Starting a small business is no joke. You’ve got a million things on your plate—registering your business, finding the right team, marketing, payroll, coffee. Lots of coffee. So when it comes time to install your network infrastructure, it’s no surprise if your brain short-circuits a little.
“Wait, what is a switch again?”
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. As a small business owner, setting up your network probably isn’t the most exciting item on your to-do list. But a reliable network is the backbone of your daily operations, from processing payments to sharing files between employees. To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the most common questions small businesses ask about network installation. And don’t worry—we’re keeping the tech jargon to a minimum. Mostly.
1. Do I really need a professional for this?
Let’s be honest—many of us pride ourselves on our DIY skills. You’ve set up your home WiFi, so how different could a business network be?
Well, quite different, actually. While it’s tempting to save money by handling it yourself, business networks involve more complex security considerations, reliable connectivity for multiple users, and proper placement of equipment. It’s like the difference between hanging a picture frame and building a load-bearing wall—one requires basic tools, while the other demands structural knowledge.
That said, if your business is truly tiny (we’re talking 2-3 people in a small space), you might get away with a simpler setup. But the moment you plan to grow, process sensitive customer data, or need consistent reliability, investing in professional installation will save you headaches down the road.
Professionals not only install your network—they optimize it. They’ll assess your floor plan, figure out the best placement for routers and access points, and ensure your setup is scalable and secure. Plus, if anything goes wrong, you have someone to call who won’t just say, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”
2. Do I really need a business-grade network, or can I just use my home Wi-Fi router?
Ah yes, the ol’ “Why not just plug in a $50 router and call it a day?” approach. Technically, you could use a home router… but it’s a bit like trying to run a coffee shop with a Keurig. It might work at first, but you’ll run into issues fast—slow speeds, dropped connections, and limited control over your network.
A business-grade setup is designed for heavier use. Think faster data flow, better security, and features like guest networks, firewall protection, and remote access. Plus, it’s scalable—meaning it can grow as your business does.
So yeah, go pro. Your future self will thank you.
3. What kind of hardware equipment do I actually need?
This is where many business owners get overwhelmed, staring at endless router models and technical specifications. At its most basic level, your network will need:
- A business-grade router (not the same as your home model – routes data between your devices and the internet.)
- A firewall (sometimes integrated with the router)
- Network switches (to connect multiple wired devices)
- Access points (for WiFi coverage throughout your space)
- Proper cabling (the unsung hero of network reliability)
- Modem – Connects you to the internet (thanks, ISP).
The exact setup depends on your business size, office space, and how you use the internet. If your entire team is video conferencing, uploading massive files, and streaming Spotify all at once, you’ll need something beefier than a basic router.
4. How much is this going to cost me?
I can almost hear you sighing at this question. Costs vary depending on your space, needs, and equipment. A simple setup for a small office might run a few hundred bucks, while a more advanced network with multiple access points, security features, and cabling could run into the low thousands. Network costs vary widely, but it helps to break it down into three categories:
- Equipment costs: Expect to spend $500-$2,000 for basic hardware for a very small business, scaling up with size and complexity.
- Installation labor: Professional installation typically runs $80-150 per hour, with most small businesses needing 4-8 hours of work.
- Ongoing maintenance: Often overlooked but crucial—budget for occasional updates and troubleshooting.
Consider this an investment rather than an expense. A solid network means fewer slowdowns, better productivity, and fewer headaches later. That one day when your competitor’s system goes down while yours hums along reliably? You’ll be thankful you didn’t cut corners.
5. How long does installation usually take?
A typical small office network installation can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on how complex the layout is and how many devices need to be connected. A professional team will try to work around your schedule to avoid disrupting your workflow—because nobody likes their Monday derailed by a surprise ceiling cable job.
6. How do I keep my network secure?
What about security? Is a password enough? Security concerns keep many business owners up at night, and rightly so. Unfortunately, “123456 and business123” aren’t cutting it anymore. Cyber threats are real, and small businesses are increasingly being targeted. (Yes, even your cute local bakery.)
A properly installed network includes several layers of protection:
- Firewall setup to control incoming and outgoing traffic.
- Encrypted connections (look for VPN options if you have remote staff).
- Separate guest network so visitors don’t get access to your main system.
- Regular software updates and password policies to patch security vulnerabilities.
The best security approaches are comprehensive but invisible to daily operations. Your team shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get work done, but your sensitive data should remain protected from threats.
7. Do I need wired connections, or is wireless enough?
In the age of smartphones and tablets, it’s easy to assume wireless is always the way to go. However, there’s a reason serious network pros still run cables.
Wired connections are still the gold standard as they offer greater speed, reliability, and security—ideal for stationary workstations, point-of-sale systems, and servers. If you’re transferring large files or hosting a server, Ethernet cables are your best friends. Meanwhile, wireless provides the flexibility your team needs for mobile devices and laptops.
The truth is, most businesses benefit from a hybrid approach. Critical systems get hardwired connections, while general-purpose devices can utilize WiFi. It’s not an either/or situation—it’s about using the right tool for each job.
8. What’s the biggest mistake small businesses make with their network setup?
One word: neglect.
Many small businesses install a basic network and forget about it. No updates, no checkups, no monitoring. It’s out of sight, out of mind—until something breaks or you get hacked.
Ongoing maintenance, even if it’s just a quick monthly check-in, makes a world of difference. Like flossing for your network. (Yes, we went there.)
9. What about future expansion?
Here’s where planning ahead saves significant money. A properly designed network installation considers your growth trajectory from day one.
That might mean purchasing a slightly larger switch than you currently need, running extra cable drops to areas that might become workstations, or selecting equipment that can scale through software updates rather than full replacements.
Share your five-year plan with your network installer. The small upfront cost of planning for growth pales in comparison to the expense of overhauling an inadequate system later.
Conclusion
Optimize your business operations with Techroute’s expert network installation services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business with our comprehensive solutions.
