A corporate business network infrastructure is actually the backbone of the LAN and WAN environment. This is the most important area that we take very serious when promising reliable services. We realize that if this foundation layer is not planned out and implemented correctly up front, then many problems will arise down the line that can potentially cause a major loss of revenue due to down time of the systems that are in place.
By utilizing the Technology-Business Assessment, RELITEK Solutions’ consulting engineers can design and plan exactly what steps need to be taken to move forward. We do realize that cost is always a significant factor when planning out a stable network infrastructure. For instance, redundancy and fault tolerance built into a server can become very costly. Our consulting engineers are sensitive to the existing budgets of many IT decision makers and strive to find a balance to ensure reliability.
For most small and medium size companies we offer the entire LAN and WAN solution. Components that go into a reliable network infrastructure include:
Router
The internet service provider usually supplies a Cisco router when a T1 is used as the medium for Internet and phone lines. We work with the ISP to make configuration settings so that the firewall will control all traffic.
Firewall Deployment
We implement a physical firewall device at every location regardless of whether they have DSL or T1 service. We completely secure the entire LAN by strategically designing a customized solution for each client that controls all inbound and outbound traffic. At times we also use the firewall to connect branch offices to the main office so that they can share the same domain resources.
Switches
Switches are installed and managed to control the connectivity of all network traffic. Typically, all hardware devices on the network connect to a centralized switch.
Server Implementation
We design server configurations based on the role the server will play in the environment. The specific hardware components that are selected are based on current needs coupled with future growth potential. Deciding exactly which operating system is also an important task.
Hardware Redundancy
We plan for and build redundancy into all server hardware for critical components such as NIC cards, hard drives, power supplies, fans, etc. Hardware redundancy is an important factor in a stable network infrastructure.
Active Directory
The Active Directory stores information and settings relating to an organization in a central, organized, accessible database. It is critical to plan out the deployment of the AD and building redundancy and fault tolerance into the LAN. If the AD is down then essentially network access is down.
Network Services
The network services are also part of the main backbone of the LAN and WAN. These services reside on a Windows server and need careful planning before deployment. Redundancy and fault tolerance needs to be built into these services. Almost all network traffic depends on these services to be reliable.
Backup and Restore Processes
Having a central backup and restore plan is critical in every organization. RelITek Solutions has extensive experience backing up specific types of data, namely Exchange and SQL Server. Backing up core network components is also critical.
Wireless Access
We implement wireless solutions with the main focus being on security and signal coverage. Wireless access to the network allows laptop users to access the network while roaming around the office.
Remote Access
Setting up remote access to a company’s network is an important topic with most of our clients. There are several different approaches that we take in planning and implementing a remote access solution depending on the configuration of the network. We implement private VPN connectivity, Windows Terminal Services, and Remote Desktop solutions. These solutions connect remote users to the network in such a way that they appear to be located in the office.
