Summary

In this blog, Garland Technology will discuss the importance of network design in achieving security and performance and the complexities involved in the process. We will also provide insights and best practices that can help organizations design networks that meet their needs and protect their assets.

Intro

We increasingly rely on networks to support operations and the importance of network design has become more apparent. Network design encompasses planning, implementing, and maintaining a network infrastructure that meets an organization's requirements for both security and performance. Well-designed networks provide powerful connectivity, high-speed data transfer, and efficient resource allocation.

However, network design can be a complicated undertaking. The process involves considering diverse factors such as network topology, security protocols, bandwidth, and scalability. It requires a deep understanding of networking technologies and an awareness of emerging threats and best practices. Without proper planning and execution, your network design strategy will suffer from performance issues and security threats and cost a sizable sum in inefficient allocation of resources.

Properly Segmenting Networks: Why It Matters

Proper network segmentation is critical in achieving an effective security posture for any organization. By dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments, it becomes much more difficult for attackers to move laterally and gain access to sensitive systems and data.

There are several types of network segmentation, including physical, virtual, and logical segmentation, each with its own benefits and use cases. Physical segmentation physically separates network components, while virtual segmentation uses software-defined networks to create isolated segments. Logical segmentation involves creating network zones with varying trust levels and controlling access between them.

Best Practices for Network Segmentation

Implementing network segmentation can be complex, but following best practices can make it more manageable. These include:

1. Conducting a network audit to identify the components and services that need segmenting.
2. Defining security policies and access controls for each segment.
3. Considering the impact of segmentation on network performance and designing accordingly.
4. Regularly reviewing and updating segmentation policies and controls to ensure they align with evolving security threats.

Organizations can improve security by implementing proper network segmentation and protecting their critical assets from cyber threats.

Get a Clearer Picture: Network TAPs for Better Network Visibility and Performance

Have you ever experienced slow network performance but couldn't determine the root cause? Or maybe there was a security issue, but you couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from. These are common problems that arise when network visibility is lacking.

To address this issue, many organizations turn to TAPs (Test Access Points) for better network visibility.

So, what are TAPs?

TAPs are hardware devices that provide a copy of network traffic to a connected tool. This allows for real-time monitoring and analysis of network traffic without affecting the network's performance. TAPs enable organizations to monitor and analyze network activity in real time by providing access to all network traffic. This allows for early detection of potential issues and faster resolution of problems.

But how can you use TAPs effectively?

One best practice is strategically placing TAPs at key points in the network to ensure that all relevant traffic is monitored. By using TAPs, organizations can gain better visibility into their network and improve overall network performance.

Building a Secure Network: Best Practices and Maintenance Tips

Security cannot be overlooked when designing a network. Network security refers to the measures taken to protect the network from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and other potential security breaches. Here are some best practices for building a secure network:

1. Use robust authentication protocols: Robust authentication protocols such as two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and password policies are essential for securing the network against unauthorized access.
2. Implement encryption: Encryption of sensitive data ensures that even if attackers gain access to the network, they cannot read the data.
3. Use firewalls: Firewalls are fundamental for protecting the network against cyber threats. They control the incoming and outgoing network traffic, ensuring only authorized traffic is allowed.
4. Regularly update software and firmware: Software and firmware updates contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
5. Conduct regular security audits: Regular audits help identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the network, allowing for timely remediation.

Network security not only protects the network from unauthorized access but also has a significant impact on network performance. When designing a secure network, it is essential to balance security with performance. Here are some tips for maintaining network security:

• Monitor network traffic: Monitoring network traffic allows you to identify any unusual activity on the network, helping to prevent security breaches.
• Train staff: Educating employees about network security best practices help create a security culture and reduces the risk of human error leading to security breaches.
• Limit and curate access: Limiting access to sensitive data and resources to only authorized personnel reduces the risk of security breaches.

This list is not exhaustive but aims to bolster confidence in your strategy.

Secure and Efficient Networks: Call in the Professionals

Designing and maintaining network security is key to protecting against ever-evolving cyber threats. Through network segmentation, you can increase safety and performance by minimizing the potential for lateral movement of threats. TAPs can improve network visibility and performance, leading to quicker threat identification and remediation.

As technology continues to advance, so too must our network designs. You must stay up-to-date on the latest best practices and technologies to ensure networks remain secure.

If you want to improve your network design strategy, try our Design-IT Demo page on our website. Design-IT Demo is a 15 to 30 minute session with a Garland Technology Solutions Engineer. We discuss your network, connected tools, and goals. After the session, we will provide a diagram for you to evaluate your options. No obligation - it's what we love to do!

Glossary

1. Network architecture: The design of an entity’s data network that shows how network devices, tools, and solutions are connected to each other to enable communication and operations to function.
   
   
2. Network segmentation: The approach of dividing a network into separate sections or smaller parts and ensuring that people and devices can reach only the systems they need when they need them, and that they’re explicitly permitted to access.
   
   
3. Encryption: A cybersecurity method of protecting data by masking it and making it unrecognizable to systems and users without permission.