Optimizing Network

Optimizing Network for your hardware & software is the most basic elements for all businesses.

Having your computers networked is the de facto standard for all businesses in this information age, as they facilitate easy sharing of data and also makes the internet medium a cheap and effective mode of communicaion. Within an office, factoring in the purchase switches and cables is as important as buying the computer hardware itself. Here are a couple of tips of how an organization could make effective use of their network infrastructure.

Network Setup : Get a Public IP only if it is absolutely required. If you have a public ip address, hide your network behind a NAT (a system that translates your local IP address to Internet addresses) A public IP address makes your system more vulnerable to Internet threats - attacks by Blaster, Sasser and Welchia worms thereby increasing chances of exploitation.

Choosing the right provider is of primary importance because this the factor that will decide the availability of your business. DSL as a technology is more reliable then cable since there is only a single point of failure. Cable is more prone to glitches like loss of electricity at a hub point or a damaged cable.

Bandwidth : Choosing the right bandwidth is another step; this is where most businesses fall short. The general rule of thumb is - higher the better. We recommend a bandwidth of at least 128kbps for a small network of 10 PC users and increase bandwidth with increase in number of users. 512kbps line for a 50 user network is recommended.

Firewalls : Having setup your internet connection, it is important to concentrate on its security. Hundreds of companies in India still use pirated version of Microsoft Windows. This prevents users from receiving critical security updates released by Microsoft, resulting in security breach. Almost 100% of all popular worms that have already created havoc had a security patch available - many of them before they were mass deployed.
Major use of firewall software can be to block IPs and ports that choke bandwidth.

Application layer proxies : Exercise control on the data that flows in and out of your network by effectively using proxies. It can be used to block programs like Instant messaging programs eg Yahoo or MSN Messenger.

VoIP : The internet can be used as a great medium to call up clients in different countries at minimal rates. VoIP is a technology that is gaining popularity due to its low cost and increasing use of broadband. The advantages of using VoIP are quite apparent - VoIP providers like Skype, ec work through NAT and proxies. By using a VoIP service like www.anyuserindia.com, you can make phone calls to the US for as little as Rs.1.15 per minute - that's five times lesser! The internet can also be used for group messaging and video conferencing, thus saving on travel costs.

Wireless Networks : The use of laptops is leading to an increasing need for wireless networks. Wireless networks, though not very largely prevalent, are slowly seeping in as the use of alptops and other wireless portable devices increases.