactions, and reliable servers. Blue Chip has always pursued these objectives.
Network as a Service takes into account these key points and relieves customers of the chore of delivering these ever more complex services.
Today, Blue Chip can verify a device that is assigned to specific users only gets access to the specific application with an excellent experience from anywhere in the world. If there is an exception to any of the conditions we are alerted and our team will rectify the situation.
Blue Chip – Blue Manage provides the following:
- Improved productivity
- Better user and customer experience
- Technology updates
- Proactive management
- Improved network performance
- Improved security
- Easy deployments
- Scalability
Importance and Benefits of Network Infrastructure
Network infrastructure is the backbone of all business communications. It provides the foundation for all other network activity. It also makes possible the exchange of data, voice, and video across a variety of devices.
The benefits of network infrastructure are numerous. Here are some additions to what I have mentioned above:
- Cost-effective – Network infrastructure requires little or no maintenance and can be used for years without needing replacement.
- Reliable – Network infrastructure is built for performance, which means that your data will flow smoothly with little or no interruption. Set and expect a guaranteed service level for all users and customers.
- Efficient – Network infrastructure allows you to connect many different devices at once, regardless of whether they’re in the same room or across the globe from each other.
- Scalable – Network infrastructures can expand as needed to accommodate growing needs within your organisation’s network as well as access to and from external sources.
Challenges in Network Infrastructure
Network infrastructure is the foundation of an organisation’s interaction with all customers and users. It consists of all the hardware, software, and applications that allow users to communicate with each other over a network.
Network infrastructure is also known as the “backbone” of a company’s IT department. Which means it supports all other IT systems in use at any given time.
The challenges associated with network infrastructure include:
Security threats: In recent years, the number of security threats that target networks has increased dramatically. With more than 20 million new malware samples being created every day. This makes it extremely difficult for IT departments to keep up with these attacks and protect themselves from them.
Performance issues: The performance of your network infrastructure can vary greatly depending on how you’ve set up your network. When you’re designing your network, don’t overlook this aspect. Poor performance can negatively affect productivity among employees and customers alike.
Costs: Setting up new network infrastructure can be expensive, but if done correctly, it will help keep your data plan in check.
Consider ongoing costs like maintenance fees paid to providers who manage parts of your network and plan for a long-term strategy. NaaS can keep network costs down and multi-year contracts always provide cost savings.
Network Infrastructure Security
Network infrastructure security is an essential component of any data management plan. It refers to the physical wiring and equipment that makes up your network. It includes routers, switches, firewalls, and more. Without a first-class firewall and the subscription services that provide continued learning of new threats you jeopardise your entire business
In order to ensure that your network infrastructure is secure, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Make sure you have a firewall in place. A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that requires subscriptions in order to keep unauthorised users from accessing your network as well as free of harmful viruses. This includes hackers who are trying to get into your systems for monetary gain or to just create chaos. Employee access should be limited to only information required to accomplish their job.
- Internet Network Security. Make sure all traffic coming into or out of your network is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS). These protocols encrypt everything from passwords and credit card numbers to email messages and video streams sent between users on different computers/devices connected to the internet. Encrypted data is unreadable by anyone else besides those who have keys for sending/receiving your sensitive information across cyberspace (e.g., emails being sent between two different servers).
- Update your software regularly. Software updates are released by manufacturers to fix bugs and security issues found in their systems or add new features/functionality to existing ones. Most critical is the maintenance of the firewalls, routers, and switches that provide protection and integrity to your network and need updates to be able to prevent new threats.
- Install antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. Antivirus software scans for malicious code on your system and prevents it from executing once detected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, network infrastructure is the foundation for all computing and networking technology. Without this critical structure, it would be very difficult to do anything in today’s modern society. Businesses of all sizes are looking at ways they can improve their network infrastructure and make sure they have enough capacity available to meet their needs and provide the flexibility to provide services as business demands change.
