Your network is the foundation everything else runs on. When it works, nobody notices. When it doesn’t, everything stops. Slow Wi-Fi, dropped connections, and unreliable VPN access are the kinds of problems that quietly drain productivity and frustrate staff.
We’ve set up networks for businesses of all sizes across London, Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire, and the difference between a properly specced network and a cobbled-together one is night and day. Here’s what you need to know.
Router – Your Network’s Front Door
Your router manages the connection between your internet service and your internal network. For a small business, you want a router that can handle multiple simultaneous connections without slowing down, supports VPN passthrough for remote access, and has a sensible management interface.
Consumer-grade routers from the supermarket are not built for business use. They’re fine for home, but under the pressure of 10 or 20 users all on video calls at once, they struggle. Business routers from brands like Cisco, Netgear Pro and TP-Link Omada are built for sustained, reliable performance.
Do You Need a Separate Firewall?
For businesses handling sensitive client data, payment information, or personal records under GDPR, a dedicated hardware firewall is worth serious consideration. It sits between your router and your network and monitors traffic for threats. The Cisco Meraki MX range is popular with businesses across London and the South East for this reason.
Network Switches – Connecting Your Wired Devices
A network switch connects all your wired devices together. Desktops, printers, servers, IP phones and access points all typically connect via a switch. For most small businesses, an 8 or 16 port Gigabit switch is plenty.
If you’re running VoIP phones or wireless access points, look for a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, which can power those devices through the network cable itself. It reduces cabling and makes installation much cleaner.
Wireless Access Points – Proper Wi-Fi for Your Office
The Wi-Fi router your ISP provides is almost never good enough for a business environment. A proper business access point from Ubiquiti, Cisco or TP-Link will cover more area, support more simultaneous devices, and give you proper management tools.
For an office of up to 20 people in a single space, one good access point is usually sufficient. For larger or multi-floor offices, you’ll want multiple access points with roaming support so staff can move around without dropping their connection.
Wi-Fi 6 – Is It Worth It?
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the current standard and is worth specifying for any new installation. It handles crowded environments better, which is particularly relevant in London offices where neighbouring businesses are all competing for the same wireless channels. If your devices support it, the difference in a busy environment is noticeable.
Getting It Right First Time
A well-designed network should just work. But getting there takes a bit of planning. Think about how many devices you need to connect, where your staff work, whether you need guest Wi-Fi separate from your main network, and how you’ll handle remote access for staff working from home.
We’re based in Ilford and work with businesses across Essex, London and the wider South East. We can help you design and supply the right network setup for your office, whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing system.
Browse our full networking range, or read our router setup guide if you want to get started yourself. For current deals on networking equipment, visit our deals page.
