Disadvantages & Advantages of Computer Networking & Internet Connectivity

Computer networks and internet connectivity have changed the face of the modern workplace, allowing users and devices across the globe to interact with each other as if they were located in the same room. However, network applications can introduce security risks and workplace distractions to business IT systems. Although computer networking isn’t going anywhere, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of internet access in different situations could help you ensure that your business’s network isn’t more of a hindrance than an asset.

Benefits of Computer Networking

A well-designed network allows users to share both hardware and software resources, increasing efficiency and facilitating workplace collaboration. For example, many networks see users sharing one high-bandwidth Internet connection rather than maintaining one smaller connection for each user. From a software perspective, networks make information sharing far quicker and more efficient than the days of the “sneakernet”, when data was commonly shared by copying it to removable media and physically carrying it to another location.

Networking, and especially internet access, allows users to communicate in ways that simply would not have been possible before the technology was developed. For example, instant messaging allows users to talk in real time and send files to peers on the other side of the world – a potentially huge boon for business users. The internet also allows access to a vast amount of useful information, both in terms of “traditional” reference material and timely facts such as current traffic conditions or news bulletins.

Nowadays, employees can stay connected even outside the office using home internet and mobile broadband technology. This can enable people to work from home or stay connected while they’re on business trips.

Cost Challenges to Technology

One of the biggest disadvantages of computer and internet technology historically its cost. Enterprise-grade network hardware was for a long time quite expensive, although prices have fallen in recent years and many businesses can make do with consumer-grade hardware like laptops, tablets and smart phones.

In addition to hardware costs, networks generally need regular maintenance, and may also require a professional to design the network layout in the first place. In both of these cases, organizations need to either hire new staff or employ contractors, which can increase a network’s total cost significantly.

It’s also necessary to locate experts who can actually do the work, which can be hard with IT professionals in high demand. This is in particular one of the disadvantages of the network security world, where there’s often said to be far more demand for experts than there are people who can do the job.

Policing Usage and Security

Giving users internet connectivity can foster undesirable behavior, although it’s usually necessary for people to do their work. The internet is a minefield of workplace distractions, with humor sites and online games that could prove tempting for workers during office hours.

A large network of machines can also encourage users to engage in practices such as online shopping, Web browsing or instant messaging rather than working. As such, many organizations draw up a network/internet usage policy. However, these policies can be difficult to enforce and may engender resentment from staff.

It’s also imperative to make sure employees are trained on proper security techniques, so they don’t accidentally allow hackers or malware into company systems. It’s sometimes worth keeping some sensitive data encrypted or even on offline machines so that there’s less of a risk of it being stolen or compromised in a digital break-in.