- We help you leverage your technology investment by actively seeking areas to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve business operations.
- All of our network repairs and upgrades focus on maximizing hardware functionality, minimizing cost of ownership and ensuring that your company's goals and objectives are served as efficiently as possible.
Wireless Routers Are Usually The Wrong Answer
Many people who lack IT expertise, try to extend their wireless networks by plugging a wireless router into a pre-existing Ethernet port. Although this can work, it often causes unexpected problems -- especially if you keep all of the manucturer's default settings. A router's job is to forward network packets (pieces of information) from one device to another. Normally you would install an additional router when you want to create a new subnet on your network. Installing multiple routers on the same network (without properly configuring them to perform some specific function) often causes IP conflicts as well as slowing down network traffic. The correct way to extend a wireless network is through the proper configuration and deployment of wireless repeaters and access points.
Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Devices Can Not Replace File Servers
More and more small businesses are naively installing Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices to their networks as a cheap alternative to maintaining a file server. A recent security review of network-attached storage devices revealed that NAS devices were more vulnerable than even home routers, thanks to issues like command injection, buffer overflows and authentication bypasses. These security risks are difficult to address, because IT professionals are limited by the software which the NAS vendors install on their devices. A simple Linux file server is a much more secure and flexible option, and it doesn't cost that much more. People are often lured to NAS devices by the apparently simple remote access features that allow files to be accessed remotely through the Internet. Although this seems like a simpler option that installing a Virtual Private network (VPN) this line of thinking is deceptive. It would be just as easy to make a real file server accessible over the Internet without a VPN -- but nobody would be crazy enough to do that because of the tremendous security risks. Making a NAS device accessible without a VPN creates the exact same risks -- people just don't stop to realize that fact.
You Are Probably Being Misled About The Speed Of Your Internet Connection
Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) advertise the "speed" of their Internet offerings with figures like 7 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 32 Mbps etc. Mbps stands for "Megabits Per Second" and is a measurement of capacity (a.k.a. bandwidth), not speed. The actual speed of your connection is determined by a quantity called "latency." Latency is a measurement of delay. For purposes of this discussion, latency is the amount of time it takes for a data packet to travel from its original source to its final destination. Together, latency and bandwidth define the speed and capacity of a network. Two different Internet connections can have the same bandwidth (for example 20 Mbps) but one can be twice as fast as the other if it has half the latency. Most DSL and cable connections have a latency of 10 to 20 milliseconds (ms) as compared to a T1 connection which has a typical latency of 2 to 5 ms. The bandwidth figures that ISPs present as "speed" are not completely meaningless. If two internet connections have the exact same latency, the one with twice the bandwidth will be twice as fast -- that's because it has twice the capacity with the same delay. Now that you know all this, you can make much wiser decisions when shopping for Internet service, right? Well, actually, not so much. Try calling a few Internet Service Providers and ask them for the latency associated with their various bandwidth options. You'll discover that ISPs simply will not quote a latency figure for you. Most of the people you talk to won't even know what it is. Moreover, the latency of an Internet connection can change depending on how your ISP routes data to your connection on any given day; the longer the path, the greater the latency (delay.)
By leveraging our deep understanding of business technology, coupled with decades of practical experience in the field, we are uniquely qualified to help forward-thinking executives, managers and professionals meet their technology needs. Because we have been doing this work every day for more than 20 years we are able to develop more cost-effective and intelligent technology deployment options than many of our competitors.
More important though is the simple fact that our almost fanatical dedication to excellent customer service ensures that you will remain satisfied long after your technology solution has been implemented.
We're ready to rightfully earn your respect as a trusted business partner. Just call us, or schedule an appointment, and let us show you how we can help.
We offer a comprehensive suite of computer network solutions, including:
- All aspects of the design, installation, and servicing of both local-area and wide-area networks.
- Configuration and installation of computers, servers, and all network connectivity and routing devices
- The design and implementation of Client/Server Networks and the integration of high-reliability server solutions into existing network infrastructures.
- Discounted professional installation of data and voice cabling infrastructure, including Cat6 Ethernet, RJ45, RJ25, RJ14 and RJ11 ports, patch panels, hubs, switches, routers, wireless access points, firewalls and other security appliances.
- We also offer 24/7 network monitoring packages to ensure that your network is always up and running flawlessly.
- Design, implementation and maintenance of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) which allow you to securely connect to your organization's network from anywhere in the world.