Network design and implementation

This is the core of SOS. Today, all organizations rely upon networked connectivity to conduct business. We have been designing and deploying networks since 1995.  This experience allows SOS to implement solutions proven by years of success and even occasionally by falling flat. Listed here are details concerning areas of our expertise. Constructing a network need not be a daunting task. The key to building a reliable and efficient network is PLANNING! Planning for a network means that a series of criteria should be defined that will determine the topology, number of nodes, cabling type, server scaling, etc. By taking the time to plan for the future, rather than just administering current needs, a network can significantly improve the productivity of an enterprise.

• LAN/WAN Design

Business networks range from simple "plug it into the firewall" networks to complicated segmented systems connecting remote offices and campuses via multiple broadband circuits.  Assessing current and future needs is important in order to choose the correct hardware fitted to the task.  For most solutions SOS recommends a layered approach.  Cisco routers at the WAN connection, SonicWall at the "perimeter" and Hewlett Packard ProCurve for the internal switching.  Some might question the selection of multiple vendors for the product solution.  We balance that concern with benefit of having best of breed for the task at hand.  Cisco is the unquestionable leader in routing with a staggering 95% market share.  SonicWall firewalls, or Unified Thread Management devices, (keep it simple... firewalls) are very easy to manage, amazingly reliable and very, very good at protecting and monitoring network activity.  Hewlett Packard ProCurve networking gear is enterprise grade equipment.  Lifetime warranty, robust, scalable and easily manageable, HP networking gear is a premium choice but worth the expense in constructing a reliable network.

Before embarking upon a network overhaul or an in-house network design, run it by professionals who have learned by experience what solutions work well for small businesses.

• VLAN

A Virtual LAN is a technology that allows a network to be efficiently segmented in order to isolate traffic and/or otherwise organize network nodes or groups of nodes for easier management and enhanced security.  Small networks rarely require VLAN technology.  However, in environments where large amounts of traffic traverse the network a VLAN can improve network performance.  As the name suggests, Virtual LANs allow computers to be on different networks without being in different physical locations.  HP ProCurve networking products are excellent choices for implementing VLAN technology.

• Virtual Private Networking

When remote locations need data connectivity to the home office or another location, the most common method of accomplishing this today is by use of Virtual Private Network or VPN.  This technology uses data encryption over any Internet connection to connect computers together in a very cost effective way.  From telecommuting to tying large networks together, VPN technology allows for data to flow beyond the local network.  SonicWall makes implementing VPN easy and reliably.  SOS has implemented VPN's for many sizes of businesses.  Contact us if remote connectivity is a requirement for your network project.

SOS specializes in network design.  Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, Virtual Private Networking and Firewalls, SOS has the proven solutions and expertise.

 

For more information email SOS