Managed IT services
We monitor, manage, support and secure your IT systems and users under one agreement, for a fixed and predictable monthly fee.
Managed IT & Support
Network and connectivity services
Every application, phone call and cloud service depends on the network underneath it. We design, deploy and manage networks and internet connectivity, from a single office to several sites, with monitoring, documentation and remote and on-site remediation.
Who this service is for
A good fit if
- Your Wi-Fi drops, the internet slows at busy times or remote staff struggle to connect.
- Nobody has an up-to-date diagram of your network or knows which equipment is out of support.
- You are opening a new location, moving offices or connecting several sites.
- Your firewall and switches have not been reviewed or updated in years.
- Domain names and SSL certificates have expired unexpectedly in the past.
Another approach may suit you better if
- You need carrier-scale network engineering, such as building an ISP backbone.
- You have a single home office with consumer equipment and simple needs.
- You need structured cabling only, with no design or management. A cabling contractor may be enough, and we can coordinate one.
What this service is
Network and connectivity services cover everything that connects your people to each other, to your systems and to the internet: cabling and switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls, remote access, internet connections and the services that keep them running, such as domain names and SSL certificates.
We handle network work as a stand-alone project, such as a new office or a firewall replacement, and as ongoing network management within our managed IT services. Network management is one of the core services in every fully managed agreement.
Network design
A network should be designed deliberately, not grown one device at a time. The layout of a network, its topology, affects how reliable and easy to manage it is. Common designs include:
- Star, where devices connect to a central switch. It is the basis of most office networks and easy to troubleshoot.
- Tree, a hierarchy of connected star networks, suited to larger buildings and multiple floors.
- Hub designs, where branch sites connect back to a central location.
- Linear (bus) designs, found in some older or industrial setups, where devices share one line.
We choose the structure that fits your buildings, number of sites and growth plans, then add segmentation to separate staff, guests, phones, cameras and critical systems. Segmentation limits how far an attacker or a fault can spread.
Deployment and connectivity
- Wired networks: switches, VLANs and power over Ethernet for phones, access points and cameras.
- Wireless networks: coverage planning, secure authentication and separate guest access.
- Firewalls and remote access: perimeter security, VPNs and secure access for remote staff.
- Internet connectivity: we compare providers, coordinate installation and set up backup connections so one outage does not stop work.
- Multi-site connectivity: secure links between offices, warehouses and data centres.
We work with equipment from Cisco, Sophos, WatchGuard, Extreme Networks and Dell Technologies, and with VMware for virtualized networking. We recommend business-class equipment and source it through authorized channels.
Remote and hybrid work
Many organizations now have staff who split their time between the office and home. That puts more demand on internet connections, VPNs and cloud access, and it widens the area attackers can target. We design remote access so staff connect securely without slowing down, using VPNs or zero-trust access where it suits, multi-factor authentication for every remote connection and clear guidance for home networks. For multi-site organizations, we plan the links between offices so shared systems stay available if one site's internet connection fails.
Network management
Ongoing management keeps the network healthy after it is built:
- Monitoring of devices, connections and performance, 24/7 for managed-service clients.
- Administration of configurations, firmware updates and user access.
- Reporting on availability, capacity and security events.
- Domain name and SSL certificate management, so renewals are tracked and websites and services do not fail because something expired.
- Remote incident remediation, with on-site remediation arranged when a problem needs hands-on work.
Network security overlaps with our cybersecurity services, which cover threat detection, email security and security assessments.
What is included
The exact list is agreed in writing for each project. These are the usual deliverables and the usual boundaries.
Typical deliverables
- A network assessment and documented inventory of equipment, connections and configurations.
- A network design, including topology, segmentation, Wi-Fi coverage and redundancy.
- Firewall, switch, wireless and VPN configuration and deployment.
- Internet connectivity planning, including provider coordination and backup connections.
- 24/7 network monitoring for managed-service clients, with alerting and reporting.
- Domain name and SSL certificate management, including renewals.
- Remote incident remediation, with on-site remediation arranged when needed.
- Up-to-date network diagrams and configuration backups.
Not included unless agreed separately
- Network equipment, cabling materials and licences, quoted and billed separately.
- Internet and telecom service charges, which are billed by the provider.
- Physical cabling installation, unless scoped in writing.
- Building or electrical work.
What we will need from you
Most delays in this kind of work come from access and decisions, not from the technical build. Knowing these early keeps the project predictable.
- Administrative access to firewalls, switches, access points and internet provider portals.
- Floor plans or site access for wireless surveys.
- Account details for internet providers, domain registrars and certificate providers.
- A contact at each site who can provide physical access when needed.
Delivery
How the work is delivered
Each stage ends with something you can review before the next one starts.
Assess
We document your current equipment, connections, configurations and performance, and identify risks and bottlenecks.
Output: Network assessment and diagram.
Design
We propose a design covering topology, segmentation, Wi-Fi, security and connectivity, with options and estimates.
Output: Network design and bill of materials.
Deploy
Equipment is configured, installed and tested in planned change windows to limit disruption.
Output: Working network and test results.
Manage
We monitor, maintain and update the network, and handle incidents remotely or on site.
Output: Monitoring reports and updated documentation.
Testing and handover
- Configurations are backed up before and after every change.
- Network diagrams and credentials are documented and stored securely.
- Wireless coverage and throughput are tested at the locations people actually work.
- Firewall rules are reviewed, and unused rules are removed.
- Renewal dates for domains, certificates and support contracts are tracked.
What affects the cost
We do not publish package prices. Each estimate is based on an agreed scope, in Canadian dollars, with taxes shown separately. These are the things that move the number most:
- The number of sites, users and devices.
- The size of the buildings and the Wi-Fi coverage required.
- The age and condition of existing equipment.
- Redundancy and uptime requirements, such as backup internet connections.
- Security requirements, including segmentation and remote access.
Questions buyers usually ask
Which network equipment do you work with?
We work with equipment from vendors such as Cisco, Sophos, WatchGuard, Extreme Networks and Dell Technologies, and with VMware virtual networking. We recommend business-class equipment sourced through authorized channels. Naming these vendors does not imply any partnership with them.
Can you help us choose an internet provider?
Yes. We compare the options available at your address, coordinate installation and set up backup connections where needed. Service charges are billed by the provider.
Do you manage networks at more than one location?
Yes. We connect and manage multi-site networks with site-to-site VPNs or other secure connections. Additional locations increase network management charges.
What happens when the network goes down?
Managed-service clients have 24/7 network monitoring, so many problems are detected before users report them. We remediate remotely where possible and arrange on-site support when needed. Response targets are set in the service agreement.
Related
Cybersecurity services
Practical cybersecurity: assessments, endpoint protection, email security, training, incident readiness and 24/7 monitoring for managed-service clients.
Data centre and hosting
Choose, set up and manage hosting for your servers, applications and websites, with Canadian locations considered for data residency.
Is your network holding you back?
Tell us about your sites, your connections and what keeps going wrong. We will reply to arrange a network conversation.