Network Hardware Essentials: What Every Business Needs

Every business network is built from the same few pieces of hardware: something that brings the internet in, a router or firewall that protects and directs traffic, switches that connect wired devices, access points for Wi-Fi, and the cabling, racks and power that hold it together. Size and brand change from site to site; the list doesn’t.

The network hardware every business needs

	What it does	Examples
Modem or ISP handoff	Brings the internet line into the building. Usually supplied by your internet provider	Cable modem, fiber ONT
Router or firewall	Connects your network to the internet, blocks unwanted traffic, hands out IP addresses and runs VPNs	Meraki MX68, Juniper SRX320
Switches	Connect computers, phones, printers, cameras and access points, and power them over PoE	Cisco Catalyst 9200, Meraki MS130
Wireless access points	Put laptops, phones and scanners on Wi-Fi	Meraki MR36, HPE Networking Instant On AP25
Transceivers and cables	SFP modules and fiber or copper cables link switches to each other and to the router	1G and 10G SFPs, Cat6 cabling
Rack and power	A rack or wall cabinet, patch panels and a UPS to ride through power blips	Two- or four-post rack, UPS

Routers and firewalls

The router sits where the internet comes in and moves traffic between your network and the outside world. In most businesses it’s also the firewall. One box handles routing, firewall, VPN for remote staff and site-to-site tunnels: a Meraki MX68 or Juniper SRX320 at a small office, larger models at headquarters. See our guide to enterprise routers.

Switches

Switches connect every wired device and carry traffic only to the port it’s meant for. PoE switches also power phones, cameras and access points over the Ethernet cable, so no outlet is needed at the device. Most businesses need managed switches, which add VLANs to separate guest, voice and camera traffic. If you’re unsure whether you have a hub or a switch, read hub vs switch. For model choices, see our Cisco switch buying guide.

Wireless access points

Access points mount on ceilings where people work and connect Wi-Fi devices to the switch. One combined router with Wi-Fi covers a single room; anything bigger needs separate access points managed together. More in access point vs router.

The pieces people forget

• Transceivers. Fiber uplinks need an SFP module at each end, matched to the port speed and the fiber type.
• Power supplies. Many switches take a second power supply for redundancy or more PoE budget; check whether one is included.
• Stacking cables and rack kits. Often sold separately from the switch.
• A UPS. A short power blip reboots every switch and access point on site. A UPS in the closet prevents it.
• Licenses. Cloud-managed equipment needs an active license to run. Budget for it with the hardware.

What a typical setup looks like

Small office, 10 to 25 people

One firewall, one 24- or 48-port PoE switch, two to four access points, a wall cabinet and a UPS.

Multi-floor office or school

A firewall pair at the internet edge, a core switch or switch stack, PoE access switches in a closet on each floor connected by fiber, and access points throughout.

Warehouse

The office setup plus access points down the aisles for handheld scanners, often with external antennas for high ceilings, and switches in closets close enough to keep cable runs under 100 meters.

For a longer checklist, see what network equipment a business typically needs.

Buying network equipment

• Buy for the devices you’ll have, not just today’s: spare ports and PoE budget are cheap now and expensive later.
• Keep one brand per layer where you can. Switches from one brand and access points from another work fine together, but each brand’s management tools only manage their own gear.
• Consider refurbished for spares, expansions and older models that match what you run. See should you buy used network equipment.

Buy or sell network equipment with Link US

Link US sells new and refurbished networking hardware from Cisco, Meraki, Juniper, HPE and Ubiquiti, with free shipping across the US. We’re based in Holly Springs, North Carolina. We also buy used networking equipment of any brand: send a list and we’ll make an offer the same business day.