Guide

Network solutions for your business

Andreas Mielke
19.9.2022
Translation: Eva Francis

Whether in a small office, a cafeteria or a store, more and more devices such as telephones, cameras or cash register systems are integrated into a network. In this context, Wi-Fi is an important subject. As this article shows, you don't have to be an IT specialist to set up a simple network.

Think of the network as a modular system. A few basic elements are all you need to set up your network system on your own. If you need to add something new later, you can expand the network. It’s not complicated.

The key building blocks of a network are:

  • Internet connection
  • Router
  • Switch
  • Network cable
  • Access Points

Router: the core

The core of your network is the Router. It forms the basis for the on-site Internet connection and distributes data packs within the network via Wi-Fi and Ethernet. In many cases, you’re bound by your provider to a specific device that combines router and modem. If this isn’t the case, look for the highest possible data processing performance when buying a router (use the filter «Port speed»). If no Firewall is integrated yet, you’ll find the suitable products here.

The following routers are among the bestsellers among our business customers:

Teltonika Rut240
Routers
CHF238.–

Teltonika Rut240

TP-Link Tl-Mr6400
Routers
CHF56.90

TP-Link Tl-Mr6400

AVM FRITZ!Box 6850 5G International
Routers
CHF419.–

AVM FRITZ!Box 6850 5G International

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro
Routers
CHF379.–

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro

Teltonika Rut240
CHF238.–

Teltonika Rut240

TP-Link Tl-Mr6400
CHF56.90

TP-Link Tl-Mr6400

AVM FRITZ!Box 6850 5G International
CHF419.–

AVM FRITZ!Box 6850 5G International

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro
CHF379.–

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro

Switch – the coupling device

The switch is the device that connects all the components of the network to the router. Each device is connected via network cable to the switch, which in turn is linked to the router. If you go with PoE (Power over Ethernet) capable switches and components, no additional cables are needed for power supply. When buying a switch, make sure that its port speed meets the requirements of your end devices. Also consider how many ports you need. For a small cafeteria, 16 ports are usually enough, but for larger projects with multiple workstations and endpoints, you'll need to opt for a larger switch or a combination of several smaller ones. Depending on the model, they can also be installed in an existing server rack.

These switches are among the bestsellers among our business customers:

Netgear PoE+ Switch AV Line M4250-26G4F-PoE+ 28 Port (26 Ports)
Network switches
CHF1449.–

Netgear PoE+ Switch AV Line M4250-26G4F-PoE+ 28 Port

26 Ports

Netgear PoE+ Switch AV Line M4250-26G4F-PoE+ 28 Port (26 Ports)
CHF1449.–

Netgear PoE+ Switch AV Line M4250-26G4F-PoE+ 28 Port

Access Points – the amplifiers

To cover all your rooms with Wi-Fi, you usually use access points. Pay attention to the following aspects when you’re buying an access point:

  • The larger and more complex the area to be covered, the more access points are needed.
  • The more devices are included in the network, the more access points are needed.
  • The higher the data usage in the network, the higher the throughput rate should be.
  • For new installations, make sure to use the latest technology Wi-Fi 6.

The following access points are particularly popular with our business customers:

TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor: WLAN-AC AP (867 Mbit/s)
Access points
CHF75.90

TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor: WLAN-AC AP

867 Mbit/s

Network cable – you can't do without it

Did you know we have our own network cables? We offer them in various colours and lengths. They’re great value for money.

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45 (S/FTP, CAT6a, 1 m)
Network cables
Quantity discount
CHF13.30 per piece for 2 units CHF13.92/1m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45

S/FTP, CAT6a, 1 m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45 (S/FTP, CAT6a, 3 m)
Network cables
CHF16.38 CHF5.46/1m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45

S/FTP, CAT6a, 3 m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45 (S/FTP, CAT6a, 10 m)
Network cables
CHF22.70 CHF2.27/1m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45

S/FTP, CAT6a, 10 m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45 (S/FTP, CAT6a, 1 m)
Quantity discount
CHF13.30 per piece for 2 units CHF13.92/1m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45 (S/FTP, CAT6a, 3 m)
CHF16.38 CHF5.46/1m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45 (S/FTP, CAT6a, 10 m)
CHF22.70 CHF2.27/1m

Digitec Ethernet Patch Cable RJ45

Other devices such as network cameras, printers or VoIP phones are also connected to the switch and thus to the entire network via a network cable.

Safe, fast and even easier

If you want an even easier solution, various manufacturers offer all-round solutions specially designed for SMEs. These cloud-based solutions allow you to manage and audit the network from anywhere. According to manufacturers, this makes handling the network secure and simple.

  • New to our range

    Simple network management with the Zyxel Nebula cloud networking solution

  • New to our range

    Aruba Instant on, simple network for SMB and home office, now available from stock

  • Product test

    Speed testing the Dream Machine

    by Martin Jud

If these instructions aren’t helpful or if you’re facing a more complex network project, we’ll surely find a suitable solution for you together with our service partners.

Customized offers for your company

You need a larger quantity and want a quote? Then you can find all the necessary information here. Enquiries about product advice, project support and other requests can be made via our Helpcenter.

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The only Gen X in the village (almost). From C64 to Raspberry Pi. From dial disc to smartphone. From vinyl to streaming (and back again). From blues to trance. From long-haired to bald. From ETH to Zoo to Digitec Galaxus.


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