Managed Network Switch Services – You can obtain LAN server support and architecture services from your local telecom service providers.
A network switch is a component of LAN architecture. Our comprehensive managed switch services address the importance of LAN reliability while also growing your unified communication solutions.
LAN Architecture: Key Components
Take a look at the various parts that make up an average LAN environment.
- Public internet
The public internet is what’s being accessed via the LAN. Generally, the centralized server receives data packets from the public internet and access requests from the client devices. These requests are then met by enabling data transfer through wired or wireless connections between the various nodes. The local area network may exist without reaching the internet – such as for private data exchange or private intranet hosting. Access to the internet is, however, one of the leading factors for LAN adoption.
- Wired end-user devices
In the average LAN environment, wired and wireless devices coexist. In this context, we are talking about end-user devices, such as laptops, desktops, smart televisions, smart monitors, collaboration hardware, meeting room systems, and so on. You can plug your local area network directly into these devices through their Ethernet ports. End-user devices with wired connections typically benefit from high-speed internet connectivity, high-quality media streaming, and fast processing.
- Mobile end-user devices
End-user devices that you connect over wireless instead of Ethernet are called mobile end-user devices. You can use the same device for both wired and mobile applications. If you want a certain level of performance, you can connect a laptop to LAN through the ethernet port or Wi-Fi, depending on where the device is located. Wearables, smart home appliances, smart building components, laptops, smartphones, and ruggedized handheld devices fall under this category.
- A network switch
Local area networks can’t function without network switches. This is the process by which data packets and network resources are allocated among the devices connected to the centralized server. An Ethernet switch with multiple ports allows you to connect multiple ethernet cables. It enforces your network policies so that performance is optimized for every connected end-user device. You can choose between managed and unmanaged switches for your LAN environment. You have more control over managed switches, but unmanaged switches may be cheaper and easier to maintain.
- Wi-Fi router
Wi-Fi routers are now a key component of local area networks since wireless LANs are inconceivable without them. When you connect your router to your modem, it receives network signals and converts them into wireless signals that can be processed by your mobile end-user devices. These days, it’s common to bundle Wi-Fi routers in the same hardware package as the modem, as wired-only networks have become less prevalent. To enhance performance, you can deploy accompanying components such as Wi-Fi extenders, access points, amplifiers, and analyzers in addition to the router. Consumer-grade and enterprise-grade versions of all of these components are available.
- Modem
Local area networks require a modem, which converts analog signals transmitted via wires and cables into digital signals. The traditional modems are standalone devices where you connect the incoming cable on one end and the outgoing cable on the other. These devices, however, have been replaced by several modern alternatives. You can purchase a modem and router device that both converts analog signals to digital and prepares them for wireless transmission. Additionally, a network switch can be used in conjunction with the modem. Several companies produce powerful cable modems for enterprise use, such as Cisco and Dell.
- Firewall appliance (optional)
Firewalls protect end-user devices and servers against network-related attacks by limiting specific types of traffic. Nowadays, most end-user devices include built-in firewall software, and you can also download additional software from the internet. In some of the more advanced router systems on the market, firewall capabilities are also included. As an alternative, you can implement a hardware firewall appliance as part of your LAN. To regulate all the data traffic flowing to end-user devices, it sits between the router and the network switch or between the switch and the central server.
What is the role of a Field Engineer in Network Architecture Services?
The role of a network architect is to manage communication networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
You can find freelance Network architects near you in the global freelance marketplace by visiting Fieldengineer.com. This website lets you hire skilled engineers based on your business needs.