Needs review and network map
We look at users, services, existing hardware and internet links, then draw the physical and logical network map.
Network & Virtualization
Business Network Design and Setup (LAN and WAN)
Most office networks grow one switch at a time, and after a few years nobody has an accurate map. Our network setup work starts with a needs review and a logical design covering VLANs, IP addressing and uplinks. Then we configure the hardware and hand over a documented network your own staff can troubleshoot.
Tools & technology
network-design-setup
- Cisco IOS
- HPE Aruba
- MikroTik RouterOS
- Ubiquiti UniFi
- pfSense
- IEEE 802.1Q
- Wireshark
- NetBox
5work areas
5deliverables
4steps
What is Network Design & Setup?
Business network setup is the service of designing, configuring and documenting a company's internal network, from the first needs review to a tested handover. It suits offices moving to new premises, and networks that grew one switch at a time until cameras, guests and staff all ended up on one flat segment. PikoSystem draws the physical and logical network map, designs VLANs and the IP addressing plan, configures Cisco, HPE Aruba or MikroTik switches and the edge router, sets up automatic failover when there are two internet links, and separates staff and guest Wi-Fi. Work that causes downtime is scheduled in agreed windows. You receive network diagrams, a switch port list, configuration backups for every device and a final test report, so your own staff can troubleshoot the network.
When you need Network Design & Setup
- One infected PC slows down the whole office.
- We don't know which cable goes to which switch port.
- We're moving offices and need the network built from zero.
- Cameras, guests and staff all sit on one flat network.
What Network Design & Setup includes
VLAN and IP design
We separate the network by role: staff, servers, cameras, VoIP and guest Wi-Fi. IP ranges and DHCP scopes are documented.
Switch and router configuration
On Cisco, HPE Aruba or MikroTik gear we configure access ports, trunks, STP and a management VLAN, then back up the final config.
WAN and internet uplinks
We connect internet and private links to the edge router and set up NAT and routing. With two links, we configure automatic failover.
Business Wi-Fi
Access points get separate SSIDs for staff and guests, and we check signal coverage on site.
What you get from Network Design & Setup
- Physical and logical network diagrams (rack, switches, VLANs)
- IP addressing plan and switch port list
- Configuration backups for every device
- Admin credentials handed over to your named contact
- Final network test report
Network Design & Setup: a practical guide
What drives the cost of an office network setup?
Port count and hardware class matter most. A single access switch is a very different job from a multi-floor network with a core switch, PoE cameras and two internet links. PoE budget is easy to overlook: access points, cameras and IP phones all draw from it, and that alone can change the switch model you need.
The second factor is what already exists. Unlabeled cabling or configs inherited from several past admins mean part of the work is discovery. VLAN count, Wi-Fi coverage, branch links and after-hours work also change the scope. A list of current devices with model and firmware version makes any estimate more accurate.
Cisco, Aruba, MikroTik or UniFi switches?
Cisco Catalyst fits teams that already know IOS and need stacking and 802.1X authentication. HPE Aruba CX offers similar features and can be managed through Aruba Central. MikroTik CRS switches handle VLANs and LACP on a smaller budget, as long as the config keeps switching in the hardware chip instead of the CPU.
Ubiquiti UniFi suits small offices that want switches and Wi-Fi under one controller. Mixing vendors is fine because 802.1Q and LLDP are standards. What matters more is that every switch is managed: an unmanaged switch gives you no VLANs and no loop protection.
Common VLAN and LAN mistakes we find
The classic one is a flat /24 holding every device. Add cameras and IP phones, the DHCP pool runs out and broadcast traffic reaches every machine. Using VLAN 1 for management and as the native VLAN on trunks also weakens the separation you designed.
Missing BPDU Guard on user ports is common too. Someone plugs a desk switch in with two cables and the loop takes the office down. DHCP Snooping stops a stray home router from handing out wrong addresses. On Cisco gear, forgetting copy running-config startup-config means the first power cut quietly undoes your changes.
Keeping the network documented after handover
New users, printers and cameras keep arriving, and if the port list and IP plan aren't updated you are back where you started within a year. Recording each change in NetBox, or even a shared spreadsheet, prevents that.
Firmware updates, automatic config backups with Oxidized and SNMP monitoring of uplink ports surface problems before they become outages. If nobody in-house owns these tasks, they can be written into a support contract.
How Network Design & Setup works
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01
Site visit and needs review
We visit the site or review the current network remotely and walk through requirements with you.
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02
Design and hardware list
You receive the design, a hardware list and a work estimate. Existing equipment is reused wherever it fits.
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03
Build and configure
We install and configure the hardware. Changes to a live network happen only in time windows agreed with you.
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04
Test and handover
We test the network, hand over documentation and show your team routine tasks such as adding a user port.
Network Design & Setup: frequently asked questions
Can we keep our existing equipment?
Usually some of it, yes. During the first visit we check each device's model, firmware and condition. We only suggest a replacement when a device lacks something the design needs, such as VLAN support or remote management.
Do you take on Cisco switch configuration as a separate job?
Yes. If your network is already designed and you only need Cisco switch configuration or a review of the current config, we do just that. The existing config is backed up before any change.
Will our office be offline during the work?
Work that causes downtime is scheduled for quiet hours or weekends. Every outage window is agreed in advance, and a rollback path is ready before we start.
Do you supply the hardware too?
We can give you an exact hardware list to buy yourself, or handle supply and installation. Either way, models are chosen for what the network actually needs.
Related searches
- network installation services
- office network design
- internal network setup
- Cisco switch configuration
- VLAN setup
- active network services
Related services
Quote
Tell us what you need, we'll come back with a plan and a price
A few lines on where things stand and what you want is enough. An engineer calls you back, not a sales rep.
- 01We read your request and call if anything is unclear.
- 02If needed, we do a quick remote review or a site visit.
- 03You get a written proposal with scope, timeline and cost.