Efficiently maintaining a local area network can be challenging for business owners, with the technicalities involved in the process needing a certain level of expertise. Before getting into how to maintain such a network, it is important to have a clear understanding of what a LAN actually is. To put it simply, a LAN is a group of computers or devices connected to each other with or without a cable, enabling an advanced level of connectivity for the business. As the name suggests, such a network is constrained to a limited geographical area like an office building.

The intricacies involved in maintaining a LAN for a business make it imperative for business owners to look deeper into how such a system functions. The following tips highlight the key pointers that need to be considered for effectively maintaining a Local Area Network-

• The first step in LAN maintenance is careful inspection of the hardware involved, which shall in turn help in preventing future anomalies in the system. Right from the network cabling and equipment to the workstations, the importance of an initial inspection and assessment cannot be overlooked.
• Cables are a critical component when it comes to maintaining a LAN. It is important to keep all the cables safe and out of any trouble like excessive force, tangling, etc. It is a good idea to use plastic cable ties for slack cables, and keep all clips and connectors in the lock position.
• Labeling network cables also makes maintenance a lot easier and quicker, eliminating the need to identify the source of a defective cable each time there is a problem.
• When it comes to software maintenance of a Local Area Network, the most important part of the upkeep is ensuring that the software is updated on a regular basis. The goal should be to install and configure the latest products on the network without interfering with the current use of the LAN.
• It is also important to keep the entire network virus-free. This can be done by running software on each system in the network to ensure optimal protection from viruses, adware, spyware, etc., all of which might jeopardize the system’s functioning and security.

We, at Folkerson Communications, provide you with the LAN and WAN installations for your firms, buildings, schools and houses. You can stay connected with LAN-WAN connectivity, in and around your area and make the most of your business with our beneficial schemes for VoIP connectivity at the most competitive prices.

For more details contact us at Austin: (512) 977-0055, Temple: (254) 742-0064, Killeen: (254) 698-0016 and Waco: (254) 662-2255.

With most small and medium sized businesses opting for VoIP as the preferred mode of communication at the workplace, it is becoming important for entrepreneurs to understand how these phone systems work. If you own a small business and are ready to make the big switch, this buying guide tells you what to expect, and what to consider when stepping into the world of VoIP calling.

The first thing that you need to understand to switch to VoIP, is how this system works. It is pretty simple- instead of using the conventional cabled system to transfer telephone signals, you are simply using the internet to transfer analog signals into digital ones, and vice versa. By eliminating the need of cabled transmission, it is possible to make long-distance calls at the same cost as local ones, which explains the significant deduction in phone bills.

Once you have a clear understanding of what VoIP is, and how it works, the next important step is knowing what you need to implement this calling system in your office. If you are opting for a hosted VoIP system, you shall not need to invest in the initial set up for VoIP calling, since your provider shall provide you with this basic infrastructure. This is a great option to go with, since along with helping you to save on the initial cost involved, it also helps if you need to upsize or downsize your business at later stages.

No matter what the type of VoIP that you are opting for, the most important thing that you shall need is a broadband internet connection, which is a basic requirement for making VoIP calls. You can further optimize the quality of VoIP calls made from your office by ensuring that the routers and switches being used are capable of handling the load. You also need to ensure that the bandwidth cap of the internet connection you are using does not come in the way of making calls.

Depending on the type of VoIP phone system you shall be using, you might also need additional requirements like a SIP-enabled phone and an ATA (Analog Telephone Adaptor). It is a good idea to discuss these options with your provider for a better understanding of the VoIP system best suited to the needs and budget of your business.