What is an enterprise LAN network? Definition + when to work with one

As your organization is growing, we understand that you need a better network that makes it easier for everyone to stay connected. 

An enterprise LAN is designed to handle larger traffic volumes, support faster connections, and add more redundancy to prevent downtime. Office network engineers and IT leaders often struggle with ensuring network security, managing scalability, and maintaining efficiency. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss how Meter can help you with an Enterprise LAN network that allows resource sharing and flawless communication across various devices within your organization’s own premises.

This article will dive into:

• What is an enterprise LAN?
• The key components of an enterprise LAN
• The different types of enterprise LAN
• Best practices for enterprise LANs
• Challenges you may face and their solutions
• Meter’s role in enterprise LANs

What is an enterprise LAN?

An enterprise LAN (Local Area Network) is a private network engineered to connect various devices within an organization's location. It enables efficient communication and resource sharing among computers, servers, and other devices, providing a backbone for enterprise operations.

Businesses benefit greatly from these networks to manage data flow, maintain connectivity, and bolster security.

Key components of an enterprise LAN

To fully understand an enterprise LAN, you’ll want to know its key components:

Network hardware

Network hardware is the foundation of any enterprise LAN, consisting of high-performance routers, switches, and access points. Each of these components plays a major role in managing data traffic and establishing thorough communication within the network.

Routers direct data packets between different networks, connecting the local network to the Internet and other external networks. In an enterprise setting, routers manage traffic between multiple LANs and the wider Internet, so that data packets are delivered promptly.

High-performance routers come equipped with advanced features like:

• Load balancing
• Quality of Service (QoS) management
• VPN support

These features are perfect for maintaining network performance and security.

Switches operate within the local network to connect devices like computers, servers, and printers.

They use MAC addresses to forward data only to the devices that need it, reducing unnecessary traffic and increasing network efficiency.

Enterprise-grade switches offer features such as:

• VLAN support allows network segmentation to enhance security and performance.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) powers devices like IP phones and wireless access points directly through the Ethernet cables.

Access points (APs) enable wireless devices to connect to the wired network, allowing employees to move freely while maintaining network access.

High-performance APs support advanced features like multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, which improves wireless performance, coverage, and continuous roaming. Better APs allow for uninterrupted connectivity as users move within the network.

Cabling

Cabling forms the physical backbone of an enterprise LAN, with Ethernet and fiber optic cables being the primary types used.

Ethernet cables, such as Cat6 and Cat6a, are widely used for their balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. They provide stable and high-speed connections for most enterprise applications, supporting speeds from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps depending on the cable type.

Fiber optic cables are used for high-speed and long-distance data transmission. They are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for environments with heavy electrical noise. Fiber optics support higher bandwidths and longer distances than Ethernet cables. Typically, fiber optics are necessary for connecting different parts of large enterprise campuses or between data centers.

Network servers

Network servers are centralized computers that provide various services to other devices on the network. They handle applications, storage, and data management, which are vital for conscientious resource allocation and data processing.

Application servers run enterprise applications—such as email servers, ERP systems, and databases—to provide much-needed services to users within the organization.

Storage servers manage large amounts of data, offering file storage and backup solutions. They make it so that data is readily accessible to users while providing redundancy and data protection measures.

Database servers store and manage data in structured formats, supporting the enterprise's data-driven applications and decision-making processes.

By centralizing these services, network servers enhance the efficiency and reliability of the network, allowing for better resource management and easier maintenance.

Security systems

Security systems are integral to protecting an enterprise LAN from unauthorized access and cyber threats. They include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption methods.

Firewalls act as gatekeepers between the internal network and external networks, such as the Internet. They monitor incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules and block any suspicious activity.

Firewalls can be:

• Hardware-based
• Software-based
• A combination of both

Each provides a first line of defense against potential threats.

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity or policy violations. They can be set to alert administrators when suspicious behavior is detected or even take automated actions to mitigate the threat.

IDS can be deployed as:

• Network-based (NIDS)
• Host-based (HIDS)

Each of these offers unique advantages in protecting the network.

Encryption makes certain that data transmitted across the network is unreadable to unauthorized users. This involves encoding data using cryptographic algorithms before it is sent and decoding it upon receipt.

Encryption is necessary for protecting sensitive information, such as financial data and personal information, from interception and tampering during transmission.

Types of enterprise LAN networks

Enterprise LANs come in various forms, each tailored to meet specific organizational needs and operational requirements. Understanding these types can help businesses choose the right network setup for their environment.

Wired LAN

A Wired LAN uses physical cables to connect devices, providing a stable and high-speed network. This type of network is ideal for environments where mobility is not a primary concern, such as in data centers, manufacturing plants, and traditional office setups.

Wired LANs typically use Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat6 or Cat6a) for connections. These cables are known for their reliability and speed, supporting bandwidths from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps.

Wired LANs are suitable for applications requiring consistent high-speed connections and low latency. Examples include database servers, desktop workstations, and any high-priority systems where uninterrupted connectivity is important.

Stability and speed are the primary benefits of a wired LAN. It is less prone to interference compared to wireless networks, providing reliable performance for bandwidth-intensive applications.

Wireless LAN (WLAN)

A Wireless LAN (WLAN) provides network connectivity through Wi-Fi, allowing devices to connect without physical cables. WLANs are suitable for environments where users need to move around frequently or where cabling is impractical.

WLANs use wireless access points (APs) to broadcast and manage Wi-Fi connections. Modern APs support various Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6) that offer improved speed, coverage, and device capacity.

WLANs are ideal for dynamic environments where users require mobility, such as offices with:

• Hot-desking
• Retail spaces
• Educational institutions

The primary advantage of WLANs is flexibility. Users can connect to the network from virtually anywhere within the coverage area, enhancing mobility and ease of access.

Hybrid LAN

A Hybrid LAN combines both wired and wireless components, offering the flexibility of wireless connections with the reliability of wired ones. This type of network is beneficial for environments that require both high mobility and stable connections for specific devices.

Hybrid LANs fluidly integrate wired and wireless infrastructure. For instance, devices like servers and desktop PCs can be connected via Ethernet for stability, while mobile devices like laptops and smartphones use Wi-Fi.

Hybrid LANs are suitable for large campuses, corporate offices, and other mixed-use environments where both stationary and mobile devices need robust network access.

The hybrid approach provides the best of both worlds by granting high performance and stability for essential wired connections while offering the flexibility and convenience of wireless access for mobile devices.

Benefits of enterprise LAN networks

Enterprise LANs provide numerous advantages that enhance the efficiency, security, and scalability of modern business operations. Here’s a detailed overview of the key benefits:

Scalability

Enterprise LANs are designed to accommodate growth, making them ideal for expanding businesses because of these features:

• Modular design allows for easy expansion without disrupting existing network operations.
• Scalable hardware like high-capacity switches and routers can handle increased traffic and more connected devices.
• Future-proofing: Networks can be designed for long-term viability, which reduces the need for frequent overhauls.

Reliability

Reliability is a cornerstone of enterprise LANs, achieved through the use of high-quality components and redundancy measures like these:

• Backup power supplies grant the network the ability to function during power outages.
• Multiple network paths, often referred to as multi-homing or link aggregation, provide alternative routes for data to travel in case of a primary path failure.
• Failover mechanisms automatically switch to a standby network component, such as a backup server or router, in the event of a failure. They minimize downtime and help to maintain network stability.

Security

Protecting enterprise LANs from cyber threats and unauthorized access requires robust security measures like:

• Layered security such as Firewalls, IDS, and encryption protocols protect against various threats.
• Regular updates are needed to keep software and hardware up to date and to help mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Certifying compliance ensures that the network meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Efficiency

Enterprise LANs significantly enhance operational efficiency in a business through several key mechanisms:

• Streamlined communication: Facilitate fast and reliable data transfer that enables real-time collaboration among employees.
• Enhanced access: Swift access to business applications and resources allows enterprise LANs employees to have the tools they need at their fingertips, reducing downtime and bottlenecks.
• Increased productivity: Employees can focus on their core tasks without being hindered by network-related issues, leading to higher productivity and cleaner business processes.

Best practices for enterprise LAN management

Apply the following best practices to help achieve the goal of effectively managing an enterprise LAN:

Regular monitoring: Use network management tools to monitor performance and identify issues before they escalate. The Meter Dashboard provides full network monitoring to track the health and stability of your network.

Security updates: Keep all network devices and software updated to protect against vulnerabilities. Schedule regular updates for firmware, operating systems, and applications. Stay informed about the latest security threats by enacting automatic updates where possible.

Capacity planning: Anticipate future network growth to verify the network can handle increased demand. Regularly review current usage statistics, forecast growth based on business projections, and develop a roadmap for infrastructure upgrades to support additional users, devices, and applications.

Challenges and solutions

Despite their benefits, enterprise LANs present several challenges. Addressing these effectively guarantees a strong, secure, and productive network.

Scalability issues

As businesses grow, their network needs increase. Handling a larger number of users, devices, and applications can strain the existing infrastructure, leading to performance bottlenecks.

You can introduce scalable solutions and conduct regular capacity planning by using the following:

• Scalable hardware: Use high-capacity switches and routers that can handle increased traffic.
• Modular design: Design the network in a modular fashion, allowing for easy expansion without major overhauls.
• Forecasting: Regularly review network usage and predict future demands to plan timely upgrades.

Security threats

Enterprise LANs are constantly exposed to cyber threats such as malware, phishing, and unauthorized access, which can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.

Employ advanced security measures and conduct regular audits to mitigate risks through:

• Multi-layered security: Implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encryption protocols to protect against various threats.
• Regular updates: Keep all network devices and software up to date to address known vulnerabilities.
• Security audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential weaknesses in the network.

Complexity

Managing an enterprise LAN can be complex, involving numerous devices, configurations, and protocols. Such complexity can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk of misconfiguration.

Simplify management with centralized tools and professional services. 

Strategies include:

• Centralized management tools: Use tools that provide a unified interface for managing all network components, simplifying configuration and monitoring.
• Automation: Automate routine tasks such as updates, backups, and monitoring to reduce manual intervention and errors.
• Professional services: Engage professional network management services to handle complex configurations and provide expert support.

Next steps: Meter's role in enterprise LAN

Meter offers comprehensive services for enterprise LANs, from design and installation to ongoing support. They ensure optimal performance and security through professional setup and continuous monitoring, adapting to the needs of your business and supporting your network engineers.

With Meter’s services, you receive:

• Network design and configuration: Our customized network design solutions are tailored to meet the specific requirements of your business, guaranteeing efficient and scalable network infrastructure.
• High-performance hardware: We provide top-tier routers, switches, and access points to promise robust and reliable network performance.
• Installation and rollout: Our professional installation services create a seamless transition and minimal disruption to your business operations.
• Ongoing support and maintenance: We offer continuous support and maintenance services to keep your network in top shape and promptly address any issues that pop up.
• Continuous monitoring: Our Meter Dashboard provides real-time monitoring of network performance to help quickly identify and resolve potential problems before they affect your operations.

Experience how Meter can keep your networks safe and secure while you focus on running your business by scheduling a demo today.