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Is your business’s network frequently experiencing outages, slow connection speeds, or malware attacks? Do you currently have outdated technology that’s hindering your company’s productivity? If you said yes to any of these questions, it might be time for a network upgrade.
A network upgrade means updating or replacing components of your organization’s IT infrastructure to improve its reliability, performance, and security. This can include upgrading your routers, firewalls, cabling, and switches, restructuring your network layout, or increasing resources to support growing business demands.
No matter your business size or the industry you’re in, a well-planned network upgrade can future-proof your IT environment, ensuring it can meet growing organizational needs.
But how do you perform one exactly? In this blog post, we will explore the necessary steps when preparing for a network infrastructure upgrade. We will also discuss its many benefits, as well as how Techmedics can help you with the process.
Upgrading your network involves the following key steps:
A proper network upgrade always involves an assessment of a business’s current infrastructure. Start by evaluating your office network setup, which includes your current hardware, software, and network cabling.
Then, talk to your staff to learn about any network issues they’ve been experiencing. For instance, if your team frequently experiences data transfer issues at random periods, see if there are any bottlenecks or server overloading. Or if they frequently encounter denial-of-service attacks, check for unpatched systems or weak firewall configurations.
By assessing your current setup, you can create a strategic network infrastructure planning process that addresses user concerns, identifies security gaps, and helps you determine the extent of your upgrade.
A network infrastructure revamp isn’t just about buying the latest technologies or replacing any outdated equipment without a clear strategy. Instead, you need to align it with your business goals. That being said, what do you wish to get out of the process? Is it to enable remote work, enhance security, or improve network speed?
Aside from this, your upgrade plan should also consider future business growth and technology trends. If you plan to open new offices soon, your network strategy should answer how these will integrate seamlessly, whether through a unified communications system, dedicated lines, or virtual private networks (VPNs).
And with the rise of AI-powered applications and cloud-based systems, your network must be equipped to support these demands. Having a well-planned network update ensures scalability and seamless integration with emerging technologies.
Now that you’ve assessed your current infrastructure and defined your goals, it’s time to create a migration plan. A well-structured one lays the foundation for a successful network upgrade, minimizing the chances of post-deployment issues or outages.
To start, make a list of all devices and services that will be affected by the upgrade, such as switches, servers, firewalls, workstations, and network-reliant applications. This will help you anticipate any compatibility issues and avoid surprises during deployment.
Next, develop a clear and realistic timeline that works with your company’s operational schedule. Some things to keep in mind include:
Once you’ve developed a timeline, assign roles and responsibilities across your IT team. If you don’t have a proper IT team for this or your internal team are already stretched thin, you may also want to partner with a managed network services provider like Techmedics. These providers consist of IT teams experienced in network management, so you can be sure that best practices are followed.
Using your migration plan and network upgrade goals as a foundation, you now need to choose the right equipment for your business’s needs.
Research reputable hardware and software providers, as this ensures the longevity and reliability of your equipment. Read customer reviews, case studies, and industry ratings to assess reliability. Make sure any hardware or software can scale with your business, provide support, and integrate with existing systems. And whenever possible, request demos or trial versions before making a final purchase.
If you prefer, consider cloud-based solutions to future-proof your network and make it more flexible. For instance, you can use services like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace instead of hosting your own email servers.
You can even adopt a hybrid setup, which allows you to run cloud-based and on-premises solutions simultaneously. This allows you to keep mission-critical applications on-premises for greater control, while leveraging the cloud for tasks requiring remote accessibility.
Now, you’re ready to install the physical hardware components of your office network setup. These include network cabling (e.g., Ethernet, fiber optics), routers, switches, server racks, Wi-Fi access points, and power supplies.
Make sure to have a well-organized layout of your physical hardware. This means positioning servers, switches, and other components strategically, ensuring proper ventilation, and keeping cables neatly labeled and routed. You can also design the layout to accommodate future expansions without needing to overhaul it completely.
A well-planned hardware layout lessens clutter, prevents overheating, enhances network performance, and ensures long-term infrastructure stability.
Ensure as well that all necessary software is configured properly. This includes security programs, firmware updates, and other specialized software.
You’ve chosen and installed your hardware and software, optimized your physical network layout, and defined your end goal for the upgrade. But don’t rush into network deployment just yet!
Your company needs to conduct thorough testing first to ensure stability, security, and performance of your upgraded networks. Some key things you can do include:
Make sure to deploy your upgrade in phases, starting with a small group before full implementation. This way, you can mitigate potential issues that could hinder proper network operations. Furthermore, prepare a rollback strategy as unexpected problems may emerge during the upgrade process.
Modernizing your networks lets your business enjoy the following benefits:
A network upgrade isn’t something that can be done overnight — it’s a process that requires a lot of careful planning and precision. To ensure you upgrade your business’s infrastructure properly, why not partner with a managed network services provider like Techmedics?
Our team offers remote and onsite network management services, such as network setup and optimization, monitoring and management, cloud and hybrid integration, and user support. We also make sure that our solutions are tailored to your needs.
Techmedics serves business across all industries in Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Oklahoma, Albuquerque, and more. Talk to us today to get a FREE consultation.
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