When you want to upgrade your network, the easiest solution available to you could be to upgrade the network switch to ensure that you get better speed and faster connectivity. Though this solution is viable and works in most cases, you should realize that it is not as easy as it sounds.
While it is true that in most cases you will need to connect two network devices correctly and get the speed you always wanted, there are a few things to consider before adding a network switch that will ensure that the process works seamlessly, and you get the desired results and your money’s worth after the hard work you have put in.
According to a Senior Executive at Equustek Solutions Inc. “You can easily keep on adding one network with the next and that one with another, but if you don’t plan the connectivity wisely, you may be heading towards disappointment when the process ends.”
If you want to know what planning you need to do before initiating a network switch, then we suggest you keep scrolling and incorporate the steps mentioned here for attaining better results.
In case you don’t follow the steps, you might find yourself running around with cables in hand and changing the configuration after every new use.
Questions to Ask Yourself
The first thing you need to do is to ask yourself which room or device needs the network boost the most. You should also ask yourself about the ideal location to place a switch to ensure that the Ethernet cables are not visible too much as they look won’t add any charm to your interior decor. You also need to ask yourself whether you require constant access to the switch so that you get the liberty to plug or unplug devices or you have the liberty to hide it behind a wall or closet to make the space more visually appealing.
Theoretical Speed Matters
Once you have decided about the placement of the network switch and its concealment, you should remember about the theoretical speed of the network. Always opt for a switch that has the capacity of taking the network load easily.
In case you have a switch which only supports fast ethernet, it would be wise to isolate all the fast Ethernet devices on a separate setup from all gigabit ethernet devices as the latter deliver ten times better performance than the fast ethernet. The latter is also a must have to ensure speedy file transfers and crucial backups.
What Next?
If you have added a network switch and it hasn’t offered the results you expected then maybe you need to think of a few other things which might be slowing down the home network and work on those.
You should also read up about common network switches issues and fix them to ensure that you get the best possible performance from every installation, not only at present but in the future as well.
