Monitored security systems are essential for businesses. They enhance safety, deter theft, protect against cyberattacks, and mitigate damages if a breach occurs. However, most modern security systems require an Internet connection and a reliable network.
These security systems have significant implications for network performance. For some companies, a secondary network, used exclusively for security, can ensure bandwidth and storage requirements don’t interfere with other critical systems on the primary network.
Below we discuss some of the benefits of running a secondary network dedicated to security and video surveillance solutions and why you would consider implementing one for your business.
Improves Network Performance
Every Internet-connected device emits data when sharing information. The more data that moves across your network, the more bandwidth you’ll need. Using too much bandwidth without proper network design and management can cause systems to slow down, perform poorly, or stop running altogether. But when you isolate specialized high-bandwidth applications, like a security system, on its own secondary network, you can prevent compromising critical system performance on your primary network.
When planning for a secondary network, you must understand your bandwidth needs. Bandwidth estimates should never match an exact calculation. Connection speeds and website traffic fluctuate throughout the day, time of year, etc. Your network must be able to withstand an influx of users at any given time, which is why it’s important to plan for these sudden changes.
It’s also integral to define your desired network and video quality, such as:
- Frame rate
- Resolution
- Internet speed
- Video compression
When you have a solid understanding of your bandwidth requirements and desired system quality, it’s much easier to build the infrastructure necessary for a secondary network. Just know that bandwidth usage can vary based on equipment. Before purchasing equipment or installing anything on your networks, carefully evaluate bandwidth needs against network capabilities.
Increases Network Security
By isolating a security system on its own network, you reduce the potential impact on primary business applications should an attacker breach your security platform. The reverse is true as well. A breach on your primary network will not compromise your secondary security network, which ensures your first line of defense remains operational and can counter the attack.
A diverse network is a stronger network. As more Internet-enabled applications and smart devices are leveraged by your business, the need for this type of separation will only grow. Work with your network engineer or managed services provider to develop the most effective plan for current and potential future needs.
How to Know if a Secondary Network is Right for Your Business
If you are already plagued with connectivity issues, plan to scale your business operations, or plan to expand your security apparatus, a dedicated secondary network for security might be the right solution for you.
Our team at Vector Security Network can work with your business to determine your current network security needs as well as plan for future growth and expansion. We can also monitor your network for you to ensure it’s always running optimally, even during peak hours and times of emergency, and we can be there to immediately mitigate an attack.
We take great pride when businesses have peace of mind over their security. For more information on how a secondary network can help your network performance and security, feel free to contact us today.
