What is Network Infrastructure? Types, Components & More

Network infrastructure refers to the hardware, software, and protocols that enable communication and data exchange between devices, applications, and users within a network. A traditional network infrastructure includes components such as routers and switches, firewalls, load balancers, cables, servers, and other networking devices.

One of the main purposes and basic goals of network infrastructure is driven by the need to facilitate communication, information sharing, and collaboration between individuals and organizations.

Explore other topics to gain more insights into the world of network infrastructure:

Components of network infrastructure
Difference between a network and network infrastructure
Types of network infrastructures
What is network infrastructure design?
The benefits of network infrastructure
Example of network infrastructure solution
Role of data centers
How can Advance2000 help with network infrastructure

What are the components of network infrastructure?

The network infrastructure includes both physical and virtual components that are required for interconnecting devices, computers, and other equipment within a network. See below some of the main components and their roles:

Network devices: The hardware components, such as routers, switches, and load balancers, that facilitate the connection of devices in a network.
Network services: These refer to the software components and services that operate on the network infrastructure, for instance, email servers, web servers, etc
Network cables: These are utilized for data transfer between devices and can consist of diverse types, including Ethernet, fiber optic, or coaxial cables.
Network protocols: The rules and benchmarks that govern the transmission and reception of data within a network. TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP are some instances of such protocols.
Network security: The security actions executed to safeguard the network infrastructure against unlawful entry, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and Zero Trust.
Network management: This encompasses overseeing and managing the network infrastructure, which comprises supervising network performance, availability, and security.

For a reliable and efficient network infrastructure, we can also add network design on top of the components above.

What is the difference between a network and network infrastructure?

A network is a collection of multiple devices, including computers, servers, or other hardware, that are interconnected and able to communicate with one another. The purpose of a network is to facilitate the sharing of resources, the exchange of data, and communication between these devices.

Network infrastructure, on the other hand, refers to the physical and virtual components that support the operation of a network. This includes all the hardware, software, and protocols needed to support a reliable and secure network.

Network infrastructure can include devices such as routers, servers, firewalls, and other network appliances. It can also encompass network operating systems, network protocols, and network management tools that enable administrators to monitor and control network traffic, security, and performance.

Overall, a network refers to the interconnected devices that allow communication and resource sharing, while network infrastructure refers to the underlying components and technologies that enable these devices to operate and communicate effectively.

What are the two most common types of network infrastructures?

These are the two most common types of network infrastructure and their use cases:

Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a type of network infrastructure created to connect devices within a small geographic area, such as office buildings, schools, or individual households. LANs enable resource sharing among devices, like files, documents, printers, scanners, and internet access. Their main use case is the communication between devices, such as email transmission and data sharing among computers.

Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN is a type of network infrastructure that is designed to connect devices across a broad geographic area, like a city, country, or even the world. Wan’s main purpose is to connect multiple LANs together, allowing devices in different locations to communicate and share resources. The most important use case is to allow organizations with multiple branches, as well as internet service providers, to provide internet connectivity to customers.

What is network infrastructure design?

Network infrastructure design refers to the process of planning and implementing the physical and logical components of a computer network. It encompasses tasks like outlining the network structure, choosing suitable hardware and software elements, setting up network protocols and services, and addressing factors such as scalability, security, and fault tolerance.

The primary objective of network infrastructure design is to establish a network that is dependable, proficient, and safeguarded while aligning with the organization’s needs.

Advantages of network infrastructure

Here are some of the most important network infrastructure advantages:

Improved Communication: Network infrastructure enables the communication and sharing of information regardless of the physical location. This leads to better collaboration, faster decision-making, and increased productivity.
Enhanced Security: Through the utilization of network infrastructure, organizations can safeguard their data and thwart unauthorized entry. This encompasses the implementation of firewalls, encryption, access control, and various other security measures.
Increased Productivity: Network infrastructure enables the automation of various processes such as file transfers, software updates, and backups, resulting in improved efficiency and minimized downtime.
Scalability: The scalability of network infrastructure allows for seamless adjustments to accommodate evolving business requirements. This simplifies the addition or removal of users, devices, and applications as needed, ensuring flexibility and adaptability.
Cost-effective: Implementing network infrastructure can be a cost-effective solution for businesses as it reduces the need for multiple hardware and software installations, while also improving the overall performance of the system.
Centralized Management: Network infrastructure allows businesses to manage their IT resources centrally, reducing the need for individual management of each device and application.

Example of network infrastructure solution

Commercial Pipe Supply struggled with stand-alone networks in each office, which caused inventory confusion. To overcome this issue, they decided to unite their isolated IT infrastructures into one network.

They partnered with Advance2000, and they now benefit from a new infrastructure that allows for secure and easy access to critical business information, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Some of the technical elements of this network infrastructure solution are HP monitors with thin clients running Microsoft Remote Desktop Service (RDS). Read more here,

Advance2000’s private cloud computing solutions enhance network infrastructure by providing dedicated resources, improved communication, isolating client environments, and allowing for customized security measures, ensuring greater control, privacy, productivity, and resilience for the network infrastructure.

The role of data centers in network infrastructures

Data centers play a critical role in network infrastructure by providing a centralized location for storing, processing, and distributing data. Their role involves the provision and administration of servers, storage devices, and networking equipment, which facilitate seamless connections and communications between businesses, customers, and partners. Data centers offer extensive security measures, redundancy protocols, and scalability features to ensure the constant availability and accessibility of data. Moreover, they contribute to latency reduction, enhance network performance, and offer disaster recovery capabilities.
Read more about Advance2000 Private Data Center Security.

How can Advance2000 help with network infrastructure?

We help you gain control and simplify enterprise networks. Advance2000 creates networks that deploy quality hardware, safety protocols, and software for both on-premise and hosted solutions. Our solution architects and IT engineers help design and deploy sustainable infrastructures that efficiently link your servers, switches, and routers. Modernize your office from a traditional infrastructure to one that supports IoT devices.