10 Tips for Upgrading a Business Network

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There is a myriad of benefits that come with having a network to unify and connect your business. You improve your productivity, internal communications, and more. However, networks are built on technology and hardware, and these are things that might become outdated over time. Those cables and switches might be decades out of date, slowing you down and turning what should be an asset into dead weight.

Upgrading can be a bit of a challenge, though. There are some concerns about having your operations disrupted during the upgrade process. Some might not have the finances to cover the cost of all those new OTS LAN cables, infrastructure, and hardware. Let us help you make that a little easier by giving you ten tips on getting it right.

Who Is In Control?

The first thing to figure out is who is actually overseeing everything. You need someone you can turn to in case there’s a problem, a final decision maker that makes the calls. That person also has to have a number of IT-related qualifications, so they understand the issues that arise and the technical details that may be required to solve them.

If you don’t have someone on staff with that kind of expertise, don’t fret. There is no shame in hiring an outside expert to handle that job.

Diagram Your Network

Get a network diagram. Figure out what your current setup looks like, where connections go and what pieces of hardware are in place. A diagram gives you a look at two things. The first is an overview that lets you figure out what you can keep in place because it still works and isn’t outdated. The second is that it allows you to understand the layout and give yourself a foundation for the upgraded form.

Note Your Existing Hardware

Look at the hardware and circuits in use. Note things like make and model, year of purchase, whether or not they’re still under warranty, and their general condition. This can help you further analyze what hardware to keep and what to toss out.

Consider User Count

Take the time to count the number of users. One of the reasons people upgrade their networks is because they need to account for more people, so a boost in bandwidth is important. Count the users and factor in potential outages and disruptions. Much like buying lengths of cables, it’s generally better to add a little extra punch to a network than you strictly need, giving people a bit more room to “move.”

What Are Your Current Issues?

Note the issues you have with the current network. You’re already upgrading, so you might as well factor those in and find ways to correct the issue. This is especially important for retained infrastructure.

What Is the Upgrade For?

What do you need right now? Do you need an increase in bandwidth? Are there stability issues you’d like to address? Is this just a hardware upgrade because what you’re using now is slowly going the way of the dinosaur? Consider your current needs and prioritize them over the newest and shiniest tech.

What Are Your Future Needs?

While considering current needs is important, it also pays to look forward. What do you think your network or business will need in the future? It’s a little like the idea of buying shoes that have some “give,” rather than an exact fit. It gives you room to grow. Plan a network upgrade with a mind for where you want to be in a few years, so you don’t outgrow the specifications right away.

Time Frame for Upgrade

Figure out what your ideal time frame is for the upgrade. How long will it take? How long can you afford to have your network down or at less than optimum capacity? Factor these details in, then account for both the estimated length and add in a little extra, to accommodate any unforeseen issues.

Should You Switch Hardware Brands?

If you need to switch hardware providers, there better be a good reason for it. The brand that was standard a few years ago might no longer be the top of the line for today. If all of your hardware comes from a single provider, take a moment to consider switching if you intend to upgrade. You might be able to find the right gear at a more competitive price.

Budgeting

Budget for the upgrade. This is not a low-cost activity. New hardware, new cables, and the time of the people doing the upgrading all cost money. In some instances, you might even need to spring for some mild demolition work if the office layout prevents a physical expansion.

Get a quote from the people doing the upgrade, but make sure you have a little extra. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances lead to unforeseen expenses. It is best to have that cash on hand if you need it.

Conclusion

Upgrading your network is an investment. It’s an investment in better gear, better performance, and better speeds. However, like any investment, it is not something you should walk into blindly. Get to know what you need, what needs fixing, and what you’d like to see in the future before you finalize the details.

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