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.
