Network infrastructure devices are integral to the overall operation of an organization, particularly when it comes to creating, enabling, and maintaining an effective and highly efficient computer network system. They help establish internal and external communication, manage compute resources, and secure the network against threats. However, before delving into the specifics, it is crucial to understand what we mean by network infrastructure devices.
A network infrastructure comprises a wide range of elements, such as computer servers, switches, routers, raw cabling, firewall software, and more. Network devices are those hardware components required for the functioning of a network. They provide connectivity and functionality among internal and external IT resources. Devices used to connect together a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) and more could be classified as network infrastructure devices.
Key Network Infrastructure Devices
Common examples of network infrastructure devices include:
- Servers: This is the primary source of data within a network. Servers can have different roles, like DNS server, database server, etc, depending upon the kind of data they store and services they provide.
- Switches: These are often referred to as the backbone of the network. They connect many devices together over a LAN and manage the data traffic in the network.
- Routers: Routers directly handle traffic at the network layer by connecting your network to the internet or different segments of the network. They direct data packets to the correct destination.
- Firewalls: These are security devices that monitor traffic into and out of your network, blocking or allowing traffic based on specific rules.
- Wireless Access Points: These devices allow wireless devices to connect to the wired network. They bridge the gap between wired and wireless.
Managing Network Infrastructure Devices
Managing these devices and ensuring they operate optimally can be demanding. It requires continuous monitoring, updating, troubleshooting, and modification. In lieu of hiring a dedicated IT team, many businesses and organizations prefer to deploy services like meraki service manager to manage their network infrastructure devices. These services provide an all-in-one solution for network management, helping businesses save time and resources while gaining the benefits of a managed system.
A meraki service manager is an excellent example of a managed service. This cloud-based IT solution offers features like unified multi-site management, integrated analytics, and straightforward provisioning. With Meraki, businesses can manage their entire network from a single dashboard, monitor devices and activity, get insightful analytics, and implement changes or upgrades with a few clicks. This simplifies the job of managing the infrastructure significantly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, network infrastructure devices, from servers to firewalls, play a pivotal role in the operation of organizations. They enable communications, manage resources, and protect the network. By leveraging dedicated services like a meraki service manager, businesses can effectively manage these devices, ensuring their networks remain operational, secure, and efficient.