Share Via
Table of Content
What is a local area network?
A Local Area Network (LAN), is a network of interconnected switches and access points that support computers and IoT devices located within a limited geographic area. A LAN is typically used to connect end devices in places like offices, stores and college campuses.
These networks enable the sharing of resources, like printers or software applications, among the connected devices. They are commonly connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and can range from few connected devices to thousands in a large campus environment. The devices on a local network can communicate and exchange data directly with each other, helping to improve efficiency and speed.
Nile’s Access Service allows you to acquire a local area network for wired and wireless connectivity, completely as a consumption model with per-user or per-square-footage pricing. Per-user pricing offers the ability to scale up or down as needed based on the number of locations, users and IoT devices being used, and per-square-footage pricing gives you the ability to align network infrastructure investments with real-estate spend and enable predictable ongoing consumption. The remainder of this learning article describes other considerations when building a local area network.
How do local area networks work?
Local area networks operate on a simple yet effective principle: they connect multiple devices using a combination of hardware and software, allowing for the seamless exchange of data and resources. At the heart of a local area network is the network switch, a device that facilitates communication between connected devices by directing data traffic across its backplane.
For devices to interact over a LAN, they use networking protocols, the most common of which is the Internet Protocol (IP), to ensure that data packets find their way to the correct destinations. Additionally, technologies like Ethernet for wired connections and Wi-Fi for wireless connections are integral to the functionality of local area networks.
These technologies, combined with network management software, enable network administrators to maintain optimal performance, security, and reliability, ensuring that the organization’s day-to-day operations run smoothly.
What are the types of local area networks?
Local area networks can be categorized based on their technology, scale, and usage, each designed to meet specific organizational needs. The most common types include:
Ethernet LANs
These LANs leverage Ethernet technology to connect devices within a local area network through physical cables. They are characterized by their high-speed connections and are particularly valued in settings that demand substantial data transfer rates and security, such as corporate offices and data centers. Ethernet LANs provide a stable and secure foundation for network infrastructure, making them a preferred choice for many organizations.
Wi-Fi LANs
These LANs offer the convenience of wireless connectivity, allowing devices to connect to the network without the need for physical cables. This flexibility makes Wi-Fi LANs ideal for modern work environments, supporting mobility and ease of access across office spaces. They cater especially well to dynamic settings and temporary setups, where quick and easy network access is required.
Peer-to-peer LANs
Peer-to-peer LANs are networks where each device has equal capabilities and responsibilities for data processing and communication. In this setup, devices can share resources directly with one another without the need for a centralized server. This architecture is suited for small networks where simplicity and minimal setup are prioritized.
Client-server LANs
These LANs are characterized by a network structure where one or more servers provide resources, services, or applications to client devices. This model supports centralized control and management of network resources, making it scalable and efficient for larger networks. Client-server LANs are fundamental in environments requiring robust data management and application delivery.
What is the importance of local area networks in an organization?
Local area networks serve as the backbone for organizations, underpinning the seamless operation and communication that drive business success. They enable efficient collaboration and access to shared resources, supporting a broad spectrum of business applications critical for day-to-day operations.
Local area networks ensure the secure and reliable management of vital data, safeguarding against unauthorized access while facilitating compliance with data protection standards. The fundamental role of local area networks in bolstering operational efficiency, productivity, and data security underscores their indispensable value to any organization.
What components are necessary for a local area network?
Building a local area network involves integrating various hardware and software components that work together to ensure seamless connectivity, performance, and security. The necessary components include:
Networking hardware
- Network Switches: Serve as the central point of communication for devices on the network, directing data traffic efficiently.
- Routers: Connect the local network to external networks, including the internet, and manage traffic between these networks.
- Wi-Fi Access Points (APs): Enable wireless devices to connect to the network, extending its reach to support mobility.
- Cabling: Ethernet cables are essential for wired connections, providing a stable and high-speed link between devices and network hardware.
Security appliances
- Firewalls: Act as a barrier between the internal network and external sources, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) / Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Detect and prevent unauthorized access and attacks on the network.
Networking software
- Network Operating System: Software that runs on network devices, enabling them to connect and communicate with each other.
- Network Management Tools: Software solutions for monitoring network performance, diagnosing issues, and managing network configurations.
- Security Software: Includes anti-malware tools and security management platforms to protect the network and connected devices from threats.
End-user devices
- Computers, Laptops, and Mobile Devices: The end-user devices that connect to the network to access resources, share files, and communicate.
- IoT Devices: The end devices such as printers, surveillance cameras, audio/video and more that are used to automate or streamline work processes.
Integrating these components requires careful planning and consideration of the organization’s needs, both current and future, to ensure the network is scalable, secure, and capable of supporting the intended workloads.
How to design a local area network
Designing a local area network requires careful planning and consideration of an organization’s current and future needs. The process involves several key steps to ensure the network is robust, scalable, and secure.
1. Defining network requirements
The first step in designing a local area network involves a thorough assessment of the organization’s specific needs. Considerations include the number of devices to be connected, the types of applications the network will support, and the expected data traffic. This evaluation helps in determining the network’s scale and the balance between performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Selecting network hardware
The selection of network hardware, such as switches, routers, and wireless access points, is critical. These devices should not only support the current network load but also accommodate future growth. Factors to consider include the hardware’s capacity for data throughput, the number of ports, support for PoE (Power over Ethernet), and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
3. Planning for scalability and redundancy
Design the network with scalability in mind to easily expand its capacity as the organization grows. Incorporate redundancy, such as duplicate network paths and hardware, to ensure network availability and minimize downtime in case of device failures.
4. Implementing security measures
Security is paramount in network design. Adopt a zero trust security model, which assumes that threats can originate from anywhere and verifies every access request regardless of its origin. Use segmentation per device across the network, thereby limiting the spread of potential security breaches and improving overall network performance.
5. Deploying management and monitoring tools
Effective network management and monitoring tools are essential for maintaining optimal network performance and security. These tools can provide real-time insights into network traffic, identify potential issues before they become problems, and facilitate the remote configuration and management of network devices.
By leveraging zero trust networking principles for secure connectivity and a cloud-native software delivery model for automated operations, the Nile Access Service ensures that organizations can deploy a network infrastructure that is not only resilient and reliable with performance guarantees but also inherently secure and easy to manage.
The service’s innovative approach, which includes predictive maintenance via automated issue resolution. This allows organizations to focus on their core operations without the complexities traditionally associated with network management – while giving them all the tools necessary to stay in control and maintain full visibility. Nile’s commitment to high availability, disaster recovery designs, and scalable solutions aligns perfectly with the needs of organizations looking for a robust networking solution.
How to secure a local area network
Securing a local area network is paramount to protecting organizational data and maintaining the integrity of IT infrastructure. A multi-layered security strategy ensures that even if one defense mechanism fails, others are in place to mitigate threats. Here’s how organizations can implement robust security measures:
Implementing network firewalls
Network firewalls act as the first line of defense, controlling inbound and outbound traffic based on predetermined security rules. By setting strict firewall policies, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to their networks and monitor for suspicious activities. Modern firewalls also include advanced features like intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to identify and block potential threats.
Deploying anti-malware solutions
Comprehensive anti-malware software is essential for detecting and removing malicious software from network devices. These solutions should be regularly updated to recognize the latest malware signatures. Organizations should ensure that all devices connected to the network, including mobile and IoT devices, are protected by anti-malware software to minimize the risk of infections spreading across the network.
Utilizing encryption
Encrypting data transmitted over the network ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized parties. Utilizing strong encryption standards for both wired and wireless communications, including the use of WPA3 for Wi-Fi networks and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for remote access, can significantly enhance network security.
Enforcing access controls
Access control mechanisms, such as user authentication and authorization, ensure that only authorized users can access network resources. Techniques like multi-factor authentication (MFA) add an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access. Segmenting the network per device also limits access to sensitive areas of the network, further enhancing security.
In addition to providing high performance infrastructure and cloud management, Nile Access Service enhances the security of local networks by leveraging robust zero trust campus principles. Each connected end device is proactively identified and isolated per device within a segment to mitigate potential threats, ensuring a robust defense mechanism is always in place.
By extending zero trust networking principles to their campus and branch networks with the Nile Access Service, which enforces network segmentation without the need for VLANs and static ACL configurations. With this approach, IT teams can completely eliminate the potential for malware proliferation as a result of lateral movement of intrusion attempts from day one. A legacy VLAN model operating at Layer 2 (L2) with an open broadcast domain can simply not provide the same level of security.
Conducting regular security audits and updates
Regularly auditing the network for vulnerabilities and applying necessary updates and patches are crucial for maintaining security. This includes not only the network infrastructure but also all connected devices and applications. Automated tools can help identify vulnerabilities, while a schedule for regular updates can ensure that the network remains protected against known exploits.
Secure performance-driven local networks with Nile
By adopting a zero-trust architecture, Nile Access Service ensures that every access request, regardless of origin, is fully authenticated, authorized, and encrypted, thus providing organizations with a secure environment on day one by default. This comprehensive approach to security allows organizations to maintain high levels of protection against a rapidly evolving threat landscape. The Nile Access Service also includes APIs and the ability to leverage existing firewalls and other security systems.
Whether building a corporate LAN for your headquarters or a multi-site branch environment, Nile can help. The Nile Access Service is designed to offer a seamless network experience that aligns with your strategic business requirements, and shares the responsibility for IT team’s success with performance guarantee tied to network availability, coverage, and capacity metrics, which are also backed by financial commitments.
