Networking
by ph14605556641_uq793svn

GREENER NETWORKING: ENERGY SAVINGS FOR BUSINESS

May 9, 2023
0
Share

Sustainability and lowering carbon footprints have gained importance in recent years. The energy usage and environmental effects of networking have drawn attention as corporations try to contribute to a more sustainable future. Green networking, or the use of networking technologies to minimize energy use and lessen the environmental effect, has grown in significance for enterprises.

We’ll talk about green networking in this article as a way for companies to save energy and lessen their negative environmental effects. For companies wishing to adopt green networking techniques, we’ll offer advice and best practices on virtualization, energy-efficient hardware, power management, cloud computing, renewable energy sources, Recycling, and e-waste management. Businesses may enhance their bottom line and contribute to a more sustainable future by implementing these practices. They will also save money on energy bills.

Virtualization

By merging several servers into a single physical server, a process known as virtualization, resources may be used more effectively while using less energy. The quantity of physical equipment needed to run a company‘s IT infrastructure is decreased via virtualization, which allows numerous virtual servers to run on a single physical server. As a consequence, less energy is used and less carbon dioxide is produced.

For enterprises, virtualization offers several advantages, such as:

  1. Financial savings

Businesses may reduce their requirement for physical hardware and save money on energy by combining servers.

  1. Enhanced effectiveness

Due to the ability of virtualization to operate several virtual servers on a single physical server, resources may be used more effectively.

  1. Scalability

Without the need for extra physical hardware, virtualization makes IT simpler for organizations to scale up or down their IT infrastructure as needed.

  1. Disaster recovery

Disaster recovery is made simpler by virtualization since virtual servers may be rapidly and easily transferred to other physical servers.

Virtualization not only offers these advantages, but IT also lessens the demand for cabling and e-waste. Less physical servers mean less cable is needed to link them, which lowers the quantity of cabling needed in an organization’s IT architecture. The removal of obsolete or outdated cabling will produce less electronic trash as a result.

Energy-Efficient Equipment

Energy-efficient networking hardware is made to use less energy and has a smaller environmental impact. Compared to conventional networking equipment, this type is built to consume less energy, produce less heat, and require less cooling. A variety of products, including servers, switches, routers, and storage devices, are available with energy-efficient equipment.

Businesses should take into account several aspects while selecting energy-efficient equipment, such as:

  1. Energy Star rating

Electronic equipment energy efficiency is rated using the Energy Star certification method. Equipment with an Energy Star certification has been tested to guarantee IT is energy efficient and will use less energy.

  1. PUE: Power Usage Effectiveness

PUE is a statistic used to assess a data center’s energy effectiveness. A low PUE rating indicates that the equipment is more energy-efficient and will use less energy.

  1. Power-saving attributes

Power-saving features like sleep modes, which may considerably cut energy use, are frequently included in energy-efficient equipment.

Power Management

Power management is the process of controlling how much energy networking equipment uses to save money on energy bills. This is accomplished by putting in place power management policies, which control how much power networking equipment is used based on consumption and demand.

Businesses can set several power management strategies for their networking hardware, including:

  1. Sleep mode:

While not in use, networking hardware enters a low-power state known as sleep mode. This can save energy use considerably without compromising performance.

  1. Dynamic frequency scaling:

Based on use, this policy controls the networking equipment‘s clock speed. Businesses can reduce their energy expenditures by slowing down the clock during times of low usage.

  1. Wake-on-LAN:

This policy eliminates the requirement for equipment to be turned on at all times by allowing remote waking up of networking devices as necessary.

Businesses may save money on energy expenditures and lessen their carbon footprint by putting these power management practices into place. Depending on the demands of the company, power management policies can be set up for specific devices or the whole network.

 

Cloud computing

A strategy for providing on-demand access to shared computing resources, such as servers, storage, and applications, through the internet is called cloud computing. Businesses may use this approach in several ways to minimize their energy use and environmental effect, including:

  1. Reduced hardware requirements

Businesses may cut down on the number of servers and storage devices they need to have on-site by embracing cloud computing. Both the amount of physical space needed to house equipment and the quantity of energy used may be considerably decreased.

  1. Scalability

Businesses may adjust their computer resources according to demand using cloud computing, which eliminates the need for surplus capacity and lowers energy usage.

  1. Using a server

As opposed to on-premise data centers, cloud computing providers frequently have greater server usage rates, which lowers energy use and the environmental impact of computer resources.

  1. Energy-efficient data centers

Energy-efficient data centers are frequently used by cloud computing service providers. These facilities are made to use less energy and have less environmental effect.

 

Management of E-waste and Recycling

Many factors make IT crucial to dispose of networking equipment properly, including:

  1. Ecological impact:

If not disposed of appropriately, hazardous compounds included in networking equipment, including lead and mercury, can harm the environment. These items may be kept out of landfills and from harming the environment by Recycling and effective e-waste management.

  1. Data protection:

Sensitive data is frequently included on networking equipment, and if IT is not securely disposed of, hackers may gain access to it. Sensitive data is safely deleted by proper disposal, preventing data breaches.

  1. Compliance:

Several nations and areas have rules and regulations requiring enterprises to properly dispose of e-waste. To prevent fines and penalties, adherence to these rules is crucial.

Bottom Line

Green networking techniques may help organizations save money, be more flexible, and increase dependability while reducing energy use and environmental effect.

At Infodot, we provide direction and assistance for virtualization, energy-efficient technology, power management guidelines, cloud computing, and appropriate e-waste management to meet sustainability objectives. Businesses may gain economically, socially, and environmentally by acting now and fostering a more sustainable future. Create a more sustainable future for everyone with the aid of Infodot.

Related Posts

NETWORKING SERVICES FOR BUSINESS! KNOW ITS BEST PRACTICES

January 2, 2023
0

Network security: what is it?

Your network and data are safeguarded by network security against hacks, intrusions, and other threats. This is a broad and all-encompassing phrase that refers to processes, regulations, and settings about network use, accessibility, and overall threat protection, as well as hardware and software solutions.

Access control, antivirus software, application security, network analytics, various forms of network-related security (endpoint, online, wireless), firewalls, VPN encryption, and more are all included in network security.

The merits of network security

Network security is essential for safeguarding client data and information, maintaining the security of shared data, guaranteeing dependable network performance, and defending against online attacks. An effective network security solution lowers overhead costs and protects businesses from significant losses brought on by a data breach or other security event. Ensuring appropriate access to systems, applications, and data facilitates company operations and customer service.

wide variety of network security protocols

  • Firewall

Using pre-established security rules, firewalls manage the incoming and outgoing traffic on networks. Firewalls are an essential component of daily computing since they block malicious traffic. Firewalls, particularly Next Generation Firewalls, which concentrate on thwarting malware and application-layer assaults, are crucial to network security.

Network segmentation

When assets within a group have a common function, risk, or role within an organization, network segmentation establishes boundaries between such groups of assets. The perimeter gateway, for instance, isolates a corporate network from the Internet. The sensitive data of an organisation is kept inside the network by preventing potential outside threats. Organizations may take things a step further by creating more internal network borders, which can enhance security and access management.

  • Access Control: What is it?

Access control limits unauthorised access and possible risks by defining the individuals, businesses, and devices that have access to network applications and systems. Role-based Access Control (RBAC) regulations guarantee that the person and device are permitted to access the asset. Integrations with Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions may strongly identify the user.

  • Remote VPN Access

Telecommuters, mobile users, and extranet users may all access a workplace network remotely and securely with the use of a remote access VPN. Each host normally uses a web-based client or has VPN client software installed. Multi-factor authentication, endpoint compliance screening, and encryption of all transferred data all contribute to securing the privacy and integrity of sensitive data.

  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

According to the zero-trust security paradigm, a user should only have the access and privileges necessary to carry out their assigned responsibilities. This strategy differs significantly from that offered by conventional security solutions, such as VPNs, which provide a user complete access to the target network. Zero trust network access (ZTNA), often referred to as software-defined perimeter (SDP) solutions, allows users who need granular access to an organization’s applications to do their jobs.

  • Security for Email

Any procedures, items, and services aimed at keeping your email accounts and email content safe from outside dangers are referred to as email security.” Although the majority of email service providers have built-in security measures to protect you, they might not be sufficient to prevent hackers from accessing your data.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Data loss prevention (DLP) is a cybersecurity technique that integrates technology and best practises to prevent the exposure of sensitive data outside of an organization. This involves regulated data, such as personally identifiable information (PII) and compliance-related data, such as HIPAA, SOX, PCI DSS, etc., as well as data that is subject to regulation.

  • Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

IPS solutions can recognise and stop network security assaults, including brute force, denial of service, and exploitation of known flaws. A vulnerability is a flaw in a software system, for example, and an exploit is an assault that takes advantage of that vulnerability to acquire control of that system. When an exploit is revealed, attackers frequently have a window of opportunity to exploit that vulnerability before the security patch is implemented. In these circumstances, an intrusion prevention system can be employed to swiftly stop these attacks.

Layers of Network Security

When discussing network security, we must consider the following levels of defense:

  • Physical Network Protection

Physical network security measures are concerned with preventing unauthorised individuals from physically accessing the workplace and network devices such as firewalls and routers. Physical locks, ID verification, and biometric authentication are just a few of the safeguards in place to address such concerns.

  • Technical Network Security

Technical security measures address network devices as well as data stored and in transit. Furthermore, technological security must safeguard data and systems from unauthorised individuals and harmful staff activity.

  • Network administration and security

Administrative security controls are concerned with security policies and user behaviour compliance processes. It also involves user authentication, permission levels, and modifying the current infrastructure.

Best practises for network security

Now that we have covered the fundamentals of network security, let’s look at some of the network security best practises you should be following.

  1. Conduct a network audit.

The first step in securing a network is to conduct a comprehensive audit to uncover flaws in the network’s posture and architecture. A network audit identifies and evaluates:

  • The presence of security flaws
  • Unused or superfluous applications
  • Allow access to ports
  • Malicious traffic detection software and anti-virus/anti-malware software
  • Backups
  • Third-party vendor evaluations should also be performed to discover further security.
  1. Install network and security equipment.

Every firm should have a firewall and a web application firewall (WAF) to protect their website from different online-based assaults and maintain data security. Various additional systems, like intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) systems, security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and data loss prevention (DLP) software, should be utilised to maintain the organization’s optimum security and monitor traffic.

  1. Update antivirus and anti-malware software.

Businesses buy desktop computers and laptops equipped with the most recent anti-malware and antivirus technology but fail to maintain them up to speed with new regulations and upgrades. By keeping antivirus and anti-malware software up to date, one may ensure that the device is running antivirus software with the most recent bug patches and security upgrades.

  1. Protect your routers.

A security flaw or incident might occur simply by hitting the reset button on the network router. As a result, it is critical to consider relocating routers to a more secure area, such as a secured room or closet. In addition, video monitoring and CCTV can be put in the server or network room. Furthermore, the router should be set to modify default credentials and network identities, which are easily found online by hackers.

  1. Make use of a secret IP address.

Private IP addresses should be allocated to critical network servers and equipment to prevent illegitimate users or devices from accessing them. This technique allows the IT administrator to simply monitor any illegal attempts to connect to your network by individuals or devices for any suspicious behaviour.

  1. Establish a network security maintenance system.

It is necessary to develop a robust network security maintenance system that includes procedures such as:

  • Make frequent backups.
  • Software upgrades
  • Change the network name and credentials regularly.

Once you have built a network security maintenance process, record it and distribute it to your team.

Check Point Can Help You Secure Your Network

Network security is critical in protecting client data and information; it secures data access, protects against viruses, and improves network performance by lowering overhead costs and expensive liabilities from data theft. Because there will be less downtime from unauthorised attackers or viruses, it saves businesses money in the long run.

Check Point Network Security systems simplify network security without sacrificing speed, offer a single approach for simplified management, and allow you to expand for corporate growth.

SETTING UP A DATACENTER NETWORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

May 10, 2023
0

A data center network is a critical component of any business that relies on technology to operate. It connects all of the devices and systems within the data center, allowing them to communicate and share resources. Setting up a data center network can be a complex process, but with the right planning and knowledge, it can be done successfully. In this guide, we will cover the essential components of a data center network, including network architecture, hardware, and software.

We will also discuss best practices for designing and implementing a data center network, as well as tips for maintaining and troubleshooting the network.

Here are some key outlines that should be considered when setting up a data center network for your business:

Network architecture:

The overall design and layout of the network, including the number and placement of network devices, such as switches and routers.

The overall network architecture determines which devices will connect to which. This is often the basis of your design, but it’s also important to keep in mind that you may have multiple customers and departments that may require a completely different network design. To keep the network organized and manageability-driven, we’ve organized the network into clusters.

Hardware:

The physical components of the network, include servers, storage devices, network switches, routers, and other devices.

The hardware component of the network is critical to the operation of the network. It allows the network to function, and it’s the heart of any data center. However, if the hardware is bad, then the network won’t work—bad hardware interferes with the services provided by good hardware. In this case, the bad hardware would be outside the data center, which often means an access network or an Internet connection. The network itself could also be another network device, such as a firewall or security system.

Software:

The network operating system and other software are required to manage and maintain the network, including network management tools and monitoring software.

The operating system is the software that runs on each device. It’s responsible for managing data and keeping the network running. It can be designed to be as simple as one file, or one line of code, or as complex as software that allows for virtual private networks (VPNs). There are many different types of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and iOS.

Security:

Measures to protect the network and its data from unauthorized access, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and prevention systems, and encryption.

The implementation of security practices such as encryption and authentication is an essential part of any data center network. It prevents unsupervised children with bad or compromised devices from accessing sensitive data, like financial information, or critical data, like data that needs to be verified. Additionally, authentication practices include creating user roles and providing user data in a structured format.

 

Redundancy and failover:

Methods for ensuring that the network can continue to function in the event of a failure, including redundant network paths and backup systems.

The redundancy and failover techniques we’ve outlined above help ensure that the network can continue to function even if one component fails. In this case, the network will still function as expected and the remaining pieces will work fine. There are many different types of failover, including randomization, scalability, failover to standby, and failover to analyze.

Scalability:

The ability to expand the network as the business grows, including adding more devices and increasing capacity.

The ability to scale is another critical aspect of any data center network. You cannot have a data center network that is too small or that has a capacity that is insufficient for the large number of devices that will need to use the network. In this case, the network will slow down and failure will force the team to shut down operations. This is true regardless of whether the business is online or offline.

Monitoring and management:

Tools and processes for monitoring the network‘s performance and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

You will use performance monitoring software to Track the speed of each device, as well as the overall performance of the network. These tools allow you to observe performance parameters such as connection times, wait times, and errors, as well as provide alert mechanisms when performance is poor.

Compliance:

Ensuring that the network is compliant with any relevant industry regulations and standards.

The true value of any data center network is found when you can trust your data to run as smoothly as it did when it was first created. Compliance with current regulations is the most important step in establishing and managing a data center network. As your business grows, it becomes increasingly important to have a data center network that is reliable and capable of operating in the event of a failure. To be successful in this regard, you’ll have to have confidence that your network will work as intended when someone visits it.

Disaster recovery and business continuity:

Planning for unexpected events, such as power outages, natural disasters, and cyberattacks, to minimize downtime

The ability of a data center network to withstand disruption is important for several reasons. First, data centers are essential for businesses to operate in tough times. If network disruption occurs, it will affect every aspect of the business’s operation, from operational efficiency to financial health. In this case, downtime is a result of normal wear-and-tear rather than disruption from a damage-causing event. In this case, the data center can be shut down and restarted quickly and easily, without the need for costly repairs or expensive inventory movements.

Training and documentation:

Providing training and documentation for IT staff and other users, so they can understand and properly use the network

You will use tools to train staff and users on how to use your data centers. You can either give them virtual hands-on training or hire professionals who have years of experience managing networks like your own. Understanding how your network works and what you require from your staff members will make them more comfortable operating devices and manageability-driven data centers.

 

In conclusion, setting up a data center network for a business is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration of various components. It is essential to design a network architecture that is efficient, secure, and scalable. The selection of appropriate hardware, software, and security measures is also crucial for the smooth functioning of the network. Redundancy and failover measures, monitoring and management tools, compliance with industry standards, disaster recovery and business continuity planning, and training and documentation for IT staff and other users are also vital for ensuring the network‘s reliability and longevity. By taking into account all these outlines, businesses can set up a robust and reliable data center network that will support their operations and growth.

Contacts

#519, 2nd floor, 8th Cross Rd, SadashArmane Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560080.
sales@infodot.co.in
+91-9343735067

© 2023 Infodot. All rights reserved. Developed by Ormspace