Corporate network

From CEOpedia | Management online

Corporate network may refer to the connection between computers inside a company or to a set of companies with formal or informal relationships.

Meaning in terms of technology

Corporate network is logically separated group of computers, routers and other parts o IT infrastructure which function outside of the traditional bounds of internet. It is often called intranet. The term intranet describes network that, unlike internet, is meant to be accessed only by a specific group of people [1].
There is a variety of techniques that can be used to build company-exclusive computer network. Devices can be connected together by using cryptography and VPN's over the open internet. The abbreviation VPN stands for Virtual Private Network - an abstract network gathering only specific machines, having a connection to the global internet. It can be unaccessible from outside the company's headquarters or without relevant credentials[2]
Main purpose of creating corporate networks is to provide security and reliability of company's management information system, data processing system, transmission of data and communication - there may be no need for the employees to use software with restricted data when they are outside their workplace. Furthermore, hosting applications that are relevant only for the company members exclusively inside the enterprise networks may be far less complicated[3] Corporate networks use different types of LAN and WAN devices and broadly available protocols and standards of communication to provide such functionalities.

Relationships between companies

Corporate network may be also described as a set of companies with formal or informal relationships (contracts, financial, logistics etc.) which act to achieve common market goal. Such networks develop an environment to mutual growth, and can be built over variety of factors. Examples of corporate network forms include:

  • Corporate clusters - the relationships are be based on geographical location and lead to expansion of companies operating in similar field[4] There are numerous examples of such areas that are renowned worldwide: Silicon Valley, Digital Media City around Seoul or the "motor cities" - Stuttgart and Detroit
  • Japanese zaibatsu - grown after World War I, zaibatsu are sets of establishments built around a family clans, consisting of large owner company, multiple smaller firms and surrounding financial institutions[5]
  • Korean chaebols - similar to zaibatsu, chaebols are family-managed groups of companies operating in various market areas[6]

Examples of Corporate network

  • Intranet: An intranet is a private network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) technology to securely share any part of an organization's information or operation with its employees. Intranets are often used to facilitate communication among employees, as well as to provide access to applications, databases, or other resources.
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN): A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure connection between two or more endpoints over a public or shared network such as the Internet. A VPN allows users to access data and resources on a private network from a remote location.
  • Wide Area Network (WAN): A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a large geographic area, such as a state, country, or continent. WANs are used to connect multiple smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs) or metro area networks (MANs).

Advantages of Corporate network

A corporate network provides a number of advantages to companies of all sizes. These advantages include:

  • Increased Productivity - A corporate network allows employees to easily communicate and collaborate, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
  • Reduced Costs - A corporate network reduces costs by eliminating the need for hardware such as servers and routers, as well as allowing employees to work from home, which reduces overhead costs.
  • Improved Security - A corporate network allows for the secure sharing of files, documents and other data within the company. This reduces the risk of data loss and increases the security of the company’s information.
  • Increased Mobility - A corporate network allows employees to access the network from anywhere with an Internet connection, allowing them to work remotely and stay connected to the company’s resources.
  • Increased Data Storage - A corporate network provides a centralized repository for company data, eliminating the need for multiple storage solutions.

Limitations of Corporate network

A corporate network has many limitations that can affect its performance and security. These include:

  • Limited scalability: Corporate networks are often limited in size and scope, making it difficult to expand when the organization grows or changes.
  • Limited resources: Corporate networks often lack the resources needed to provide a robust and secure connection.
  • Vulnerability to attack: Corporate networks are vulnerable to attack from both outside and inside sources, making them an attractive target for malicious actors.
  • Cost: Corporate networks are often expensive to maintain and upgrade, making them a cost-prohibitive option for some organizations.
  • Lack of flexibility: Corporate networks are often inflexible and difficult to customize, making them a less desirable option for organizations that need to quickly adapt to changes in the marketplace.

Other approaches related to Corporate network

A corporate network is a type of computer network that interconnects the computers and other devices used by the company. It is typically maintained by the company's IT department, and can include computers, printers, and other devices. Other approaches related to corporate networks include:

  • Network Security: Network security refers to measures taken to protect the corporate network from outsiders and malicious programs. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, and other measures.
  • Network Administration: Network administration is the process of managing the corporate network, including setting up and maintaining hardware and software, monitoring the network for performance, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
  • Network Monitoring: Network monitoring is the ongoing process of monitoring the corporate network for performance and security. This includes ensuring the availability of services and keeping an eye on any suspicious activity.
  • Network Design: Network design is the process of planning and designing the corporate network, including deciding which devices and services should be included, where they should be located, and how they should be connected.

In summary, a corporate network is a type of computer network maintained by a company's IT department and includes computers, printers, and other devices. Other approaches related to corporate networks include network security, network administration, network monitoring, and network design.


Corporate network — recommended articles
Service delivery architecture — Virtual structure — Virtual organization — Teamware — Airline code — Knowledge tree — Business centre — Boundaryless enterprise — Carding forum

References

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Moussa 2016, pp 7-25
  2. ↑ Ferguson & Huston 1998, pp 2-4
  3. ↑ Myles 2010, pp 3-6
  4. ↑ Rosenfeld 1997 pp 1-6
  5. ↑ Allen 1983 pp 131-132
  6. ↑ Murillo & Sung 2013, pp 4-6

Author: Izabela Pyszczek

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