Why is it so important?

Many years ago a network was a nice feature you could add to your business to improve productivity. You could share a file between computers, use it to talk to a server, or even surf the internet.
HOWEVER, times have changed, and now your network is the centerpiece of your company's heart.
Today a typical day in front of just about any computer you use for work consists of:
- Connecting to a server to log into your programs you work on each day.
- Checking email to keep the ball rolling on projects and daily work.
- Using the internet to research, submit forms, apply for items, marketing, weather, dispatch, etc.
- Share files between multiple computers so that two or more people can work on the same files at the same time.
- Authorize payments at your Point of Sale machine.
- Do payroll and billing online for direct deposit.
- Remote control computers at satellite locations so you can be two places at once.
- Share Printers and Scanners.
- Social Networking
- Websites, which sell products, give information, allow employees to communicate, etc.

Networks are no longer a convenience, we are lost without them (especially the internet), and we cannot afford for them to be down.

At Grinnell Computers, we analyze your network from the ground up to make sure it is working in the most efficient way it can for your specific needs. We do not limit ourselves to a particular internet provider, and we do not sell just one type of networking hardware. We can set you up with a Roadrunner-Cisco-Sonicwall office, and set the next client up with a DSL-Netgear office. Since each site is unique, all of our specialists are well versed in equipment and their specific application in the business environment.

How important is network planning?

We don't expect you to buy a house without seeing if it's big enough, or buy a car without knowing what you will use it for. That's because you might want to do something with your network that most do not. Some offices are 100% wireless, and we need to plan accordingly. Buying more powerful wireless devices keeps your network from dropping off constantly and frustrating you while you cannot get your work done. There are many times where we begin working on an existing network, so keep in mind we may have some suggestions to optimize your current setup to make your system more reliable.

Do you guys do wireless networks? Can wireless and wired work together? What about printers?

Most wireless networks are a hybrid of wired and wireless. We have equipment to handle that, and we do it regularly. Please keep in mind a wireless network works like a cordless phone, if you get too far away from the base which sends out the wireless network, you get "noise" which interferes with the speed and reliability of your network. We have special equipment and networking solutions to cover a further range than the equipment you can find in most retail stores. In addition, we can link two buildings wirelessly with Outdoor Point-to-Point bridges, that can even link buildings up to a few miles away (in some scenarios).

Wireless printers and just plain old printer sharing on wired networks is not a problem. We have many ways to accomplish this task. Please note not every printer is capable of networking, even though most modern ones have very little issue with it. However, if you're using a 10 year old printer, we will have to take it as a case by case method to determine it's eligibility.

There really are too many examples and questions to answer on this page, give us a call or email us and let us customize your network for your needs.