Business Connectivity:

How To Build A Resilient Digital Network

How To Build A Resilient Digital Network

Robust digital connectivity is increasingly vital for businesses in the UK as we endure the ‘always-on’ era of commercial productivity. In a recent CBI report, 81% of firms surveyed said that they see more reliable mobile connectivity as essential. Resilience of the digital network that internal teams and digital customers operate in is the critical foundation for seamless operations and in this article we’re going to be discussing how to build one by leveraging innovative technologies in a cost-effective way.

How do we define business connectivity?

Business connectivity is defined by the various methods and technologies that enable a business to communicate and exchange data within its buildings and online. It encompasses the smart building infrastructure and services necessary for the seamless flow of information both within the organisation and externally with clients, partners, and other stakeholders.

The core components of business connectivity

Building a resilient digital network is much more than simply well connected business Wi_Fi and requires a strategic blend of high-quality components, each playing a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Key among these components are advanced hardware, reliable software solutions and redundancy systems.

Considerations for implementing business Wi-Fi

Building a resilient digital network is much more than simply well connected business Wi_Fi and requires a strategic blend of high-quality components, each playing a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Key among these components are advanced hardware, reliable software solutions and redundancy systems.

Cell towers(leasing mast space)

Leasing space on cell towers and masts close to your commercial sites can provide businesses with strong, dedicated connectivity infrastructure. This is especially important in areas where existing public network coverage is inadequate. Shared Access specialise in offering such solutions, having designed, built and acquired over 1,000 towers since 2007, helping to ensure businesses have the necessary infrastructure to support their digital network needs.

In-building mobile connectivity 

A crucial aspect often overlooked is in-building mobile connectivity. Systems like Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) play a significant role here. DAS improves mobile service inside buildings, ensuring strong and consistent signal coverage across all areas, vital in large or densely constructed buildings where signal penetration can be challenging – which is why <mobile signal boosters> are effective in overcoming this within commercial buildings.

Cloud storage services 

Cloud services have become an indispensable part of modern digital networks. They offer scalable storage and computing resources, ensuring that businesses can handle fluctuating demands without the need for extensive physical infrastructure. Cloud solutions also facilitate remote access and collaboration, making them essential for business continuity, especially in scenarios where remote working is prevalent.

Private network security 

For businesses with specific connectivity needs, bespoke private networks offer a tailored solution. Unlike public networks, private networks can be customised for specific operational requirements, offering enhanced security, control and efficiency. This is particularly beneficial for industries that handle sensitive information or require high-capacity, low-latency connections.

Redundancy backup systems 

Redundancy is a critical component in building resilience. It involves creating duplicates of network elements, ensuring that if one pathway fails, another immediately takes over, minimising downtime and maintaining continuous operations. This is vital in scenarios where even a momentary loss of connectivity can have significant repercussions.

 

Together, these core components form the foundation of a resilient digital network. By integrating cell towers, in-building connectivity, private networks and/or redundancy systems, businesses can build a digital network infrastructure that is not only robust and reliable but also tailored to their unique operational needs.

Strategies for building resilient business connectivity

Building a resilient digital network, especially across multiple sites, requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing best practices in network design, regularly assessing and updating the network and leveraging partnerships with specialist companies are key strategies.

Here are our best practices for designing a resilient network setup.

Take a layered security approach

Employ a comprehensive security strategy that includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems and regular security audits to protect against cyber threats.

Design scalable and flexible infrastructure 

Design a network that can easily scale up or down based on business needs. This includes adopting cloud services for greater flexibility.

Integrate diverse connectivity paths 

Ensure multiple pathways for data transmission to prevent single points of failure. This includes both physical (like multiple internet service providers) and wireless (like 4G/5G connectivity) options.

Build traffic management effectively

Implement Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritise critical business applications and manage bandwidth effectively.

Leveraging business connectivity partnerships

In the journey to build a resilient digital network, one of the most effective strategies is forming partnerships with experienced companies like Shared Access – especially in the early stages as collaborations open doors to risk mitigating expert consultation, providing businesses with the opportunity to benefit from professional advice on network design and optimisation.

Partnerships like these offer ongoing maintenance and support too. This aspect is crucial for maintaining the resilience of the network over time. Regular support from specialists ensures that the network infrastructure is not only set up efficiently but also maintained and updated to meet evolving challenges and technological advancements. In essence, forming strategic partnerships with specialist companies is a proactive step towards ensuring long-term network resilience and reliability.

Our expert team brings a wealth of experience, particularly in crafting unique solutions such as in-building systems, private networks and mast space leasing, all of which are critical components of a resilient network.

 

For more information on maximising your site’s digital network efficiency and resiliency, speak to one of our team here.