IT Infrastructure Consulting Services
Our Consulting Services can help your company have a well-designed and configured network, which is essential to supporting your company’s key processes. Our experience will help determine your company’s current IT Infrastructure state. It can assist in the design of an IT strategy that will create new opportunities for your business.
We are here to help your company achieve its business goals with the best technology strategy and tools. We are a team of consultants with the right experience that you need.
Our Expertise
Our professional team is an expert in designing, installing & optimizing:
- Networks LAN, WLAN, WAN & MAN)
Datalinks & VPN connections - Data Centers On-Premise vs. on the Cloud
- Windows & IOS
- VoIP Phone Systems & Cloud-based Phone Systems
- Server and Desktop Virtualization
- Videoconferencing Systems
Networks LAN, WLAN, WAN & MAN
There are various types of networks, depending mainly on their topology and the geographical scope of the equipment that will communicate. The most common are the following:
Local Area Networks (LAN)
A LAN network (or Local Area Network for its acronym in English) is a communication system that connects two or more computers and electronic devices (such as computers, printers, cell phones, Smart TVs, security cameras, etc.). Access control devices etc.), which can share resources to facilitate the exchange of information (voice, data, or video). An important requirement is that these computers and devices be located in the same specific geographic area, that is, in the same campus, building, school, house, etc.
According to the IEEE, the standard for a wired local network is contained in section 802, also called Ethernet. The main components of a LAN LAN are Ethernet-type cables, also known as CAT5 or CAT6, with RJ-45 connectors or fiber optics and at least 1 data switch for the interconnection of the cables in a star topology. A LAN network can normally operate between 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps.
Wireless networks (WLAN)
A wireless network, also called WLAN or simply WIFI, is part of the concept of local networks, with the only difference being that a local network can be wired or wireless. A wireless network has been defined within the IEEE 802.11 standard, with various variations, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11p.
In general, we can mention that all these different WLAN networks work on two bands, 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz, reaching speeds between 22 Mbps and 600 Mbps, significantly slower than a wired LAN network. Similarly, a wireless network has the drawback that it can be more insecure than a wired network, since eventually, anyone can connect as long as they have a signal, which can even be a hacker who is in his car parked outside its corporate building, for which a specific type of security is established. The most common security standards are WEP and WPA-2.
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
A metropolitan network connects two or more local networks in the same city or area. That is, let’s say that, for example, a company operates in several locations, which can be production centers, distribution centers, or administrative offices in the same city or metropolitan area, and they require connectivity to access databases, share applications, or use the same telephone system, it is possible to form a metropolitan network through private high-speed data links, which provide security and high speed of operation, which otherwise would have to be done through a VPN-type link through a connection to the Internet.
In some way, a metropolitan network could be considered a WAN network. However, the links can become private, such as radio links, and the installation of routers may be required to connect LAN networks since data packets would be traveling to different network segments.
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
We also have the WAN networks, which generally allow the connectivity of several LAN networks scattered in geographically dispersed areas nationally or internationally. A WAN network can be made through public data links but with the guarantee of data security, or it can also be made through Internet links using a VPN, or virtual private network, to offer privacy and security in data transmission.
To configure a WAN network, routers may be required, which allow the traffic of data packets between the various networks that comprise it, using multiple communication protocols, the most used being: Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP), Enhanced Interior Gateway Protocol (EIGRP), Open shortest path first (OSPF), Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP) and Border gateway protocol (BGP).
Data Links & VPN Connections
Companies can use different types of data links, which are private data links, such as MPLS, SD-WAN, SASE, or any other secure Internet connection through a VPN. It is essential to say that if the data is considered critical for a company, it will always be better to use data links like MPLS, SD-WAN, or SASE from companies such as AT&T, Comcast, etc., and that these links are not considered entirely public like the Internet, but have additional security for more excellent protection of data. The data. On the other hand, an Internet link can connect the offices of the same company as long as it is done through a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Data Circuits
Data Circuits are private, dedicated lines that connect your business to the internet. They are similar to a virtual private network (VPN) in that they protect your data from the public internet, but they differ from a VPN in that there is no encryption.
Data circuits can be used for any purpose — connecting offices or branches to providing access to corporate applications or databases. You can use them to securely deliver sensitive data or encrypt it as it travels over the public internet.
VPN
A VPN provides a secure conduit between two points over an unsecured network such as the Internet. The connection is encrypted by using some form of tunneling protocol, and traffic inside the tunnel is encrypted with one of several types of protocols, including Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)/Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP), and OpenVPN.
Data Centers On-Premise vs. on the Cloud
When it comes to choosing between a data center on-premise or cloud, there are several things you have to consider.
On-premise
The first thing is the cost of the hardware and software. In an on-premise setup, you must invest in the equipment, while in cloud hosting, you pay for the service. The second thing is reliability. In an outage, you will face issues if your data is hosted with an external provider, but not so much if it’s located on your premises. You can also control access and security more quickly.
Another benefit of hosting your servers on-premise is using them for other purposes (such as running applications or storing backups). If you want to run applications from different providers, it might be easier if they are all on one platform (hosted locally).
In addition, if your business requires high availability and guaranteed uptime, then having your servers makes sense since they are always available 24/7 without downtime!
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing hosts your company’s servers and other IT infrastructure in a third-party data center. This has many benefits, including lower up-front costs and increased flexibility. However, it also has some drawbacks.
The main benefit of cloud computing is its cost-effectiveness. Once you’ve paid the initial setup and subscription fees, you don’t have to worry about capital expenses for hardware or software upgrades. You pay for what you use.
Cloud computing can also be more flexible than on-premise systems because it allows for easy scaling up or down depending on your company’s needs at any given time. Cloud systems are also easier to manage because the provider collects them remotely. With cloud systems, there’s no need for an IT department to address them directly; all updates are done remotely by the provider’s engineers.
There are also some drawbacks to consider with cloud systems:
Security risks — Your data could be exposed to hackers if there’s a breach in security at the third-party data center where your servers are hosted. If this happens, your company could lose valuable information that could permanently damage its reputation or even cause financial loss through identity theft or credit card fraud resulting from stolen data being sold on the dark web.
Windows & IOS Systems
The two most common operating systems used in corporations are Windows OS and Apple IOS.
Windows OS
Windows OS is an operating system developed by Microsoft, first introduced in 1985. The latest version is Windows 10. It has been the most popular operating system for personal computers since its introduction.
It is the most common operating system used in corporations; Windows OS is a product of Microsoft Corporation, the world leader in software development. It is used by more than 90% of companies in the world. With a very intuitive interface and many applications that can be installed, it is the most used operating system for personal computers and laptops.
Advantages of Windows OS:
-The best-known in the world;
-It is easy to use;
-It has many applications available;
Disadvantages of Windows OS:
-It is more expensive than other operating systems;
-Security flaws are common;
Apple IOS
Apple IOS is a proprietary operating system developed by Apple Inc., which runs on their own devices, including MacBook, iMac, iPhone, iPads, and generally all machines manufactured by Apple.
I would probably think Apple IOS is more convenient for web & graphic design, and it has grown popular among young people, students, and freelancers. However, apps like Microsoft Office considered a standard, do not have the same functionality as Microsoft Windows.
VoIP Phone Systems & Cloud based Phone Systems
Traditional VoIP and Cloud-based Phone Systems are two different types of phone systems. Each has advantages and disadvantages but can work well in your business if you choose the right system.
VoIP Phone Systems
Traditional VoIP systems use your existing internet connection to make calls. A traditional VoIP system does not require a dedicated internet connection, though it will work better with one. Traditional VoIP systems have their phone number so you can receive calls from any device connected to the internet, including smartphones and tablets. You can also use these devices to make outgoing calls without additional equipment.
Cloud based Phone Systems
Cloud-based phone systems also use your existing internet connection but do not have their phone numbers or hardware. They are typically cheaper than traditional VoIP systems because they don’t require additional hardware or software for installation at each location where you want to use them. Still, they require more work on your part when setting up new employees or areas that need phones and maintaining them once installed. Many cloud-based phone systems are available today, including Gmail Voice, RingCentral, and Office 365.
Server and Desktop Virtualization
Server and Desktop Virtualization is a technology that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. This technology is used in data centers and corporations, where organizations must run various applications simultaneously.
Virtualization allows server consolidation and increases the efficiency of hardware resources by decreasing energy consumption. It also improves security by isolating users from one another, reducing the risk of data loss, theft, or tampering.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Server and Desktop Virtualization
The main advantage of Virtualization is that it reduces hardware costs by reducing the number of physical servers required and increasing server utilization rates. In addition, it offers flexibility when deploying applications because it allows for application isolation through virtual machines (VMs).
A disadvantage is that VMs can be slow compared to natively installed applications due to the overhead associated with VM management (e.g., disk space).
Video conferencing Systems
The use of videoconferencing systems has increased significantly in the last few years. It allows us to connect to remote locations and share real-time information without traveling. This saves a lot of time and money for companies.
Videoconferencing systems can be divided into three categories:
1. Telepresence: these systems include a high-definition camera, microphone, and speakers that allow you to see and hear the other person. These are the most expensive but effective systems because they give the impression that both parties are in the same room together.
2. Room Systems: These systems use cameras and microphones that can be placed anywhere in a room (e.g., on top of a monitor). They are cheaper than telepresence systems but still provide good-quality video and audio transmission between two people who are in different locations
3. Desktop Systems: these types of systems use webcams connected to computers or laptops and allow two people using desktop computers or laptops to communicate using video chat software such as Skype or FaceTime.
But if you want to use video conferencing, you must decide which platform to use.
There are many options out there for video conferencing. Some are free, but most have a cost associated with them. While we won’t cover every option available today (too many), we will cover some of the most popular platforms and explain why they’re so popular among businesses worldwide.
Zoom Rooms
Zoom is one of the most popular video-conferencing services today — especially among small-to-medium-sized businesses without a dedicated IT department. The service offers free audio calls with up to 50 participants at one time and unlimited screen-sharing capabilities for up to 100 people per call. There’s also built-in support for recording calls and saving them as both MP4 files or webcasts (with transcriptions).
Zoom’s pricing starts at $15 per month per user (paid annually) for 100 conference minutes.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the communication platform developed by Microsoft for teams of any size. It allows users to share their content and collaborate on tasks. It also integrates with Office 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or SharePoint Online.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a free video-calling and videoconferencing application that works on PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. It can be used for online meetings with up to 30 participants in HD quality. There is also a paid version with full functionality that comes with the Google Workspace Suite.
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