A complete guide to enterprise network infrastructure

Curious about what enterprise network infrastructures are? Wondering if using this type of network makes sense for your business?

This guide will give you the bird’s eye view you need to make a choice.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• A definition of enterprise network infrastructure
• The different types of enterprise network infrastructure compared
• The elements that make up an enterprise network infrastructure 
• A quick comparison of different network architectures
• How and why Meter can play a pivotal role in your network strategy

What is enterprise network infrastructure?

An enterprise network infrastructure is the backbone of a company's digital operations. It's the interconnected system of technologies that allows employees, devices, and applications to communicate and share information. 

This can include everything from the Wi-Fi in your office to the servers in a data center and even connections to the cloud.

An enterprise network is key for data to flow efficiently within a company. This data can be anything from emails and documents to complex business applications and customer information.

So, why do businesses invest in enterprise-grade network infrastructure, rather than relying on simpler setups?

The goal of this infrastructure is that the right information gets to the right place at the right time, all while maintaining a high level of security. 

The goal of enterprise network infrastructure is not just to connect devices, but to create a powerful, scalable, and secure environment that can handle the complex data needs of a growing business. 

Unlike consumer-grade networks, enterprise networks are designed to support hundreds or even thousands of users, manage vast amounts of data, and provide advanced security features to protect sensitive information.

This requires a sophisticated blend of hardware like high-performance switches and routers, and software like enterprise-grade firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network management tools. 

Types of enterprise network infrastructure

Choosing the right network setup is a critical decision for any organization. Let's take a closer look at the three main types of enterprise network infrastructure and see which might be the best fit for your enterprise:

Traditional wired networks

These networks rely on physical cables like Ethernet or fiber optic cables to transmit data. They are often considered the bedrock of enterprise networking due to their historical dominance and proven performance in high-demand scenarios.

Pros

• Reliable: Wired connections are less susceptible to environmental factors compared to wireless. Modern advancements in Ethernet technology, such as 10GbE and beyond, further improve this reliability while delivering superior speed for demanding applications.
• Fast: Ethernet and fiber optic cables offer exceptional data transfer rates, especially with advancements like the aforementioned 10GbE, 40GbE, and even 100GbE, which cater to bandwidth-hungry applications like real-time data analytics and large file transfers.
• Secure: The physical nature of wired connections makes unauthorized access significantly more difficult, bolstering the network's inherent security posture.

Cons

• Less adaptable: Installing or modifying cable infrastructure can be expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming, hindering the network's adaptability to changing business needs.
• Limited mobility: Devices tethered to cables aren't as portable as those on wireless networks.
• Scalability Issues: Scaling a wired network often involves significant infrastructure upgrades, potentially leading to increased costs and operational complexity.

Best for: Organizations with mostly stationary devices and a high demand for speed and reliability. This includes data centers, offices with desktop computers, and environments where security is paramount.

Wireless networks (Wi-Fi)

Wireless networks use radio waves to connect devices to access points (APs), eliminating the need for physical cables. They have pretty much become the norm in most modern workplaces.

Pros

• Easy to install and expand: Setting up APs is relatively quick and cost-effective compared to running cables, simplifying initial deployment and future network expansion.
• Mobility: Employees can work from anywhere within the network's range, promoting flexibility and collaboration.
• Scalability: Adding new devices to a wireless network is straightforward, making it convenient for organizations with growing or fluctuating user numbers.

Cons

• Potential for interference: Wireless signals can be impacted by physical obstacles (walls, furniture), competing radio frequencies, and even environmental conditions, potentially leading to reduced performance.
• Security concerns: Wireless networks require robust security measures (e.g., encryption, authentication) to mitigate risks of unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Limited range and bandwidth: While advancements like Wi-Fi 6 have improved range and speed, wireless networks may not be suitable for applications demanding extremely high bandwidth or long-distance connectivity.

Best for: Environments where mobility and device portability are a must. This includes modern offices with a high proportion of laptop users, collaborative workspaces, retail stores, educational institutions, and venues hosting large events.

Hybrid networks

As the name suggests, hybrid networks combine the best of both wired and wireless technologies, it can be seen as a balanced approach. 

Pros

• Balance of benefits: Hybrid networks provide the reliability and speed of wired connections for critical applications and data transfers while offering the convenience and mobility of wireless access for users.
• Adaptability: You can strategically deploy wired connections in areas requiring high performance (e.g., conference rooms, server rooms) while utilizing wireless to cover larger areas or enable mobile work.
• Resource allocation flexibility: Hybrid networks let businesses shift resources efficiently between on-premises and cloud environments based on demand and evolving needs.

Cons

• More complex to manage: Managing a hybrid network requires expertise in both wired and wireless technologies, potentially necessitating additional training or resources.
• Higher initial investment: The combined infrastructure of wired and wireless components can lead to a higher upfront investment compared to a purely wired or wireless setup.

Best for: Most modern companies. Hybrid networks are the go-to choice for most businesses today due to their adaptability and ability to meet diverse connectivity needs. 

They are particularly well-suited for large enterprises, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, retail environments, and any organization seeking a balance of wired and wireless capabilities. 

Key components of an enterprise network infrastructure

Now that we’ve explored the different types of networks, let's take a look at some of their components:

Routers and switches

• Routers are like the traffic directors of your network. They determine the best path for data to travel between different networks, including the Internet.
• Switches act as local traffic managers, connecting devices within a specific network or area. They ensure that data packets reach the right destination within your company.

Both routers and switches are essential for efficient data flow and preventing bottlenecks that could slow down your operations.

Access Points (APs)

These devices are the bridge between wired and wireless networks. They allow laptops, smartphones, and other wireless devices to connect to your main network. This is crucial for supporting a mobile workforce and enabling flexible work arrangements.

Cabling

Cables are the physical pathways that data travels along. There are various types, including:

• Ethernet cables are the most common type, used for connecting devices within a local network.
• Fiber optic cables are known for their high speed and long-distance capabilities, often used for connecting buildings or campuses.

Network servers

Network servers are powerful computers that act as centralized hubs within your enterprise network. They host critical applications (like email or CRM software), databases (where your company's data is stored), and other network services.

Servers are the backbone of many business operations. They provide centralized storage and access to data, enabling employees to collaborate on projects, access shared resources, and use business-critical applications. 

Security components

Security is more necessary than ever, as bad actors are always finding new ways of breaching security systems. Key protection tools in an enterprise network include:

• Firewalls: These act as gatekeepers, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect against threats.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): These systems scan your network for suspicious activity and can even take action to block threats.
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): These create secure, encrypted connections for remote employees to access your network, ensuring data privacy.
• Encryption: This process scrambles data to make it unreadable to unauthorized parties, safeguarding sensitive information.

What are the different types of network architecture?

Before we get into specific architectures, let's clarify the distinction between network infrastructure and network architecture:

Network infrastructure refers to the physical and software components that make up a network. This includes the hardware (routers, switches, cables) and the software (operating systems, protocols) that enable communication.

Network architecture is the design and layout of these components. It's the blueprint that dictates how devices are connected and how data flows within the network.

Now, let's explore three common types of network architecture:

Star topology

In a star topology, all devices connect to a central hub (like a switch or router). This hub acts as the traffic controller, directing data between devices.

Pros

• Simple and easy to manage: Troubleshooting is straightforward as issues are often isolated to individual connections.
• Easy to expand: Adding new devices is as simple as connecting them to the central hub.

Cons

• Single point of failure: If the central hub fails, the entire network goes down.
• Performance bottlenecks: The central hub can become overloaded with traffic in large networks.

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses with centralized management needs. It's a good choice for environments where simplicity and ease of maintenance are priorities.

Mesh topology

In a mesh topology, devices are interconnected, with multiple paths for data to travel between any two points. This redundancy makes mesh networks highly reliable.

Pros

• High reliability: If one connection fails, data can be rerouted through other paths.
• Self-healing: Mesh networks can automatically detect and correct issues without manual intervention.

Cons

• Complex setup: Designing and configuring a mesh network can be challenging.
• Costly: The redundant connections and equipment required make mesh networks more expensive.

Best for: Large areas requiring extensive coverage and high reliability, such as college campuses, hospitals, or sprawling office complexes. Wireless networks often utilize a mesh topology.

Bus topology

A bus topology uses a single central cable (the "bus") to which all devices are connected. Data travels along the bus in both directions.

Pros

• Simple and inexpensive: Requires less cabling and fewer components than other topologies.
• Easy to understand: The straightforward design makes it easy to grasp the network's structure.

Cons

• Limited scalability: Adding more devices can degrade performance.
• Single point of failure: If the main cable breaks, the entire network is disrupted.
• Difficult troubleshooting: Identifying the source of a problem can be challenging.

Best for: Small networks with limited expansion needs and a focus on cost-effectiveness. It's suitable for temporary setups or environments where simplicity is key.

Meter’s role in enterprise network infrastructure

Meter is a Network as a Service (NaaS) provider, meaning we take care of the entire network lifecycle, from design and installation to ongoing management and support. 

With Meter, your network engineers can concentrate on broader network strategies instead of getting bogged down in day-to-day tasks like maintenance, troubleshooting, and routine updates.

Meter's end-to-end solution

We offer a comprehensive solution that covers every aspect of your network infrastructure, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance:

• Expert design: Our team of experienced network engineers crafts customized network designs tailored to your specific needs and requirements. We consider factors like your industry, the size of your space, and the types of devices you use.
• Advanced security: Security is a top priority for Meter. Our network solutions come with built-in features like DNS security, malware protection, and VPN capabilities, safeguarding your data and systems from potential threats.

Simplified management

Our approach to network management is designed to make the lives of all your teams easier:

• Centralized dashboard: A user-friendly dashboard provides a single, unified interface to monitor and manage your entire network. This allows you to easily track performance, identify potential issues, and make adjustments as needed.
• 24/7 monitoring: Meter’s system ensures that your network remains operational at all times. Our support team will address any concerns or problems that may arise within 24 hours or less. 

Network scalability and adaptability

Meter's NaaS model is built for growth and flexibility:

• Easy upgrades: As your business expands, Meter's network can easily scale to accommodate your needs. Whether you're opening a new office or adding more devices, we can adapt your network with ease.
• Cost efficiency: Our subscription-based pricing eliminates the need for large upfront investments in hardware and installation. Regular software and hardware upgrades are included in your subscription, so your network remains up-to-date without extra fees.

Next steps

You now know what an enterprise network infrastructure is. You should also be able to make a more informed decision on whether you need an enterprise network solution or not. 

Here’s when you should contact Meter. 

By providing an all-in-one solution for enterprise networking, Meter removes the complexity and overhead traditionally associated with building and maintaining an enterprise network infrastructure. 

Try out Meter yourself and discover how we simplify network lifecycle management and keep your systems running smoothly.