Are you expanding your offices to a building across the street or in a completely new location? Perhaps you want to set up satellite offices that need to be able to talk to the network at the main headquarters. Whatever the case, you can have consistent network connections that won't cost you thousands of dollars in rerouting. In fact, there are a couple of different ways you can extend LAN networks effortlessly.
How to Extend LAN
The wired method
If the buildings are within close proximity, this method can be the best option. Using fiber cables in between streets or blocks can be utilized, although if the buildings or streets are even closer even a CAT5 or CAT6 cable network can be linked together for your LAN. This is, of course, a pricier method compared to the other tips found below but it can still be a viable solution for a consistent connection that is still as fast as the main building's network.
The LAN extender
If you don't want to put down even more cables and save yourself some money, then a LAN extender might be the best bet. Instead of having to worry about even more frustrating cable layouts and designs that can take forever to complete, you can instead have the extender installed easily and quick that will boost up the network's "power," so to speak. This will allow buildings in close proximity, such as across a street, to share the same network without too much loss of efficiency.
The wireless option
Finally, you do have a wireless option when it comes to connecting nearby buildings. This is the easiest and most cost effective method for most businesses, especially if you're looking to save money while moving across the street or expanding to more buildings. A networking professional can help you assess the best wireless access points and if your equipment will be able to take on the future capacity of more devices being online.
This is also a great method to upgrade your current networking hardware if it's older or legacy equipment. Because sometimes the legacy hardware won't be able to support more access points in different buildings or the quality will suffer greatly. This can actually be quite inexpensive with the right kind of equipment and warranty.
Another way to do wireless connectio
ns is through cloud computing, although there is the risk of compromised security if you don't build the network internally and rely mostly on third party cloud computing services.
Choosing the right option
Regardless of which method you choose, it is always good to have everything assessed beforehand. Have a professional come out and check out your hardware, give their own advice, and also figure out just how much you'll need to expand in order to successfully move across the street or in other buildings. That way you won't have to over pay for the added expansion and the entire transition can go smoothly.
Of course, other things will need to be considered once you have everything set up, too. Like mentioned earlier, capacity is everything when it comes to nearby or satellite buildings. Depending on the number of staff or users that will be in the new area, your network might have to be upgraded. You'll also have to consider things like mobile devices, connected fax, and printers. Most networks can handle the new users being online, but it is best to know which way to extend your LAN easily before starting to make the big move.
