Frequently Asked Questions - Dynamic Networks Group

FAQs about managed IT services

We provide a comprehensive managed service for all your cloud computing needs to help you achieve agility, scalability and efficiency on your terms but if you still have questions, our FAQs about IT managed services could help.

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What are managed IT Services?

Essentially managed IT services provides IT support, maintenance and consultancy via a subscription model, with a contract between the client and provider outlining the service level agreement and any relevant performance metrics. It is an alternative to break/fix or on demand IT services where the client is simply billed for work as and when it is completed.

Why choose managed IT Services?

Outsourcing your IT to a managed service provider like Dynamic Networks can have a number of benefits for your business. Above all else, managed IT services allow you to easily monitor and control the cost of your IT. It also puts fully trained, experienced and quality IT experts and technicians at your disposal so you're always getting the right advice and support. Other benefits of managed IT services include reduced risks, quick implementation of new technology, reduced labour costs and greater efficiency.

FAQs about data centres

We look after cloud-based data for growing organisations that require maximum security, future-proof IT infrastructure and total peace of mind but if you still have questions, these FAQs might help...

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What is a data centre?

A data centre is a facility used to effectively centralise an organisation's computer systems, IT operations and other associated equipment. It's often made up of things like servers, routers, switches and firewalls. From the data centre, information (data) can be organised, processed, stored and disseminated.

What are data centre services?

Data centre services fall into two broad categories: services provided to a data centre and services provided from a data centre. Services provided to a data centre include implementation, maintenance, operation and improvement of the data centre environment while services provided from a data centre include data processing, storage, networking and distribution.

How can data centres be secured?

Data centres can be secured physically as well as through software installations and cloud facilities. The physical side of data centre security involves surveillance systems and access control as well as environmental controls and UPS systems, all of which work together to keep the data safe.

How secure are data centres?

With the right set up and security measures in place, data centres can be extremely secure. Some of the biggest threats to data centres are DDoS attacks, web application attacks, DNS infrastructures, SSL induced blind spots and weak authentication. However, all of these threats do have solutions designed to limit the chances of them compromising data centres. A secure data centre should feature things like encryption, firewalls and two-factor authentication.

FAQs about IT networks

We know your organisation depends on its IT infrastructure to run effectively. You need reliable network services with guaranteed connectivity to keep your business running smoothly. Our state of the art IT networking services do exactly that but if you want to know more, these FAQs could help.

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What is IT networking?

Networking is the process of creating and also using a complete system of computer networks. It relies on the right combination of hardware, software, wireless and wired technologies and protocols.

What are networking switches?

Switches are used to connect multiple devices on the same network with the data network. They are used to connect servers and create a network of shared resources. Essentially, switches control how these devices communicate with each other and share information.

There are two main types of switches: managed and unmanaged. Unmanaged switches can't be changed, while managed switches allow IT experts like ourselves to program them so you have more flexibility and greater control over how traffic travels across your network and who can access it.

What are routers?

Routers are used to connect multiple networks together and to connect your networked services to the internet. The router's job is to analyse the data being sent over a network, change how that data is packaged and send it to another network or over a different type of network. As well as connecting your business to the outside world, they can also protect your business from security threats as well, depending on the router capabilities you choose.

What is a server?

A server is a computer program that provides a service to other computer programs and/or their users. There are different types of servers and typically these are categorised by their main purpose e.g. a web server.

FAQs about virtualisation

Moving your servers to a virtualised environment means using less hardware, creating space in your server room and reducing energy consumption from server room equipment, which can all add up to lower running costs. Learn more about virtualisation with these simple FAQs.

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What is virtualisation?

Virtualisation is the process of creating a virtual, as opposed to an actual, copy or version of something. Virtual versions can be created for things like computer hardware platforms, storage devices and computer network systems.

What is virtualisation used for?

Virtualisation is used to make software look and act like hardware, and this has several benefits including greater flexibility, better affordability and or course, scalability. There are four main uses of virtualisation: to create virtual machines; to create virtual memory; to create virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and finally to create virtual applications.

FAQs about the cloud

Forward thinking organisations are increasingly moving away from traditional on-premise solutions and embracing the significant rewards of a cloud first strategy. If you have questions about the cloud, these FAQs could help.

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Are cloud services secure?

In a word, yes. Commercial cloud storage is very secure because it encodes its user's data with a unique encryption key.

How do cloud services work?

The cloud is a virtual space where information can be shared via satellites over the internet. By using the cloud, you can access information from anywhere, anytime and download it onto the device of your choice.

Why are cloud services popular?

Cloud services are popular because you gain worldwide access to your documents from any device. It's also easy to set up and often inexpensive when compared to traditional data storage solutions. It is also incredibly scalable so you can increase your cloud storage as and when you need to.

FAQs about cyber security

Effective cyber protection requires expert security knowledge, contemporary understanding of the threat landscape and best practice remediation measures. If you have questions about cyber security, you can find some of the answsers here.

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What is penetration testing?

Penetration tests safely simulate an attempted cyber security breach, which allows you to identify weak spots and access the potential impact of a cyber attack on your network and data. You can then use the results of your penetration test to improve your cyber security. It's part of a proactive approach to cyber security.

Why do penetration testing?

Penetration testing is important for understanding how secure your IT actually is and for continuing to improve that security by fixing any vulnerabilities that potential hackers could exploit. Ultimately it can help save your business money because it can inform your overall cyber security strategy, so you spend your money where it is needed most.

Can penetration testing be automated?

In short, no. A true penetration test is always manual because it relies on a person or persons imitating the actions and behaviours of true hackers. Some elements of a pen test may be automated but overall it is orchestrated by a human. Vulnerability scans can be automated and while this is similar to penetration testing, it is not the same. Luckily, at Dynamic Networks, we offer both penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, so you're fully covered!

What is encryption?

Encryption is the process of converting information or date into code, usually with the aim of preventing unauthorised access to that data or information. Encryption is one of the most important methods for providing data security, especially for end-to-end protection of data transmitted across networks.

What is disaster recovery?

Disaster recovery involves a set of policies, tools and procedures designed to enable the recovery or continuation of vital technology infrastructure and systems following a natural or human induced disaster.

FAQs about cabling

Data cabling is the backbone of your network infrastructure. In fact your IT cabling system is the foundation for broadcasting and transferring data and multimedia information throughout your business and premises. If you'd like to know more about data cabling, these FAQs are a good place to start.

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What are the different types of cables?

Network cables typically come in three main types: coaxial cables, fibre-optic cables and twisted pair cables. Which one is used depends on a number of factors, such as the network's size.

What is structured network cabling?

Structured cabling (or network cabling as it is sometimes known) basically refers to the complete system of cables, components and hardware that is needed to deliver a comprehensive infrastructure for telecommunications. In other words, your structured network cabling provides the sockets at your required desk positions for computers, telephones, printers, CCTV cameras, door entry systems and so on. A properly designed and installed structured cabling system also delivers predictable performance as well as the flexibility to accommodate changes, additions and upgrades in the future.

What are the benefits of structured network cabling for offices?

There are five main benefits to investing in structured network cabling for your business. These are:

Simplicity

Speed

Flexibility

Growth

Cost

Structured cabling is simple because it reduces the overall quantity of writing systems needed to support your business, which means the overall IT infrastructure is easier to manager. Speed is a benefit of structured cabling because it delivers faster transmissions. Structured cabling allows your business to grow because changes and upgrade can be implemented with minimal impact to the day to day operations of your business. When all these benefits are combined, a structured cabling network is often therefore very cost effective.

Which cabling is right for my business?

This is all about costs, future proofing and what network speeds your business needs. For example, Cat5e cabling will typically provide the lowest cost operation, however, installing a cat6 cabling specification will enable faster network speeds in the future. We always recommend investing in a site survey before embarking on any cabling work so you can make sure you are investing in the right cabling for your business.

FAQs about wireless networks

As well as boosting connectivity and productivity, the right wireless network solutions can significantly reduce your hardware costs and IT support requirements. They can take building control and automation to the next level, too, creating intelligent, energy saving workplaces and homes. Find out more about wireless networks with our handy FAQs.

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What is the difference between a wired network and wireless network?

A wireless local-area network (WLAN) uses radio waves to connect devices to the internet and to your business network and applications. On the other hand, a wired network connects devices to the internet or other networks using cables or wires.

What are the benefits of a wireless network?

You can access network resources from any location within the wireless network's coverage area.

Wireless access to network resources help your staff be more productive and collaborative.

Installation can be quick and cost-effective because there is no need for cables.

No cables also means you can easily expand wireless networks where and as needed to mirror your business growth.

Wireless networks typically cost less to operate than wired networks.

What’s the difference between Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint?

The main difference between point-to-point and multipoint connection is that in a point-to-point connection, the link is only between two devices. In a multipoint connection, the link is between a sender and multiple receivers. For most businesses, point to multipoint Wi-Fi is ideal as it can connect numerous devices to the network whilst still delivering reliable connectivity.

What is the difference between an Access Point and a Wireless Router?

An Access Point is a radio transmitter and receiver that is typically used to bridge a wireless and a wired network. It may only provide an interface for wireless clients to connect to your existing LAN. A wired router allows multiple clients to connect to the internet by serving internal IP addresses, it also has NAT capabilities and usually a built-in switch. A wireless router has both the functionalities of a router and an access point in a single unit.

FAQs about broadband

We offer a range of Fibre and ADSL broadband solutions – ideal for a host of uses and requirements. Whether you're choosing a rolling ADSL contract, connection to a temporary site, or superfast Fibre to support your business, our range of flexible and bespoke options will get you connected. Find out more about broaded with these handy FAQs.

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What is broadband?

This refers to a high-speed internet connection that is very distinct from the dial up internet connections of old (incidentally known as narrowband) which had a top speed of just 56Kb. The term broadband is independent of the type of technology used to supply the internet connection itself. Within the wide scope of the term broadband, there are now some more specific terms to define particular kinds of broadband connection.

What is bandwidth?

This describes the capacity of an internet connection.

What is Mbps?

It stands for 'megabits per second' and it is a measure of data transfer speed. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the number of Mbps, the faster the speed of the internet connection. You can also measure data transfer speed in Gbps, short for gigabits per second. A gigabit is equivalent to 1,000 Mbps.

What is a router?

The router directs traffic on a network. Specifically, for broadband, the router usually includes a modem too so it also connects to the internet as well as providing networking in your property. Often routers are called hubs.