Network hardware consists of network infrastructure devices that enable and manage network connectivity. A multi-floor office will require many different devices—routers, switches, access points—to support uninterrupted communication. All network infrastructure devices will need to work together to maintain a secure and efficient network.

This article provides you with:

• Network hardware's importance to multi-level office buildings
• The different types of essential network hardware
• Network hardware best practices
• How Meter can help

The importance of network hardware

Building a network for a multiple-office-floor system isn’t as simple as slapping down a few routers and calling it a day. You’re building your network's core—one that keeps teams connected, data flowing, and operations ticking. To pull that off, you need some serious quality hardware.

Enterprise-grade routers and switches

All digital networks need routers and switches to function properly. Larger businesses live and die on the quality of these devices. When looking for enterprise-grade routers and switches, here are a few must-have features:

Routers

Routers are not just traffic controllers anymore—they’ve taken over the job of old-school modems in many setups. Modern enterprise-grade routers often have modem tech built right in, which means they can connect directly to your ISP without needing an extra device. That’s a big win because it keeps things simpler and cuts down on unnecessary hardware clutter.

In a multi-floor office, the router is your network’s main gatekeeper. It grabs the internet signal—whether it’s coming in through fiber optics, ethernet, or something else—and gets it ready for the rest of your network. From there, it hands off the data to switches, making sure everything moves freely across floors and departments.

The best routers move data and do it smartly. With features like dynamic routing protocols and QoS (Quality of Service), they can prioritize the traffic that matters most.

Then there’s security, which is non-negotiable these days. Enterprise routers are built to block trouble before it starts. They’ve got answers to threats built in, such as:

• Firewalls
• VPN capabilities
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS)

You’ll usually find the router tucked away in a central, secure network room. From there, it quietly connects your office to the world while making sure that connection stays fast, secure, and reliable.

Switches

Switches are network components that make sure data gets where it needs to go. They connect devices like computers and printers to the network and link other switches to create one big system. In a multi-floor office, they send data between floors, keeping everything working together.

Switches are placed in wiring closets, usually one per floor, and connect back to the main network with high-speed cables. If a link goes down, redundant connections can keep the network running. For growing offices, switches that allow stacking will let you add more devices without replacing everything.

Security is another big deal. Port security controls which devices can connect, and Access Control Lists (ACLs) decide what kind of traffic is allowed. As a result, you get a safer and more organized network.

Access points (APs)

Access points let your devices connect to the network without a tangle of cables. They work together to cover large areas, enabling strong signals and no frustrating dead spots.

Where you put them is just as important as what they do. High-traffic areas like shared workspaces and conference rooms are ideal spots. Many APs now use features like mesh networking to create a seamless wireless experience across floors.

Modern APs are built to handle the heavy loads of enterprise Wi-Fi. They manage dozens—sometimes hundreds—of simultaneous connections without ease. It's all done thanks to technologies like MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output), which keeps data moving to many devices at once.

Beamforming is another handy feature, focusing the signal toward devices for stronger connections. Many also offer security protocols like WPA3 to protect data and tools for creating guest networks to keep visitors separate from the main system.

Next-generation firewalls (NGFW)

You get far more than a basic line of defense out of a next-gen firewall. It works as a smart security system, diving into your network’s data, inspecting every packet as it moves in or out, looking for anything sketchy. Whether it’s malware buried in an attachment or a phishing attempt hiding in plain sight, they catch the threats that older firewalls miss.

The real magic is how they adapt. NGFWs recognize specific applications—Zoom, Slack, you name it—and let you control how they’re used on your network. They even pull updates from live threat databases, so they’re always ready for the latest cyberattacks.

When traffic piles up fast, they’re crucial for keeping everything secure without slowing things down. Positioned right between your router and the internet, they’re the watchdog your network needs to stay safe and functional.

Servers and racks

Servers are at the center of how your business operates. They store files, run software, and keep everything connected. Without them, you’d just have a bunch of devices with nowhere to send or save their data.

These machines are housed in racks, which keep them organized and secure. Racks don't just stack hardware—they’re built for function. They include things like:

• Cable guides to prevent tangles
• Rails for mounting servers
• Panels to help with airflow

Most racks are measured in “U” units, which makes it easy to figure out how much space you need as your system grows.

The environment for these racks is almost as important as the hardware itself. Servers generate heat, and without proper cooling, they can overheat fast. That’s why racks live in rooms with climate controls and backup power systems. These rooms are set up to handle emergencies, like a power cut or unexpected surge in traffic.

Cooling systems

Networking equipment gives off a lot of heat, and without the right cooling, that heat can quickly become a problem. Cooling systems are an integral part of hardware and networking setups, managing rising temperatures with tools like precision air conditioning (PAC) units or liquid cooling setups. But the right setup needs to do more than blow cold air into a room.

Many server rooms use a hot and cold aisle layout to keep cool air flowing where it’s needed most and push hot air out of the space. Tools like environmental sensors track temperature, humidity, and airflow in real time. It allows you to spot and fix problems before they cause damage.

Energy use is another big consideration. Advanced cooling systems often come with energy-saving features, like variable speed fans or automated adjustments based on room conditions. Backup power for cooling systems is critical too. If your cooling goes offline during a power outage, your hardware could overheat in minutes.

Keeping temperatures under control is a foundational part of a high-functioning network.

Backup and disaster recovery solutions

The cooling system isn't the only thing that would benefit from a backup system. Data loss can cripple a business, which is why backup and disaster recovery systems are essential. These systems create copies of important files and store them either on-site, in the cloud, or both. When hardware fails or a cyberattack happens, backups let you restore data quickly and get back to work without losing everything.

Not all backups are created equal, though. Full backups copy everything but take longer and use more storage. Incremental and differential backups save only the changes, making them faster and more efficient. On-premises backups are convenient but vulnerable to physical disasters. It's why many businesses combine them with cloud storage for an extra layer of protection.

Planning is an important step in setting everything up. Disaster recovery plans should define how fast data needs to be restored (RTO) and how much data loss is acceptable (RPO). Security is key too—encrypted backups and multi-factor authentication keep sensitive information safe. Automation is your insurance policy against the unexpected.

Network interface cards (NICs)

NICs are the part of your device that makes network connections possible. They take the data your device sends and translate it into a format your network understands—and vice versa. Most laptops and desktops have built-in NICs, but in enterprise environments, those basics often don’t cut it.

Servers handling massive data loads need multi-gigabit or fiber-compatible NICs to keep things moving. High-performance workstations—think video editing or CAD (Computer-Aided Design)—also benefit from NICs designed for low-latency, high-speed tasks.

In a multi-floor office, NICs are everywhere, quietly making the network run. Every device—whether it’s a server, a desktop, or even a printer—has one.

For networks with faster backbones, like 10GbE or higher, the NICs in critical devices have to keep up, or you’ll run into bottlenecks. If your server or workstation can’t handle the network’s capacity, adding a higher-speed NIC is a simple upgrade that can make a big difference.

Most onboard NICs are fine for everyday tasks, but when it comes to high-demand equipment, you need the right NIC.

Remember, they’re the tech that keeps devices talking to each other.

Modular uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Power outages happen, but they don’t have to disrupt your network. Modular UPS systems provide temporary power to keep systems online until you can shut them down properly or switch to a generator. Their modular design makes them flexible, so you can expand capacity as your needs grow without replacing the entire system.

UPS systems also protect against power surges, preventing sudden voltage spikes from damaging sensitive hardware. They come in different types:

• Online (double conversion) provides continuous power by running equipment off the battery, offering the highest level of protection.
• Line-interactive adjusts to minor power fluctuations and handles short outages with basic backup capabilities.
• Offline (Standby) activates only during outages, suitable for non-critical equipment but slower to respond.

Many units now include monitoring tools that let you track battery health and load levels in real time, so you’re not caught off guard.

Placement is straightforward—UPS units are usually housed under racks or in power rooms near the equipment they support. Regular maintenance, like checking batteries and replacing them as needed, keeps them reliable.

Access control systems

Access control systems help keep the right people in and the wrong ones out. They decide who gets into areas like office floors, server rooms, or other restricted zones. You’ll see tools like biometric scanners, smart cards, or even mobile apps doing the job of verifying users and blocking anyone who doesn’t belong.

These systems don’t work in isolation. They often pair up with locks, guards, or gates to create layers of security. They can also sync with video surveillance or alarms to add extra monitoring. On top of that, they log every access attempt, giving you a clear trail of who’s been where—helpful for audits or tracking down issues.

A solid system lets you add users, devices, or even whole new floors without starting from scratch. Keep everything updated and maintained, and access control will stay reliable.

Security appliances

Security appliances are there to protect your network and make sure threats don’t get a chance to cause problems. They monitor traffic, flag anything suspicious, and give you control over who and what gets access to your system. These appliances work right alongside your existing network, keeping everything safe without making things overly complicated.

One of the best features is centralized management. Instead of juggling multiple systems, you get one platform where you can:

• Adjust settings
• Monitor activity
• Keep an eye on all your offices at once

They’re also built to grow with your business, so as you add more devices or users, the system can handle the extra load with ease. They’re designed to be straightforward, which means you don’t need to spend hours figuring them out. With these appliances in place, you’ve got a reliable way to protect your network no matter how much your business expands.

Keep your network running like clockwork

Smart practices are the foundation of a reliable network. They help prevent downtime, reduce the risk of hardware failures, and keep your business operations steady. A little effort now saves a lot of trouble down the line.

Don’t skip routine checkups

Over time, wear and tear creeps in, firmware gets outdated, and dust starts settling where it shouldn’t. You've got to keep everything in top shape.

Inspect your hardware for loose cables, noisy fans, or anything out of place. Firmware updates should never be ignored—those patches fix vulnerabilities and improve performance. And dust? It’s not just annoying; it can overheat your equipment. A quick clean can save you from a costly breakdown.

Set it up right the first time

A poorly configured network is like a house built on sand—it might work at first, but the cracks show up fast. Default settings are your first red flag. Update those admin credentials, disable unused ports, and make sure everything aligns with your specific setup.

Over time, things change, so perform routine audits to keep configurations aligned with current policies. Templates can make this easier. Whether you’re setting up one switch or an entire floor, standardized settings can save valuable time.

Split your network to stay smart

A single, wide-open network is asking for trouble. Dividing it up with VLANs and subnets makes everything easier to manage. VLANs let you organize traffic into logical groups, like separating your HR systems from the marketing team.

Subnetting adds another layer, keeping things tidy and limiting the damage if something goes wrong. Sensitive data like payroll or customer payment info? That needs its own lane. Isolation isn’t paranoia—it’s smart planning.

Write it down or regret it later

If you’re not keeping track of your network, you’re flying blind. Documentation is how you solve problems faster. Every change matters, whether it’s swapping out hardware or tweaking configurations, and it needs to be logged. A centralized system keeps everything in one place so everyone on the team knows what’s going on. And don’t let your docs get stale—networks evolve, and your records should evolve with them.

Meter’s hardware solutions for your enterprise

Don't let the need for choosing the right network hardware overwhelm you. Meter takes the stress out of managing your network, keeping it fast, secure, and easy to control—so your team can tackle the bigger projects.

Here’s what Meter brings to your network:

• Advanced security measures: Protect your network with our advanced security appliances which include zero-trust and VPN capabilities.
• High-performance equipment: Benefit from Meter’s 24-port and 48-port switches, wireless access points, and enterprise-level routers.
• Integrated network management: Utilize Meter’s unified platform from a centralized dashboard for real-time monitoring, configuration, and management.
• Reliable redundancy and failover: We provide continuous network availability with multi-WAN support and automatic failover features.

Schedule a personalized, guided demo of our services at Meter today.