Infrastructure and networks
Enterprise network: what it is, types and how it is configured
Enterprise networks are one of the most important infrastructures in the IT context as they ensure the connectivity of data and applications, elements that are now indispensable for the operation of any information system.
The configuration and management of an enterprise network involves considerable knowledge at the technological level and a great deal of experience in being able to identify the most suitable topology and elements to meet the business needs of each reality, which differ considerably in terms of data traffic, as well as in the quantity, variety and location of the devices to be connected.
Business networking is a multidisciplinary discipline, in which technological and organizational elements concur.
Its operation is also closely linked to the human factor, especially with regard to privacy and security aspects.
Let us see what, in its modern conception, an enterprise network consists of: what are its components, the main types, and what are the broad criteria to refer to when it comes to configuring one.
The configuration and management of an enterprise network involves considerable knowledge at the technological level and a great deal of experience in being able to identify the most suitable topology and elements to meet the business needs of each reality, which differ considerably in terms of data traffic, as well as in the quantity, variety and location of the devices to be connected.
Business networking is a multidisciplinary discipline, in which technological and organizational elements concur.
Its operation is also closely linked to the human factor, especially with regard to privacy and security aspects.
Let us see what, in its modern conception, an enterprise network consists of: what are its components, the main types, and what are the broad criteria to refer to when it comes to configuring one.
What is an enterprise network
The enterprise network, or computer network (networking), is the infrastructure for transporting and exchanging data between devices in an information system.
When considering an enterprise network, it is not enough to limit ourselves to the initial design, implementation and configuration of a network; we must also consider management and maintenance, activities that are essential to ensure that the hardware-software infrastructure is functioning and that the policies that govern it are properly enforced.
Enterprise networks allow devices and endpoints to connect with each other over a local area network (LAN) or over larger networks, such as the Internet (public network) or a private wide area network (WAN).
In general, a network is now a must-have infrastructure for service providers, businesses and consumers around the world.
It is used to share resources, deliver and use services, and flesh out digital communication.
In the latter respect, enterprise networking enables communication through various formats: phone calls, instant messaging, audio-video streaming, IoT systems connectivity, etc. The level of expertise required to manage a network correlates with the complexity of the network and the business needs it is intended to meet.
A large enterprise may have thousands of devices to connect, with extremely strict policies to enforce.
Such conditions require the work of network administrators, professionals with specific skills to manage and oversee the network.
Thanks to cloud managed services, we have seen a remarkable democratization in enterprise network management in recent years.
Today, even SMBs can make use of specialized personnel, available on an outsourced basis, especially with regard to IT security aspects, which are increasingly essential to network management.
Regardless of the type and size of the corporate network, there are basically three types of data transmission between the various connected devices:
When considering an enterprise network, it is not enough to limit ourselves to the initial design, implementation and configuration of a network; we must also consider management and maintenance, activities that are essential to ensure that the hardware-software infrastructure is functioning and that the policies that govern it are properly enforced.
Enterprise networks allow devices and endpoints to connect with each other over a local area network (LAN) or over larger networks, such as the Internet (public network) or a private wide area network (WAN).
In general, a network is now a must-have infrastructure for service providers, businesses and consumers around the world.
It is used to share resources, deliver and use services, and flesh out digital communication.
In the latter respect, enterprise networking enables communication through various formats: phone calls, instant messaging, audio-video streaming, IoT systems connectivity, etc. The level of expertise required to manage a network correlates with the complexity of the network and the business needs it is intended to meet.
A large enterprise may have thousands of devices to connect, with extremely strict policies to enforce.
Such conditions require the work of network administrators, professionals with specific skills to manage and oversee the network.
Thanks to cloud managed services, we have seen a remarkable democratization in enterprise network management in recent years.
Today, even SMBs can make use of specialized personnel, available on an outsourced basis, especially with regard to IT security aspects, which are increasingly essential to network management.
Regardless of the type and size of the corporate network, there are basically three types of data transmission between the various connected devices:
- Simplex: the message is sent through a single pass
- Half duplex: communication takes place in both directions, at different times
- Full duplex: communication takes place in both directions, simultaneously
The advantages
When designed and configured correctly and consciously, by experienced personnel, an enterprise network can generate significant benefits to the organizations that use it:
- Overall cost containment for IT: The network infrastructure can be configured using both physical and virtual resources to enable companies to optimize the deployment of on-premise and cloud workloads.
This option allows the best technology and business opportunities in the market to be taken advantage of, depending on available budgets. - Improved Productivity: one of the major novelty aspects of modern networks has been the enabling of advanced collaboration tools for development teams, orchestration of distributed resources in multicloud, and numerous other systems capable of increasing the productivity of lines of business in the enterprise.
- Timely control of data traffic: modern firewall technologies allow filtering of unwanted traffic to adequately protect the network.
This is especially true when the network has been configured with good segmentation between parties, storing critical data in areas that are difficult to access from both the outside and the inside, unless you have very restrictive levels of authorization. - Timely access control: in recent years, the concept of configuring networks with zero-trust logics, which consists of denying any access to users and devices that do not have specific permissions to do so, has become widespread.
This approach ensures “by design” a high level of security at the source, warding off indiscriminate access. - Ease of management: enterprise networks rely on platforms equipped with tools for analyzing, monitoring and securing data traffic.
Management interfaces generally consist of a unified control panel that summarizes all aspects to be managed, as well as providing total visibility about applications running on devices actively connected to the network. - Improved collaboration: with enterprise networks, employees across business lines can use shared resources, on-premises and remotely, on on-premise and cloud systems, and overcome traditional data silos.
The main components of a network
Enterprise networks generally consist of a physical infrastructure that includes hubs, switches, routers, and wireless access points useful for connecting connected devices to each other.
Each network device is configurable through firmware and appropriate management software.
At a higher level we find software platforms that allow monitoring and protecting the network from possible intrusions.
To ensure communication in any context, networks use standard protocols, which aim to transmit data in an understandable way regardless of the type of underlying hardware.
The Internet uses a suite of protocols known as TCP/IP, which enables data traffic through the assignment of IP addresses.
For browsing, Web browsers use the HTTP protocol, while for telephony, the current most popular standard features the Voice over IP (VoIP) protocol.
Just to name a few of the most popular protocols used by corporate networks for their communications.
Computing devices connect to the corporate network thanks to the network card, which has a port for wired connection or a Wi-Fi module.
An enterprise network is designed using the following hardware components.
Each network device is configurable through firmware and appropriate management software.
At a higher level we find software platforms that allow monitoring and protecting the network from possible intrusions.
To ensure communication in any context, networks use standard protocols, which aim to transmit data in an understandable way regardless of the type of underlying hardware.
The Internet uses a suite of protocols known as TCP/IP, which enables data traffic through the assignment of IP addresses.
For browsing, Web browsers use the HTTP protocol, while for telephony, the current most popular standard features the Voice over IP (VoIP) protocol.
Just to name a few of the most popular protocols used by corporate networks for their communications.
Computing devices connect to the corporate network thanks to the network card, which has a port for wired connection or a Wi-Fi module.
An enterprise network is designed using the following hardware components.
- Switch: enables communication between devices connected to the network to ensure the exchange of data.
In other words, a switch routes data to the chosen recipient.
Similar to general-purpose hubs, which are more common in home environments, in terms of architecture, switches have more comprehensive features for enterprise needs, as well as having more controls for cybersecurity. - Router: has the overriding purpose of connecting multiple local networks together through an IP address.
Like the switch, it enables the routing (routing) of data, that is, to determine the direction in which it should be directed.
Routing is customizable with a set of rules and is responsible for correctly assigning the IP addresses necessary for communication between the networks involved. - Modem: through various evolutions, the modem has always stood out as a device used to connect one or more local networks to the Internet by converting analog signals from the telephone network into digital signals that can be handled by devices locally.
Modem-routers combine routing functions with Internet connectivity. - Firewalls: allow monitoring of incoming and outgoing data traffic to protect the network from intrusion attempts.
To date, there are many types of firewalls (hardware and software), which allow both LANs/WLANs and individual devices, such as a laptop, to be protected. - VPN servers: deal with establishing VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections, encrypting communications over the Internet to ensure security for data traffic to and from the corporate network.
What are the network types
The most common types of enterprise networks are LANs (Local Area Networks), WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks), MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), and WANs (Wide Area Networks).
Let’s see how they differ.
Let’s see how they differ.
LAN – Local Area Network
The LAN is the local area network by definition and is based on wired environments with an Ethernet interface.
Network cables connect devices to the switch that connects them to each other.
LANs enable the sharing of hardware resources such as printers, scanners, network storage, etc., in addition to data traffic in the strict sense. In the most common configuration, an enterprise network is usually characterized by multiple LANs connected to each other via a router.
Network cables connect devices to the switch that connects them to each other.
LANs enable the sharing of hardware resources such as printers, scanners, network storage, etc., in addition to data traffic in the strict sense. In the most common configuration, an enterprise network is usually characterized by multiple LANs connected to each other via a router.
WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network
The WLAN network is based on wireless connectivity, thanks to the presence of access points, devices placed in corporate spaces with a logic of zone coverage, with the aim of distributing useful signals to connect devices connected to the network, without resorting to wired infrastructure.
In their varying complexity, many enterprise networks possess a hybrid configuration, with wired parts and wireless parts.
In their varying complexity, many enterprise networks possess a hybrid configuration, with wired parts and wireless parts.
MAN – Metropolitan Area Network
Metropolitan area network refers to an extension that goes beyond a single business location to cover a wider area, often referable to the entire urban context.
MANs are used as examples of smart cities, relying on public infrastructure such as mobile networks (e.g., 4G and 5G) and the traditional wired or fiber-optic telephone network.
MANs are used as examples of smart cities, relying on public infrastructure such as mobile networks (e.g., 4G and 5G) and the traditional wired or fiber-optic telephone network.
WAN – Wide Area Network
The Wide Area Network is a network even more extensive than the metropolitan context in that it can reach across the entire planet through the combination of multiple LANs and MANs.
The Internet network constitutes the best-known example of a WAN currently available.
The Internet network constitutes the best-known example of a WAN currently available.
Create and configure an enterprise network
The design of an enterprise network necessarily follows a thorough analysis process, aimed at knowing in detail the expected data traffic and layout of the spaces to be connected, as well as accurately mapping the devices placed within them.
Once a thorough understanding of the IT infrastructure has been acquired, the time comes to define the actual network architecture.
The analysis performed must provide an adequate sense of scale, between the needs of current workloads and those potentially expected from business growth over the years ahead.
The scalable approach to scaling and configuring an enterprise network is now largely facilitated by cloud managed services, which allow network resources to be easily extended through virtualized solutions that can be enabled or discontinued at any time, paying only for what is used.
Today we very often see the configuration of hybrid networks, based partly on on-premise resources and partly on cloud services, with centralized management.
Topologically, a computer network can be configured in various ways, and the choice depends on the distribution of the units to be connected, which often coincide with the infrastructure available to the various lines of business.
Wireless networks are convenient when intervening in existing spaces, where the placement of cabling could be invasive.
In general, wired networks remain preferable when the priority is stability and performance criteria, typical of permanent configurations.
In contrast, wi-fi networks are optimal for connecting mobile devices and, in general, guest users, as well as for covering corporate spaces where it would be for all intents and purposes impossible, or too costly, to intervene with a wired infrastructure.
An effective corporate network, regardless of the technologies used, is one that ensures that information is stored and made available at all times to all departments of the company, according to the policies established by the organization.
Once a thorough understanding of the IT infrastructure has been acquired, the time comes to define the actual network architecture.
The analysis performed must provide an adequate sense of scale, between the needs of current workloads and those potentially expected from business growth over the years ahead.
The scalable approach to scaling and configuring an enterprise network is now largely facilitated by cloud managed services, which allow network resources to be easily extended through virtualized solutions that can be enabled or discontinued at any time, paying only for what is used.
Today we very often see the configuration of hybrid networks, based partly on on-premise resources and partly on cloud services, with centralized management.
Topologically, a computer network can be configured in various ways, and the choice depends on the distribution of the units to be connected, which often coincide with the infrastructure available to the various lines of business.
Wireless networks are convenient when intervening in existing spaces, where the placement of cabling could be invasive.
In general, wired networks remain preferable when the priority is stability and performance criteria, typical of permanent configurations.
In contrast, wi-fi networks are optimal for connecting mobile devices and, in general, guest users, as well as for covering corporate spaces where it would be for all intents and purposes impossible, or too costly, to intervene with a wired infrastructure.
An effective corporate network, regardless of the technologies used, is one that ensures that information is stored and made available at all times to all departments of the company, according to the policies established by the organization.
Security and privacy
Security and privacy are a top priority in the context of data traffic on a corporate network.
Indeed, there is a need to define strategies based on effective technologies to counter the possible loss or breach of data, as well as useful initiatives to educate employees about the criticality of data use and the consequences that can be incurred in the event of serious incidents, often lethal for the very survival of the company.
Companies today must meet the requirements of various regulatory provisions, including the famous GDPR, which as of 2018 constitutes for the main active regulation in Europe.
Protecting the network involves conducting a risk analysis and assessment, as well as ongoing security and data protection training initiatives, taking into account that to date most cybersecurity incidents are related to human error.
Data breaches caused by cybercriminal attacks or accidental data losses due to errors in management can cause serious economic and reputational damage, which is far from easy to heal.
A corporate network based on zero-trust logics, if implemented correctly and consciously by qualified expertise, allows a solid foundation to be structured, provided that effective policies are defined and strict control is maintained over the validity of accounts authorized to access the network.
Various monitoring and protection systems exist today, both on-premise and in the cloud, in which network services are tightly integrated with security services through centralized control systems that provide unified visibility to manage hybrid infrastructure resources of any complexity.
Indeed, there is a need to define strategies based on effective technologies to counter the possible loss or breach of data, as well as useful initiatives to educate employees about the criticality of data use and the consequences that can be incurred in the event of serious incidents, often lethal for the very survival of the company.
Companies today must meet the requirements of various regulatory provisions, including the famous GDPR, which as of 2018 constitutes for the main active regulation in Europe.
Protecting the network involves conducting a risk analysis and assessment, as well as ongoing security and data protection training initiatives, taking into account that to date most cybersecurity incidents are related to human error.
Data breaches caused by cybercriminal attacks or accidental data losses due to errors in management can cause serious economic and reputational damage, which is far from easy to heal.
A corporate network based on zero-trust logics, if implemented correctly and consciously by qualified expertise, allows a solid foundation to be structured, provided that effective policies are defined and strict control is maintained over the validity of accounts authorized to access the network.
Various monitoring and protection systems exist today, both on-premise and in the cloud, in which network services are tightly integrated with security services through centralized control systems that provide unified visibility to manage hybrid infrastructure resources of any complexity.
Enterprise network: getting off on the right foot with Deda Cloud’s expertise and experience
Companies have different characteristics and business needs among them, which need to be answered with a specific network, functional in optimally managing the expected workloads by predicting their variation over time.
The factors to be considered are many and concern production processes, the target market, the type and trend of demand, logistical aspects, supply chain, business continuity and much more.
The design and management over time of a network architecture truly tailored to a company’s needs involves considerable expertise and concrete know-how in problem solving in the field, alongside companies engaged in their digital transformation journey.
Based on these assumptions, Deda Cloud has the most important technology certifications and a proven track record in configuring, installing and managing enterprise networks, as well as guaranteeing services such as LAN Access Control and Firewall as a Service.
The factors to be considered are many and concern production processes, the target market, the type and trend of demand, logistical aspects, supply chain, business continuity and much more.
The design and management over time of a network architecture truly tailored to a company’s needs involves considerable expertise and concrete know-how in problem solving in the field, alongside companies engaged in their digital transformation journey.
Based on these assumptions, Deda Cloud has the most important technology certifications and a proven track record in configuring, installing and managing enterprise networks, as well as guaranteeing services such as LAN Access Control and Firewall as a Service.
