The modern data network is now an essential component of all industries and businesses. It proves crucial in making the right choices, keeping track of your progress, and reaching out to clients. However, when most people put together their IT department, they assume all they need is a few computers and internet connectivity along with some downloaded applications. IT networks are not this simple.

You should hire an expert dealing with IT network support services, regardless of whether you are just starting your business or have been operational for awhile. This expert, unlike your internal IT department, comes with extensive knowledge and the right tools to help you set up your network. Outsourced IT services also offer continuous support in monitoring your network’s performance, boosting its security, backing up your data, and upgrading it when necessary. The following are the core elements of your network that experts will focus on to guarantee its optimal operation.

Hardware

This is the backbone of all networks since it is what runs them. Network hardware includes network switches, routers, ethernet repeaters, modems, and network cards. Without them, your computers will have no network access. Network cards allow computers direct access to your network media and allow them to link with other equipment. Switches or routers allow one network from a modem to be used by several computers. Repeaters refresh your network signal between the Ethernet cable segments and enable them to extend beyond their maximum length of 300 feet without losing the signal.

Software

This component of your IT system issues commands to the hardware so that it can interact with your network. Protocols are the primary type of networking software. This is software that will instruct your network devices on how to interact with each other and connect to your network. Networking clients and connection monitoring software are among the other software forms that facilitate your computers’ connection ability to a network.

Client Devices

These are the mobile devices and computers that are connected to your network. They form a vital part of your network since, without them, the need for network access will be essentially pointless.  For your mobile devices and computers to be considered client devices, they should connect to a specified network and use it. Based on your network, the devices might also need specialized software for them to establish connections.

Connection Media

Your network will not function without connections. The medium to be used for the connection of the nodes on your network will vary according to your network’s type. Wired networks will typically use cables such as category 5 ethernet cables. Wireless networks, on the other hand, make direct connections using radio signals as their connection media.

There are different models used for data networks. While the above are the elements of the basic models, there exist other network models that also use a ‘’four elements’’ arrangement and some with ‘’seven elements’’ arrangements. The TCP/IP model, for instance, uses application layers, transport, networks, and links as its fundamental elements. The IT agency you outsource to will begin by assessing your company’s needs before recommending a model that best suits you.