The Network & Its Key Components

Switches, Routers & Wireless

What is a Network?The network operates by connecting computers and peripherals using switches, routers, and access points. These devices perform very different functions, and within the network they communicate with one another, as well as with other networks.SwitchesSwitches are used to connect multiple devices on the same network within a building or campus. For example, a switch can connect your computers, printers, and servers, creating a network of shared resources. The switch serves as a controller, allowing devices to share information and communicate. Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save you money and increase productivity.There are two basic types of switches to choose from as part of your networking basics, managed and unmanaged:An unmanaged switch works right out of the box. It's not designed to be configured, so you don't have to worry about installing or setting it up correctly. Unmanaged switches have less network capacity than managed switches. You'll usually find unmanaged switches in home networking equipment.A managed network switch is configurable, offering greater flexibility and capacity than an unmanaged switch. You can monitor and adjust a managed switch locally or remotely, to give you greater network control.Cloud managed switchingUpgrading network switches is often a significant financial and technological commitment. Switches are the foundation of any network and are expected to last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. In today’s modern networks switches must be highly reliable, easy to manage at scale, and compatible with the latest technologies for the foreseeable future.Cisco Meraki switching customers have seen real cost savings by leveraging the ease of management and unique technologies that are inherent to the Meraki cloud-managed solution.

10 Ways Cisco Meraki Switches Make Life Easier

1. Preconfigure switches for zero-touch deployment

2. Manage all switch ports from a single pane of glass

3. Run remote cable tests and packet captures4. Identify and locate switch ports

5. Identify bandwidth hogs

6. Save energy and increase wired security

7. Contain rogue DHCP servers

8. Lock down switch access

9. Keep current with seamless updates

10. Spot network trends

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RoutersRouters are used to connect multiple networks together. For example, you would use a router to connect your networked computers to the Internet and thereby share an Internet connection among many users. The router acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best route for your information to travel so that you receive it quickly.
Routers analyse the data that is sent over a network and send it to another network or to a different type of network. They connect your business to the outside world, protect your information from security threats and can even decide which computers get priority over others.Routers include different capabilities. Features include:

Firewall: Specialised software that examines incoming data and protects your network against attacks.

Virtual private network (VPN): A way for remote employees to safely access your network.

IP phone network: Combines your company's computer and telephone network, using voice and conferencing technology, to simplify and unify your communications.

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What Is a Network Switch versus a Router?Switches create a network. Routers connect networks. A router links computers to the Internet, so users can share the connection. A router acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best path or route for information to travel so it's received quickly.What Is a Network Switch to My Business?Switches and routers are the building blocks for all business communications. They can increase productivity, trim expenses, improve security and customer service.WirelessAn access point allows wireless devices to connect to the network. Having a wireless network makes it easy to bring new devices online and provides flexible support to mobile workers. An access point takes the bandwidth coming from a router and stretches it so that many devices can go on the network from farther distances away. But an access point does more than simply extend Wi-Fi. It can also give useful data about the devices on the network, provide proactive security, and serve many other practical purposes.Access points support different IEEE standards. Each standard operates on varying frequencies, delivering different bandwidth, and supporting different numbers of channels.There are four different types of deployments that an organisation can choose from to create a wireless network. Each deployment has its own attributes that will work better for different solutions. They are:

Cisco Mobility Express: A simple, high-performance wireless solution for small or medium-sized organisations. Mobility Express has the full complement of advanced Cisco features. These features allow for a quick and effortless deployment that can be operational in minutes.

Centralised deployment: The most common type of wireless network, traditionally deployed in campuses where buildings and networks are in close proximity. This deployment consolidates the wireless network, allowing for easier upgrades and enabling advanced wireless functionality. Controllers are based on-premises and are installed in a centralised location.

Converged deployment: A solution tailored for small campuses or branch offices. This deployment consistently converges wired and wireless on one network device—an access switch—and performs the dual role of both switch and wireless controller.

Cloud-based deployment: A system that uses the cloud to manage network devices deployed on-premises at different locations. The solution requires Cisco Meraki cloud-managed devices, which have full visibility of the network.

How cloud networking saves time and moneyAs networks grow in size and complexity, IT decision makers are beginning to look beyond the upfront hardware costs to include operational expenses, which can become a significant, recurring cost. This is often referred to as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).Initial configuration, network complexity, troubleshooting, security, and revision management can add up to a substantial cost each year. Selecting the right solution can pay massive dividends and often significantly recover the costs of a network refresh over the lifetime of the deployment.

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Go Beyond Guest Wi-FiInsights let you deliver the ultimate personalized experienceIn more and more industries, fast, reliable guest wireless is essential, and Cisco Meraki delivers this, but it is no ordinary access point. The Meraki solution also has many more tricks up its sleeve, right out-of-the-box, like: location analytics to better understand guest behaviour and foot traffic; integrated Bluetooth Low Energy to seamlessly interface with iBeacon apps and allow for location-aware experiences; the ability to easily manage all components of your network from a single, web-based dashboard; and the unlimited scalability of Meraki cloud management.