Types of Network Infrastructures Explained

Network infrastructures are the mainstay of businesses today.  They are used to connect workstations together in a way that allows data to be shared with one another, it allows workstations the ability to access the internet, print documents, download attachments from emails, and so much more. Instead of managing a number of devices spread across different locations, networks can manage the same duties from just a handful of gadgets. 
This is a guide on different network infrastructures that are used in business today and how they are used.

(PAN) Personal Area Network

A minimalist approach to building a network is known as a personal area network.  They are usually comprised of a wireless modem, a workstation or two, telephones, printers, scanners, tablets, and such.  The devices are all centered around one workstation.

(LAN) Local Area Network

The most common type of network that is installed is known as a local area network.  It is commonly used in businesses and is one of the most modest types of networks.  A LAN joins workstations and other low-voltage devices within a location or group of locations in a close vicinity of one another, allowing them to share information and resources.  Often a company will employ an individual (s) or outsource an individual(s) to manage their network services.  A router connects the LAN to wide area networks, WAN, that quickly and securely transmit data. 

(WLAN) Wireless Local Area Network

Much like a LAN, WLANs use wireless network technology like WiFi.  This type of network does not require devices to rely on tangible cables to join together the network.  A LAN unlike a WLAN requires the use of physical cables.

(CAN) Campus Area Network

A campus area network is larger than a LAN however smaller than a MAN.  A CAN is typical for use at schools, universities and medium sized businesses.  Resources can be shared throughout several buildings that are close to one another. 

(MAN) Metropolitan Area Network

A MAN incorporates features from both LANs and WANs.  A metropolitan area network is effective throughout a geographic location such as a town, city, or sometimes even large university campuses.  There is usually one owner, either an individual or company, that maintains the network. 

(WAN) Wide Area Network

Wide area networks are more complex than a LAN.  WANs are used to connect workstations throughout a larger physical area.  Workstations and low voltage devices are connected remotely to one another using a larger network to communicate.  This type of network can work across several miles. 

The most familiar WAN is the Internet.  The internet connects computers throughout the globe.  A WAN’s has the ability to reach a great distance.  They are most often owned, operated, and maintained by more than one administrator. 

Other types of networks include:

• (SAN) Storage-Area Network
• (SAN) System-Area Network
• (POLAN) Passive Optical Local Area Network
• (EPN) Enterprise Private Network
• (VPN) Virtual Private Network

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

SEO Trends That Will Increase Website Visibility in the Coming Year

One of the most noticeable trends changing the way we optimize websites for search engine recognition is the use of Voice Search.  It is predicted that by the year 2020 more than thirty percent of all website sessions will be done without the use of a screen.  How is that possible, you ask?  Voice-only search offers the user the opportunity to “look” at the information contained on the web without scrolling through sites on a PC or mobile device.   Voice technology will be a key element in the success of online companies in the future.

What Exactly Is Voice Search Technology?

The most well-known source using voice technology is Amazon Alexa. Instead of typing keywords into a search query, users speak into a device.  The gadget then returns audio search results based on the spoken query.  The precision in which audio technology recognizes what a user is saying is unbelievable.  Although many of us are just being introduced to voice search technology it is not new.  Speech to text programs and voice dialing have been in use for years.

How Are Digital Marketing Efforts Being Affected by Voice Recognition?

The use of voice search will radically increase the search experience.  Search engines, like Google, Bing, and Yahoo will begin to place a higher importance on voice search optimization.   As we know the point of SEO is to rank websites so that when users enter a search query, either by text or voice search, the most relevant content is pulled up first.  It is important that digital marketing experts account for both voice search optimization and traditional optimization in their websites.  Being that the two are very different it is crucial to understand that some factors that affect traditional rankings may or may not have a similar effect on voice searches.  Below are some tips to help balance the two very different search engine optimization strategies.

Tips for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search users are most often searching for a purpose, to complete a certain action. Most voice searchers want a song to play, a product to be purchased, or specific information to be gathered.  No matter your intention, Google uses a similar algorithm to rank sites which include the following:

Website Loading Speed

Google voice search, like traditional searches, favors websites that load quickly.  It is important that your site is responsive and functions properly on mobile devices.  All images used on the site need to be optimized, files must all be compressed, and other tasks that speed up traditional websites.

Write Content How You Speak

When a user searches for content on a PC or mobile device, they often use short phrases or long-tailed keywords, think of the phrases you use in bullet points.  If you want to find a roofer, many users will type in the keyword phrase “roofing contractors near me”.  However, in a voice search the user may ask “Who is the best roofing contractor to install my roof’.  For your content to be optimized correctly for both traditional SEO and voice search, it is crucial to include naturally sounding, long-tailed keywords in combination with short, snappy keywords.  Make the content easy to comprehend, content should be written at a 9th grade reading level or below for maximum comprehension.

 Aim for your website content to range between 1850 and 2500 with a combination of short and long form content.

Use Blocks of Content

Featured snippets are a summary of the website pages content.  A snippet will appear after paid advertising and before organic listings.  Content should be optimized and identifiable as a snippet.  It must summarize the entire pages information, be placed above the fold, and include fewer than 29 words.  Content that optimizes with header tags, lists, and bullet points are more easily read by search engines.  Featured snippets should include long-tailed keyword phrases.

Focus on Local Searches

Location based content accounts for over twenty-two percent of voice search queries.  Websites that consider local content and phrases including a “near me”, “close to me”, “within a couple of miles”, and so on.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Professional Programmer When Developing an Apple iPhone App?

Do you think that you have the next big idea for an app for the Apple iPhone?  Are you interested in developing and marketing it to the masses?  If this describes you, we have some helpful advice.  First and foremost, unless you are a professional mobile app developer it is important that you team up with an experienced iPhone developer like Creative Programs & Systems to help you bring your iPhone app design into reality. 

 

Benefits of Professional Mobile iPhone iOS App Development

Mobile apps are being used more and more by a variety of industries as a way to connect companies to clients in a reliable and efficient manner.  iPhone apps have a variety of purposes including fun, education, medical, financial, health, planning, and more.  If you have a mobile app idea and the ability to promote it, you will find a market that is looking for exactly what you are developing.

Hiring for iPhone App Development

As you already know the iPhone is a tool that many of us cannot live without.  It provides us with the latest technology, delivering a number of functions and features that make our everyday lives simpler.  A fun fact is that the Apple App Store is the largest throughout the whole world.  Many industry experts surmise that Apple is the main contributor in the success and constant advancements in the mobile app industry.  To venture alone into the maze of apps available in the iTunes store would simply be detrimental.  To make your mark on an already crowded market a professionally designed mobile app starts you out in the right direction.

It is almost impossible for novice app designers to keep pace with the industry and its changes.  The professional team of iPhone app experts at CPS are up to date on the latest industry news, tech updates, and will work directly with you to develop your iPhone app.

Another benefit of working with a trained iPhone app programmer is that your app is developed according to your deadlines and within the budget that you set forth.  This is not always easily handled when you are working in your spare time on getting your new app launched.  It is also very difficult for novice app designers to create a faultless app that integrates itself the abundance of features on the iPhone.  This allows the best of your app to be show cased without unnecessary adaptations that take extra time, money, and effort to create. 

Finding the Right Developer to Create Your iPhone App

With an ever-booming industry such as mobile app development you are sure to find thousands of companies claiming to be iPhone app experts specializing in all the aspects of iPhone development.  Your goal is to find a professional that fits your need.  Some developers prefer to clients to be hands off throughout the process while others are super excited to work with you to bring the app you envision to life. Below are some steps you can take to help you find the perfect fit for your project.

• Before signing the dotted line of that proposal take time to go through the company’s portfolio and previous experience.  Take time to upload, review, and analyze previous mobile apps that have been developed.
• Seek out the opinion of previous clients.
• Register as an Apple Developer.  This allows the company you are working with to work on your behalf throughout the submission process.  It guarantees at the end that you are the sole owner of the app.
• Having a confidentiality agreement in place is crucial.  It may even be in your best interest to seek a non-disclosure agreement.
• Work directly with the developer so that your expectations are clear.  Chart out the different requirements within the app so that a goal of what you hope to achieve is understood.
• Take time to look into similar apps within the Apple Store.  How are they priced?  Did they have an introductory price during their initial launch?  How does your app differ?  What ways will you achieve promoting your app? 

The better prepared you are the better.  Being able to clearly define what you want and what you expect at the end allows for better communication which allows your dream to become a reality sooner.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.