A small office network does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be planned. A few decisions at the start save a great deal of trouble later.
The building blocks
Most small offices need the same parts.
- A reliable internet line with a backup option if work depends on it
- A good router and a switch with enough ports
- Wired connections for desks, printers and tills
- Wi-Fi access points placed to cover the office
Separate the networks
Put guests and personal devices on a separate Wi-Fi network from your business computers. It limits the damage if a visitor's phone carries something nasty.
Write it down
Keep a simple diagram, the router login in a safe place and a list of devices. When something fails, notes turn a long search into a short fix.