Telecommunication is basically information exchange -in any form- over a network, so a network by definition is an integral part in any telecommunication system. The internet itself is a big network of other networks.
A massive amount of data is transferred and shared between computers; these computers are connected through a network. Data that could be sensitive to businesses and individuals. That said, having a secure network is mandatory for businesses of all sizes, it’s not a luxury or something trendy to do.
DrayTek offers reliable, fast, efficient and secure network devices that are essential to any business these days, cyberattacks are targeting businesses and governments. According to a study conducted by Accenture, more than 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, 60% of them go out of business within six months. This is mind-blowing statistics.
To have a reliable, stable network for your business to effectively and safely communicate, you need three components: routers, switches and access points. Let’s discuss them one by one!
Routers
Your router is the first network device you should consider in setting up a secure network. A router is responsible for forwarding data packets (units of data transmitted on the web). It’s the thing that basically connects you to the Internet.
What are the main factors to look for in the router you pick for your business?
Security
First things first, having a secure router is -no doubt- the first step you should think about, if you want to secure your network. Your router acts as a gateway for incoming and outgoing traffic, every single bit passes through this device, including messages, payment information. If compromised, all devices connected to your network are at risk.
A compromised router can give hackers access to all the devices on the network, they can change settings to redirect your web browser to fake websites, steal your login credentials or upload malware.
Without network security, you are naked under the sun. All your data can be lost, including intellectual property or company designs.
Not all routers have built-in functionalities to support and promote your network security like firewalls, web filtration and VPN support.
Learn about the most common network terminologies on this blog.
What makes your router secure? Look for these features in the router you pick!
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Firewall
It acts as a gatekeeper, a first line defence against malware and viruses, it controls what goes out and what comes in. You need to enable firewall in your router if you
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Want to block malicious or dangerous traffic.
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Want to block unauthorized traffic
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Want to configure rules to control outgoing and ingoing traffic
Among its competitors, DrayTek is committed to deliver high-quality, high-integrated and completely secure network solutions. DrayTek firewall routers offer firewall and the capability of content filtering by URL keywords and web features.
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Built-in VPN
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network; you can use it if you want to connect remote devices to your network.
VPN has also some security benefits, it tunnels all your traffic to secure your connection. VPN works by changing your device's real IP address to an anonymous one.
It’s worth mentioning here that there are some key differences between a VPN router and a VPN client application.
VPN Router: VPN on the router means that all devices connected to the router share the VPN service. It’s suitable for businesses and families.
VPN Service: This is a device-by-device configuration, you’ll need to connect every device separately to a VPN server which isn’t effective for businesses, it’s a more of single usage case.
With more than 20 years in VPN solutions, DrayTek is leading this technology. DrayTek VPN routers designed for SMBs to deliver more robust, efficient and secure performance with a processor for AES, DES, and 3DES encryption, and supports all industry-standard protocols.
Learn how to use VPN to connect your branches together.
Stability
The second most important element to look for in the routers you choose while building your network is stability. COVID-19 has shifted the work landscape, more and more companies are adopting WFH (work from home). So having a stable Wi-Fi connection is necessary.
Load-balance is a great feature that promotes stability of your network, not all routers have this feature built-in. Load balance - or often referred to as dual-WAN routing- to balance traffic across two or more WAN links in order to spread out the amount of bandwidth used by each LAN user, thus increasing the total amount of bandwidth available.
DrayTek offers an integrated solution through load-balancing for networks with multiple internet connections to increase internet speed and reduce network downtime.
Browse different specs and prices of models DrayTek routers on Modn Store.
Switches
Switches are the main components of any network. Switches are used to connect all your digital devices using Ethernet cables-- printers, mobile phones, computers-- to make it easy to share information and resources between connected devices in your local area network (LAN).
Switches allow you to:
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Connect any number of devices.
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Share information faster than the internet.
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Control access to various parts of the network.
DrayTek offers a wide variety of switches to scale up your local area network.
DrayTek switches includes Smart Lite Switch Web Smart Switch L2/2+ Managed Switch L2/2+ Managed PoE Switch
Browse different models of DrayTek switches prices and specs on Modn Store.
Access Points
An access point is a device used to These days your Wi-Fi router not only connects you to the Internet, but often your job, too. Here's what you need to build the best home network, along with reviews of our top-rated routers for a range of needs and budgets.
Check business-grade access points form DrayTek, with high-end band Steering, built-in RADIUS server, and AP-assisted roaming.
Conclusion
Businesses need efficient ways to communicate and share information. Setting up a network is the first thing to do if you have a small or a medium-sized business. Router is the main important element in your network, while switches are used to connect all your in-office devices.
DrayTek -a Taiwanese manufacturer- is an award-winning, industry leader committed to provide business with reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions to effectively communicate and share information.