A Guide to Modern Ethernet Connectivity

Back in 1973, the Ethernet was first described in a memo, marking a huge development in the technical and business worlds.

Consider that computers were once isolated from one another, unable to share data unless someone manually moved it between devices. The Ethernet changed all that, and now we enjoy cloud access, file sharing, and real-time collaboration.

That said, we cannot take these capabilities for granted. Maintenance is still crucial.

It Pays to Pay Attention to Your Network Infrastructure

Nowadays, wireless connectivity is pretty much the default, largely because it is the type we all actively manage each day. Within the walls of a business, however, there should be a network of high-quality, structured cabling that connects all the devices in your office to the Internet.

What happens if this quality isn’t there, or your cabling is disorganized? Simple: bottlenecks abound, slowing down each and every employee’s potential to work, no matter what speeds your ISP has promised.

It is a cost sink, and incredibly frustrating for those trying to use this network.

Organizing Your Server Room is a Cost-Saving Measure

Tell me, does your server room look more like…

A: a basket of snakes, half of which love each other, and the other half of which loathe each other

…or…

B: an organized system of ventilated and labeled cables, each clearly leading to its specific destination?

If you answered Option A, you have a pretty severe risk on your hands, in addition to an ugly server room. Tangled and/or unlabelled cabling makes any troubleshooting far more troublesome, lengthening the process from mere minutes to multiple hours for even a minor issue. Without organization, fixing a network issue is less like finding a needle in a haystack and more like finding a specific haystalk in a haystack.

We find this unacceptable, which is why we help our clients organize the physical layer of their network too, ensuring it is optimized for both efficiency and longevity. Hardware and heat don’t get along, so airflow and climate control are key considerations.

How to Wire Your Office for Optimal Speeds

While we’re on the subject, take a few moments to consider how your office is connected.

Generally speaking, high-bandwidth devices like VoIP phones and desktop workstations should be plugged directly into an Ethernet wall jack as compared to relying on Wi-Fi. Wired connections are more stable, more secure, and faster than the alternative… ideal for your business and its needs.

If you need help with your business’ networking or any other IT consideration, reach out to us at RiverTrail Technology! We can evaluate your current technology and develop a plan that helps propel you into the future. Call us at (276) 601-3208 to get started.