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Network Equipment

Routers

When choosing a router, the first thing you want to think about is what types of networks are you connected to.

First, make sure you either choose a router that can handle your needs for the next couple of years at a very good price or find a router that can be upgraded to accommodate different types of connectors (i.e., 10/100/1000ethernet serial-RJ11, etc.), speed, and new protocols of software. Also, configuration, support, and maintenance are extremely important.

Secondly, consider the speed at which the router can move information. Home routers move or transmit information at a speed of 1.544 mbps to 11 mbps, with the top routers starting at 300 mbps.

The last thing to consider is where in your network you are going to place your unit. This is based on connectivity to outside networks entering your facility and connecting to your internet network. A router’s prime function is the integration of multiple networks, which allows data exchange between those networking. The router also controls points that connects all devices together in a computer network.

Cisco Routers

The comprehensive portfolio of Cisco routers can help you create a more intelligent, responsive, and integrated network.

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Juniper Routers

A comprehensive, scalable, and secure portfolio of routers for enterprise and service provider networks.

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Switches

When looking for or buying switches, first consider the number of users (computers, printers and access ports needed). The number of ports is one of the biggest factors in the cost of a switch.

Next you should think about your basic network infrastructure. Switches can support from 8, 12, and 24 ports all the way up to 48 ports on one single switch or switch blade for a chassis.

The next area to consider is speed. Do your users need a fast network with low lateral or is speed to transfer large data files required within the network? Or is the main purpose to access the internet and network resource access?

If you are planning on building a large network, you may have switches that support different roles like a core, access, compact, or data center or server switch.

There are many factors that you may want or need on some or all your switches that need to be factored in, such as managed or unmanaged, does it support layer 2, 3, or 4, and configuration access.

The condensed steps are below:

  1. Think about the number of users and/or connections.
  2. Consider your network infrastructure.
  3. Determine the network needs of the users.
  4. What is the role of each switch in each of the networks?
  5. What are the desired features needed on each switch?
  6. Pick a vendor and a company to buy from.
  7. Think about a price range.
  8. Are new or used switches an option?

 

HPE Switches

Aruba’s next-gen CX switching portfolio is purpose-built for today’s digital world, satisfying the most demanding use cases, from the access layer to the core and to the data center. Built on cloud-native principles, our portfolio gives IT the flexibility to deploy a single platform from edge access to the data center that includes intuitive management tools and distributed analytics that transform the IT network operator experience.

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Cisco Switches

The Cisco® Catalyst® 3750-X and 3560-X series switches are enterprise-class lines of stackable and standalone switches, respectively. These switches provide high availability, scalability, security, energy efficiency, and ease of operation with innovative features such as Cisco StackPower (available only on the Catalyst 3750‑X), IEEE 802.3 at Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) configurations, optional network modules, redundant power supplies, and Media Access Control Security (MACsec) features. The Cisco Catalyst 3750-X Series with StackWise® Plus technology provides scalability, ease of management and investment protection for the evolving business needs. The Cisco Catalyst 3750-X and 3560-X enhance productivity by enabling applications such as IP telephony, wireless, and video for borderless network experience.

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Juniper Switches

EX3400 ethernet switches are a cost-effective solution for today’s most demanding converged data, voice, and video enterprise access networks. The compact, fixed configuration 1U devices offer levels of performance and management previously available only with high-end access switches.

The EX3400 is cloud-ready and ZTP-enabled, so you can onboard, configure, and manage it with Juniper Mist™ Wired Assurance for improved connected-device experiences. In addition, the Juniper Mist Cloud streamlines deploying and managing your campus fabric, while Mist AI simplifies operations and improves visibility into the performance of connected devices. EX3400 switches support Juniper’s Virtual Chassis technology for interconnecting up to 10 switches that can be managed as a single logical device.

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Firewalls

A firewall is a device or barrier which keeps destructive software (virus, spyware, etc.) from your network, servers or computers.

The job of a network firewall is similar to that of a physical firewall that helps keep a fire from spreading from one area of a building to another.

There are both hardware and software firewalls. Hardware firewalls are something you can see and is a hard physical element like your monitor or computer that you can touch. It also has software associated with it to make up a total unit.

A software firewall is a computer program that tells the hardware exactly what to do. A software firewall protects your computer from unwanted hackers or intrusions. It is also far easier to customize, and features are suited for smaller home networks.

A hardware firewall is best for large networks and businesses. IT professionals also often have hardware firewalls in their homes. Hardware firewalls work differently than software, but when the two are used together they can create a powerful level of security. An advantage of such hardware is that it uses no system resources. It works independently of your servers and computers and can also protect multiple networks and computers on those networks. Hardware firewalls can be difficult to customize, but they have more functionality. Because your hardware firewall has its own IP address, potential hackers can only see the firewall.

 

Cisco Firewalls

Unify your security posture across physical, virtual, containerized, and private and public cloud firewalls. Achieve policy harmonization across your hybrid and multicloud environments.

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Juniper Firewalls

Protect your network edge, data center, and cloud applications with Juniper next-generation physical, virtual, and containerized firewalls.

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