IT Infrastructure
Questions about servers, networks, virtualization and IT equipment.
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A complete IT infrastructure includes: Network (switches, routers, WiFi access points, structured cabling), Servers (physical or virtual — AD, file server, applications), Workstations (desktops/laptops), Security (firewall, antivirus, backup), Communications (email, VoIP, video conferencing), Peripherals (printers, scanners, UPS units).
The general rule: Workstations: 4-5 years. Servers: 5-7 years. Switches/Routers: 7-10 years. UPS units: 3-5 years (the batteries). Signs that replacement is due: falling performance, frequent failures, end of vendor support (no more security patches), incompatibility with newer software.
Structured cabling is a standardised network cabling system that connects every device in the building to a central patch panel. Why it matters: stable performance (unlike unreliable WiFi), minimal latency, security (it cannot be intercepted wirelessly), a service life of 15-20 years. We recommend Cat6/Cat6a for any new installation. The cost is calculated per network point and depends on the cable category, the distances involved and the structure of the building — we prepare a tailored quote after a site survey.
Physical server: ideal for applications with extreme I/O requirements or specific licensing constraints. Virtual server (VM): ideal for almost everything else — flexibility, simple backup, efficient use of resources, easy migration. Our recommendation: in 90% of cases virtualisation is the right choice. A single physical server can host 5-15 virtual servers.
Our process: 1) Needs analysis (number of users, applications, budget), 2) Network design (topology, VLAN segmentation, QoS), 3) Equipment selection (the best performance/price balance), 4) Structured cabling (Cat6a), 5) Installation and configuration, 6) Testing and documentation, 7) User training. Timeline: 1-4 weeks.
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a battery-backed power source. It protects IT equipment against: power cuts (it keeps everything running for 15-60 minutes), voltage fluctuations (which damage hardware), surges (overvoltage protection). It is essential for servers, switches and critical workstations. A small investment (€200–1,000) against the cost of hardware repairs.
Optimisation steps: 1) Network traffic audit (identifying bottlenecks), 2) VLAN segmentation (separating traffic by department), 3) QoS (prioritising VoIP/video traffic), 4) Upgrading switches to Gigabit/10G where needed, 5) WiFi optimisation (channel planning, band steering), 6) Local DNS caching. Typical result: a 40-200% improvement in perceived speed.
A typical recommendation: Server: Dell PowerEdge T350/R350 or HP ProLiant ML30. Switch: HPE Aruba 1930/2530 or Cisco Catalyst 1000. WiFi: Ubiquiti UniFi AP (2-4 units). Firewall: Fortinet FortiGate 40F/60F. UPS: APC Smart-UPS 1500VA for the server. Backup: Synology NAS + Acronis Cloud. The total budget depends on the configuration you choose, the number of users and the level of redundancy — we prepare a tailored quote based on your actual requirements.
Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft's system for centrally managing users, computers and security policies. Benefits: single sign-on (one account for the PC, email and applications), security policies (complex passwords, automatic screen lock), centralised management (software deployment, printer configuration for every user), auditing (who accessed what). Recommended from 10 users upwards.
We deliver enterprise WiFi end to end: Site survey (coverage analysis, interference detection), Design (optimal access point placement, channel planning), Equipment (Ubiquiti UniFi, Cisco Meraki or Fortinet), Configuration (WPA2-Enterprise/WPA3, guest VLAN, band steering, seamless roaming), Monitoring (dashboards, alerting), Management (centralised controller). We establish coverage through a site survey before implementation and verify it with measurements after the network goes live.