If you’re interested in upgrading your business IT processes, it can be useful to establish an optimised network infrastructure – which efficiently-connects devices, facilitates effective user collaboration, and simplifies data sharing. In this article, we’ve explored all things ‘network infrastructure’, including the relevant components to be aware of, the different types of architecture, and an overview of how it works.
An introduction to network infrastructure
In simple terms, network infrastructure is the framework that allows devices across your business to communicate, collaborate, and exchange data – whether over a wired, wireless, or virtual connection. It encompasses the physical and virtual components and is the backbone of your IT architecture.
Network infrastructure components
Network infrastructure typically involves an intricate system of interconnected devices; all working together to allow users to collaborate and share information across a vast network (with devices often based in different geographical locations).
Some of the key network infrastructure components that are usually leveraged include:
- Routers: Routers are responsible for directing (or ‘routing’) data to the intended destination. They achieve this by reviewing the data packet – or, in the case of MPLS, simply reviewing a top-level label.
- Switches: Switches are used to connect multiple devices within a network (usually LAN, but occasionally WAN), to enable smooth communication of data between users.
- Modems: Modems are the ‘connecting’ component between your device and the internet and are essential for converting digital data into compatible signals that can be transmitted over a wired connection. If you’re working over a wireless (or even virtual) connection, while you’ll still need a modem to form a connection, you’ll not need it to convert data.
- Servers: Servers are capable of storing vast amounts of data, which is essential for any optimised network infrastructure. A server may be used to host real-time website information, store files, or even run applications.
- Data centres: Data centres are popular among large-scale businesses with complex network infrastructures and can be used to house multiple storage servers. You can opt for an on-premises, off-premises, or managed data centre.
- Load balancers: Load balancers are a useful addition to any network infrastructure, as they help to balance the distribution of data and traffic across your servers – helping to improve performance efficiency.
What is network infrastructure security?
When building and optimising any IT infrastructure, data security and protection is paramount. If you’re wondering how to secure network infrastructure, consider:
- Firewalls: This data protection measure filters incoming and outgoing traffic and is able to block unauthorised access.
- Encryption: By encoding your data, you’re making it unreadable to those who don’t have a certain level of access – which protects critical information.
- Access control lists: This controlled list will follow certain rules to define which users and devices are able to access certain resources across your network.
- Patch management: By regularly scanning for security updates and patching vulnerabilities, you’re ensuring data is protected with the latest measures.
What is cloud-based network infrastructure?
Cloud based network infrastructure is architecture that’s designed specifically for a virtual computing environment. It leverages cloud technology to provide a more flexible, scalable, and future-proof infrastructure.
The difference between traditional network infrastructure and cloud-based network infrastructure comes down to the ways each is build: while the former relies on hardware (routers, switches, servers, etc), the latter virtualises the entire process, so everything occurs within the cloud (i.e. over the internet).
Notably, each of the above physical network infrastructure components can also be leveraged within cloud-based architecture; rather than being situated on-premises, they’re managed and maintained by a service provider, and you access them through your virtual system.
The types of network infrastructure
Before delving into how network infrastructure works, it’s useful to have an awareness of the different types of architecture – and which might be best for your business.
Wired vs wireless infrastructure
When building a network infrastructure, you have a few architectural options:
- Wired: With this traditional type of network infrastructure, devices are connected via physical cables. Speeds are typically high, with low latency, but wired infrastructure is relatively inflexible (in modern terms).
- Wireless: Rather than using wires to connect users and devices, with a wireless network infrastructure, data is transmitted digitally. This is highly mobile and allows for remote access, but speed can be a little lower than wired alternatives.
- Hybrid: A hybrid network infrastructure takes elements of both wired and wireless architecture, to deliver speed and reliability. If you’re interested in learning how to improve network infrastructure, often, a hybrid approach is typically advised.
If you’re unsure which approach to take, get in touch with our experts to see how we can help you establish an effective network infrastructure to complement your business model and computing requirements.
Network types
You’ll also need to determine the type of enterprise network infrastructure you want for your business:
- LAN (Local Area Network): LAN refers to a connected infrastructure of devices within a limited geographical area – often a single building.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): WAN is a collection of LANs, letting you connect and collaborate across multiple locations through the internet.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): VPNs allow users to access a private network infrastructure from a remote location over an internet connection.
How does network infrastructure work?
Network infrastructure can be extremely complex, with various components, pieces of software, and automation combining to enable seamless computing – which is where managed infrastructure solutions can become useful. However, to give you an idea as to how users can collaborate and communicate over an optimised infrastructure, we’ve offered a simplified overview:
1. Data generation
A user ‘generates’ data (i.e. any new piece of information that can be stored, processed or analysed), which is then broken down into smaller, bitesize units called packets – the packets are reassembled at their destination. It’s important not to confuse packets with the ‘blocks’ in block storage; packets are used for data delivery, while block are used for data storage!
2. Routing your data
Once the data has been generated and broken down into packets, your network infrastructure is capable of routing it. Here, routers come into their own, identifying the optimal pathway for your packets, to increase speed-of-delivery and reduce latency – which allows you to share and collaborate in real-time.
3. Data delivery
Finally, your data reaches its destination, and the packets are reassembled in the correct order. From start to finish, the data delivery process within an optimised network infrastructure (with a strong connection) can take as little as milliseconds.
Interested in building a network infrastructure?
If you’re considering upgrading your IT model and interested in learning how to build a network infrastructure, have a chat with our team of experts – we’ve over 20 years of experience building, managing, and maintaining computing environments. Alternatively, discover more insight over on our blog, including the benefits of managed infrastructure solutions!
