Network installation for businesses with switches, routers and firewalls
Network installation is the supply, setup and testing of the equipment that connects a site: switches, routers, firewalls and the cabinets that hold them. As network installers, we set up business networks for offices and commercial sites in London, Brighton and the South East.
The service
Equipment, setup and cabling that fit together
A network is more than cable. Switches share connections between devices, a router connects the site to the internet, and a firewall controls what is allowed in and out. Wireless access points, phones and cameras connect through the same switches, and many of them take their power from the cable as well. Network design and installation brings these parts together so they work as one system.
This work sits alongside the rest of our range. The cabling is covered under data cabling and structured cabling, wireless coverage under Wi-Fi installation, and cabinets under comms cabinets and rooms. Cameras that connect to the network are covered in CCTV installation. Once the network is running, IT support and network maintenance look after it. For ongoing management of IT as a whole, see managed IT services.
What is included
What is included
Network design
A plan based on the number of users and devices, and how areas of the network are separated.
Switches and routers
Supply, configuration and installation in the cabinet.
Firewall and security settings
Firewall installation, with the firewall switched on and default passwords changed on network devices.
Power over Ethernet
Switch ports matched to the access points, phones and cameras they will power.
Cabinet and patching
Equipment mounted, patched and labelled so the cabinet stays readable.
Documentation and handover
A network diagram and a record of the settings applied.
Our engineers hold
Qualifications held by our engineers
Between them, our engineers hold Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and fibre optic certifications, plus CSCS and ECS cards.
- CompTIA Network+Networking
- Cisco CCNANetworking
- Cisco CCNPProfessional level networking
Held by individual engineers. Not every engineer holds every qualification.
Tell us about your site and what you need.
Users and devices
The number of users, wired devices and floors the network serves.
Equipment specification
Switch ports, PoE capacity, router and firewall requirements.
Existing cabling
Whether it can be reused or needs to be replaced.
Access and timing
Office network installation needs cutover planning and working hours that keep the business running.
How it works
How a network installation runs
Requirements
We establish what the network must support and where.
Design and quote
An equipment list and a written price for the agreed scope.
Install and configure
Equipment installed, configured and connected to the cabling. Between them, our engineers hold Cisco CCNA and CCNP, and CompTIA Network+.
Test and hand over
Testing, documentation and handover.
FAQ
Common questions
Tell us about your site and what you need.
Get a QuoteWhat does Power over Ethernet mean for the switch I choose?
A PoE switch supplies power to devices over the network cable, so the switch ports and the devices need to be matched at the design stage. The standards deliver 15.4 W (802.3af), 30 W (802.3at) or up to 60 W or 90 W (802.3bt) at the switch, and less reaches the device. Wireless access points, IP cameras and VoIP phones are common PoE devices.
How far can a switch be from a device?
For twisted pair copper the limit is 100 metres per channel, including patch cords. Beyond that, a device needs a closer cabinet or switch, or a fibre link between cabinets.
What should be set up on a new business network?
The NCSC's guidance for small businesses names two basics that apply here: switch on the firewall, and change the default passwords on all internet enabled devices, including routers and switches.
Do you set up networks for small offices?
Yes. As a network installation company, we handle network setup for small business offices in the same steps, scaled to the number of users and devices.
Do I need new cabling when I replace switches?
Not always. It depends on the category and condition of what is there and the speeds you need. Cat6 supports gigabit Ethernet to 100 metres. For 10 gigabit the commonly cited guidance on Cat6 is about 55 metres at most under favourable conditions, which is not a promise for a given run, so a survey that records and tests the existing cabling comes before any recommendation to replace it.
Related services
Related services
Data Cabling
Data and network cabling for offices and commercial buildings.
Wi-Fi Installation
Design, supply and installation of business grade Wi-Fi.
Comms and Server Rooms
Comms cabinets and server rooms, installed and kept tidy.
