I work at a small Software Development and Break-Fix shop with 7 employees, and we're planning to expand to about 20 employees by the end of next year as we transition into a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Currently, we have a basic setup with a single router and an 8-port switch, which connect to other switches for our systems. I've been discussing an upgrade with my boss, and we're considering adding a managed switch, a next-generation firewall (NGFW), a patch panel, and a NAS. I even thought about getting an on-prem server, but honestly, I'm unsure if we need one since we use O365 Entra ID.
I'm reaching out for advice on where to get started with this upgrade. I've tried looking up entry-level devices for small offices, but the information I found seems outdated or overly promotional. I want to research and ensure we get the right equipment without wasting money, especially since we're building this from the ground up. We're not in a rush, so we want to do this right. Any guidance or tips would be really appreciated!
1 Answer
First off, what’s your budget? Do you need Power over Ethernet (PoE)? And are there any WiFi access points in your office? Setting the budget would be a good starting point so you can see what devices fit in that range. Also, since you may want to future-proof the setup, getting a managed switch could be beneficial for scalability, especially if you’re looking to connect more Ethernet devices in the future. Also, cabling will be essential as you consolidate your switches.
The building is about 1500 sq ft, so it’s not huge. Right now, we don’t need PoE, but it could be helpful later. Most devices are on WiFi, which I'd like to change to wired connections for security. I want to ensure we can manage our network well as we grow!