NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE & CYBERSECURITY

WIRED NETWORKING & CAT6 CABLING

We have over 30 years of networking and telecommunications experience (wired & Wi-Fi) infrastructures; we build networks from scratch and perform administration on existing networks; routing & switching, firewalls, access points & VOIP systems.

We use Cat 6/6A and Cat 7 (100% Copper) for all our cabling and only use the best and latest technologies.

CYBERSECURITY

We install and configure firewalls, perform penetration testing and secure networks; cryptography, virus/spyware protection: Cisco, Palo Alto, SonicWall, Checkpoint, Symantec, McAfee, Sophos, among other equipment/technologies

 

WIRELESS NETWORKING

A wireless network is a computer network that uses wireless data connections between network nodes.

Wireless network infrastructure is the future of networking. We install wireless routers and access points and distribute WiFi networks 

CYBERSECURITY, wired and

wireless networking

Network infrastructure is typically part of the IT infrastructure found in most enterprise IT environments. The entire network infrastructure is interconnected, and can be used for internal communications, external communications or both. Techprosoft handles everything to do with computer networking:

WIRELESS NETWORKING 

Wireless networking is a method by which businesses & homes, telecommunications networks and business installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment locations. We implement wireless MESH and other methods to distribute wireless signal inside buildings and point to point.

What are the benefits of a Wi-Fi wireless network?

Businesses can experience many benefits from a Cisco wireless network, including:

  • Convenience: Access your network resources from any location within your wireless network’s coverage area or from any Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • Mobility: You’re not tied to your desk, as you are with a wired connection. You and your employees can go online in conference room meetings, for example.
  • Productivity: Wireless access to the Internet and to your company’s key applications and resources helps your staff get the job done and encourages collaboration.
  • Easy setup: You don’t have to string cables, so installation can be quick and cost effective.
  • Expandability: You can easily expand wireless networks with existing equipment, whereas a wired network might require additional wiring.
  • Security: Advances in wireless networks provide robust security protections.
  • Reduced cost: Because wireless networks eliminate or reduce wiring expenses, they can cost less to operate than wired networks.

How to deploy a wireless network

To create your wireless network, you can choose between three types of deployment: centralized deployment, converged deployment, and cloud-based deployment. Need help figuring out which deployment is best for your business? Talk to an expert.

1. Centralized Deployment

The most common type of wireless network system, centralized deployments are traditionally used in campuses where buildings and networks are in close proximity. This deployment consolidates the wireless network, which makes upgrades easier and facilitates advanced wireless functionality. Controllers are based on-premises and are installed in a centralized location.

2. Converged Deployment

For small campuses or branch offices, converged deployments offer consistency in wireless and wired connections. This deployment converges wired and wireless on one network device—an access switch—and performs the dual role of both switch and wireless controller.

3. Cloud-Based Deployment

This system uses the cloud to manage network devices deployed on-premises at different locations. The solution requires Cisco Meraki cloud-managed devices, which provide full visibility of the network through their dashboards.

Previously it was thought that wired networks were faster and more secure than wireless networks. But continual enhancements to wireless network technology such as the Wi-Fi 6 networking standard have eroded speed and security differences between wired and wireless networks.

CYBERSECURITY

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyber attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting normal business processes.

What is cybersecurity all about?

A successful cybersecurity approach has multiple layers of protection spread across the computers, networks, programs, or data that one intends to keep safe. In an organization, the people, processes, and technology must all complement one another to create an effective defense from cyber attacks. A unified threat management system can automate integrations across select Cisco Security products and accelerate key security operations functions: detection, investigation, and remediation.

People

Users must understand and comply with basic data security principles like choosing strong passwords, being wary of attachments in email, and backing up data. Learn more about basic cybersecurity principles.

Processes

Organizations must have a framework for how they deal with both attempted and successful cyber attacks. One well-respected framework can guide you. It explains how you can identify attacks, protect systems, detect and respond to threats, and recover from successful attacks. Watch a video explanation of the NIST cybersecurity framework (1:54)

Technology

Technology is essential to giving organizations and individuals the computer security tools needed to protect themselves from cyber attacks. Three main entities must be protected: endpoint devices like computers, smart devices, and routers; networks; and the cloud. Common technology used to protect these entities include next-generation firewalls, DNS filtering, malware protection, antivirus software, and email security solutions.

Why is cybersecurity important?

In today’s connected world, everyone benefits from advanced cyberdefense programs. At an individual level, a cybersecurity attack can result in everything from identity theft, to extortion attempts, to the loss of important data like family photos. Everyone relies on critical infrastructure like power plants, hospitals, and financial service companies. Securing these and other organizations is essential to keeping our society functioning.

Everyone also benefits from the work of cyberthreat researchers, like the team of 250 threat researchers at Talos, who investigate new and emerging threats and cyber attack strategies. They reveal new vulnerabilities, educate the public on the importance of cybersecurity, and strengthen open source tools. Their work makes the Internet safer for everyone. 

Types of cybersecurity threats

Phishing

Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from reputable sources. The aim is to steal sensitive data like credit card numbers and login information. It’s the most common type of cyber attack. You can help protect yourself through education or a technology solution that filters malicious emails.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software. It is designed to extort money by blocking access to files or the computer system until the ransom is paid. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the files will be recovered or the system restored.

Malware

Malware is a type of software designed to gain unauthorized access or to cause damage to a computer. 

Social engineering

Social engineering is a tactic that adversaries use to trick you into revealing sensitive information. They can solicit a monetary payment or gain access to your confidential data. Social engineering can be combined with any of the threats listed above to make you more likely to click on links, download malware, or trust a malicious source.

WIRED NETWORKING

In computing terminology, the term “wired” is used to differentiate between wireless connections and those that involve cables. While wireless devices communicate over the air, a wired setup uses physical cables to transfer data between different devices and computer systems.

A wired network is a common type of wired configuration. Most wired networks use Ethernet cables to transfer data between connected PCs. In a small wired network, a single router may be used to connect all the computers. Larger networks often involve multiple routers or switches that connect to each other. One of these devices typically connects to a cable modem, T1 line, or other type of Internet connection that provides Internet access to all devices connected to the network.

Wired may refer to peripheral devices as well. Since many keyboards and mice are now wireless, “wired” is often used to describe input devices that connect to a USB port. Peripherals such as monitors and external hard drives also use cables, but they are rarely called wired devices since wireless options are generally not available.

While many peripherals are now wireless, some users still prefer wired devices, since they have a few benefits over their wireless counterparts. For example, an Ethernet connection is not prone to signal interference that can slow down Wi-Fi connections. Additionally, wired network connections are often faster than wireless ones, which allows for faster data transfer rates. Some users also prefer wired peripherals since their is no need to replace batteries on a regular basis. Gamers especially prefer wired keyboards and mice since they have lower latency and can be backlit, thanks to the power provided by the USB connection.

CAT 6 CABLING

Category 6 is an Ethernet cable standard defined by the Electronic Industries Association and Telecommunications Industry Association. Cat 6 is the sixth generation of twisted pair Ethernet cabling that is used in home and business networks. Cat 6 cabling is backward compatible with the Cat 5 and Cat 5e standards that preceded it.

Category 6 cables support Gigabit Ethernet data rates of 1 gigabit per second. They can accommodate 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections over a limited distance—164 feet for a single cable. Cat 6 cable contains four pairs of copper wire and uses all the pairs for signaling in order to obtain its high level of performance.  

Other basic facts about Cat 6 cables include: 

  • The ends of a Cat 6 cable use the same RJ-45 standard connector as previous generations of Ethernet cables.
  • The cable is identified as Cat 6 by printed text along the insulation sheath.
  • An enhanced version of Cat 6 called Cat 6a supports up to 10 Gbps speeds. 

 

Cat 6 vs. Cat 6a

The Category 6 Augmented cable standard, or Cat 6a, was created to further improve the performance of Cat 6 Ethernet cables. Using Cat 6a enables 10 Gigabit Ethernet data rates over a single cable run up to 328 feet; Cat 6 supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet only up to 164 feet of cable length. With the higher performance, Cat 6a cables generally cost more than Cat 6, and they are slightly thicker. Cat 6a still uses the standard RJ-45 connectors.

 

    • Networking Hardware:
      • Routers (wired and wireless)
      • Switches
      • LAN cards
      • Wireless routers
      • Cables
    • Networking Software:
      • Network operations and management
      • Operating systems
      • Firewall
      • Network security applications
  • Network Services:
    • T-1 Line
    • DSL
    • Satellite
    • Wireless protocols
    • IP addressing
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