Know Your Network Terminology

Posted by: Brett Bisbe

How Well Do You Know Your Network Terminology?

Have you ever tried to explain how something works to a child? They often stare blankly and then change the subject.

For those who aren’t well versed in mechanics, what often happens when one tries to explain what’s wrong with the car? These people will furrow their brow with a contemplative “hmm”? They hope the mechanic won’t notice they have no idea what was just said, and therefore take advantage.

There are a lot of business owners who did not grow up with technology. Some entered the business world while technology was still very new and not widely used. The fact that they are now forced to depend on it for the business’ success can feel overwhelming.

They are expected to know and understand terms that can feel like a foreign language. At the same time, they can’t let people see their ignorance and watch their client base seek out a younger, more tech savvy company.

Feeling Out of Touch With Network Terminology?

How can these business owners effectively leverage their years of experience while utilizing the opportunities presented by this new world of technology? How do they ensure that they possess the optimal tools to maximize the benefits that comes with technology?

First, one must gain at least a basic understanding of the technology they use on a daily basis. One doesn’t have to be an IT expert, but having a clear understanding of their current setup is essential to accurately report a problem. That will also empower them to interpret upgrade or replacement suggestions with ease, ensuring they can make informed decisions.

To start, get to know your network terminology with 3 pieces of equipment that are often part of the office network. By network I mean the devices that send internet signal throughout the office.

Know Your Network Equipment

1. Firewall: This is a security device. When the internet comes into the building, the firewall filters out anything harmful, like viruses or malware. If something does slip through, a high-quality firewall has the ability to quarantine the threat and not allow it to have a negative impact. The firewall can support both wired and wireless connections.
2. Switch: The switch is like a power strip for the internet. It allows the devices plugged into it to talk to each other. The switch plugs into the firewall, then you plug the computers, phones, fax or other things into the switch. A switch is only needed when when you require more plug in ports than the firewall holds.
3. Access Point: This is needed for larger spaces like a large office building or warehouse to help the wireless connection have a farther reach. The access point plugs into the firewall or switch, and then casts a wireless signal from wherever it is positioned. Sometimes more than one is needed if the space is very large or has to go around corners.

Once one understands the network and how the internet is connected to all the office devices, the next thing to know is where and how all the business data is stored and accessed. There are three terms you may hear used in relation to data storage. It’s important to know the difference between them.

Know Your Data Storage

1. Sever: The server is an onsite data storage device. The size of the server depends on on how much information it needs to hold. The computers have to connect to the server directly to access any information. There are ways to access a server remotely, but not very securely, and so you generally have to access business data and programs when onsite.
2. SharePoint: A Microsoft SharePoint site is a cloud-based storage site. Instead of being housed in a physical onsite server, it is housed in an off-site secure location. The employees are able to access the data from anywhere. Anything saved by an employee to the SharePoint can be accessed by anyone else within that company.
3. OneDrive: A Microsoft SharePoint site is like a piece of property where all the company info and programs are stored. The Microsoft OneDrive is like your own house on that property. Anything that is saved to an employee’s OneDrive is not openly accessible to everyone else as when saved on the SharePoint site. If an employee has notes and projects are not ready for everyone to see, they store it there.

There are many more pieces and details when it comes to utilizing the latest technology in a business. Understanding these few large pieces, it will make it easier for the other details to fall into place. Are you concerned about cyber security? You now know that the first thing to check is the quality of the firewall. Are you wanting to add remote employees? You now know that you should consider a SharePoint site instead of keeping the server. Now you know your network terminology.

Let Me Sum Up

As the old saying goes, “Knowledge is Power”. As a business owner, the more one is willing to learn and grow with the new trends, the longer they are able to stay in business and stay relevant in an ever changing world.

B2 Solutions is committed to help with that growth. Our goal is to empower a business to harness the full potential of technology and pave the way towards achieving their long term business goals. We invest time in guiding business owners through the process, ensuring they feel confident when making decisions about replacements or upgrades. Allow us to come alongside your business and help ensure its continued relevance while positioning it at the forefront of the ever-changing market landscape.