Networking optimization tips |
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One of our users has been working on some issues with their wireless network, and discovered several tips for making things run more smoothly. Most of these apply to wired networks as well, so if you're experiencing any disconnection or slow connection issues then it may be worth having your IT person review these and make the suggested tweaks.
1.) Make sure ALL the computers that are being used to make up the network have the identical "work-group" name.
2.) Make sure the IP address is the same except for the last number. Example: The Firewall Router would normally have an IP address of 192.168.1.1, Computer One would have an IP address of 192.168.1.2, Computer Two would have an IP address of 192.168.1.3, Computer Three would have an IP address of 192.168.1.4, and so on down the line.
3.) Make sure the Subnet mask, Gateway and DNS are all the same on each computer.
4.) Make sure that each computer has a different "computer name", making it unique on the network.
5.) Make sure any wireless devices are set to the correct operating channel (I usually use one that is not as common so it will have fewer issues if there are other wireless devices in the area.)
6.) Set the Router's firewall to be able to communicate on the proper ports for outgoing and incoming traffic. I normally set this to be specific to the device, channel and IP of the equipment that is being used on the network.
7.) Do not have wireless devices broadcast the SSID, for added security.
8.) Disable the DHCP on the Router and set the devices connecting to the network with a static IP address to avoid any IP conflicts, also set the Router to only allow by the network MAC address of the network cards of the computers on your network to further secure your network.
If you wanted to be able to split your network from the one that you are using so that you could offer Internet service to your customers and secure your network at the same time then that is a different scenario, but can be done with a little more work.