Most small firms are connected to a computer network – even if they do not realize it. If all you have is one computer connected to a broadband router that provides internet access, you are still connected to a network.

Infrastructure that connects computers together is a network. It can be public (e.g. the internet) or private (e.g. cabling within an office), and networks can be wired (Ethernet), wireless (Wi-Fi), or both.

The device that controls the information passing between the computers is called a router. Normally, even if just two computers are connected to the same piece of cable, all messages between them pass via a router.

All networks are potentially vulnerable to intrusion. Many attempts pass unnoticed – as do many successful attacks. Therefore, it is crucial that the infrastructure – cables and equipment - of ICT and telecommunications are installed, operated, and protected to the highest standard possible.

Key Standards for ICT and Telecommunications Infrastructure Installation

There are several key standards for safe and effective ICT and telecommunications infrastructure installation:

BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations.

BS 7671 on wiring regulations is the UK’s main electrical safety standard. This document sets out requirements that detail how to perform electrical installations safely. It sets out regulations that apply to the design, erection, and verification of electrical installations, and to additions and alterations to existing installations. Although not a statutory document, it sets the standard for how electrical installations should be done in the UK (and many other countries) and enables compliance with the law.

BS EN 50174 Series Installation technology. Cabling installation.

The BS EN 50174 series covers the installation of telecommunications cabling using balanced and/or optical fiber cabling, both within and between buildings.

BS EN 50174-1 is intended to be used by personnel during the specification phase of the installation, together with those responsible for the quality planning and operation of the installation. It contains requirements and guidance for the specification and quality assurance of the information.

Parts 2 and 3 of the BS EN 50174 series are intended to be used by the personnel who are directly involved in the planning aspects (of the specification phase) and the installation phase. BS EN 50174-2 is applicable inside buildings and BS EN 50174-3 is applicable outside buildings.

BS 6701:2016+A1:2017 Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling. Specification for installation, operation and maintenance. Specification for installation, operation and maintenance.

For everyone dealing with telecommunications equipment and cabling, BS 6701:2016+A1:2017 provides a link between UK-specific electrical installation standards and their IT cabling equivalents. The 2017 Amendment adds two new sections (see ‘What’s changed’ below) that were necessary so that the standard aligns with changes to The Wiring Regulations standard, BS 7671.

It specifies requirements for the installation, operation, administration, and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and cabling, other than that specified in BS EN 50174. It also specifies requirements beyond the scope of the BS EN 50174 series but doesn’t cover those aspects of installation associated with the transmission of signals in free space between transmitters, receivers, or their associated antenna systems (for example, radio microwave or satellite).

To learn how to manage information in the cloud, click here.

How IT Networks can be Protected

The operating systems of most modern computers contain a built-in personal firewall, meant to protect that individual computer from external attack. Many PC security packages replace the operating system firewall with their own, which is intended to be more effective and easier to use.

If you have a computer that does not come with a personal built-in firewall, buy or download one immediately (some of the well-known free products are highly effective).

If you only have one computer connected via a router to the internet, a personal firewall is probably all that you need. However, most SMEs will have many computers on their network and will want to share data between them, while ensuring adequate protection from outside attacks. In this case, you will need a secure local area network (LAN) and one or more network firewalls separating your LAN from the internet.

If your business operates from more than one site, you will probably want to share information securely between them. There are two ways you can do this. You can create your own wide area network using private cables or leased circuits, or you can create a virtual private network (VPN) using encryption over a shared bearer (e.g. the internet). In either case, it will be your network firewalls that control secure communication between different locations.

BS EN ISO/IEC 27002 Code of practice for information security controls, has a section covering network security management and information transfer. This should be enough for simple networks, for example, where there are just computers connected to a wired router with a broadband internet connection.

Ensure the infrastructure of your organization’s ICT and telecommunications is installed and protected to the highest standard by adding these key standards to your collection today.

Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions

Being able to ensure the interoperability of your ICT networks and guarantee that such technologies work smoothly and reliably together is key for effective working throughout your business. However, knowing and applying the standards that can help you achieve this can seem like a huge challenge.

With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the key standards you need in order to build secure and reliable networks with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, such as GBM24 Information Technology - Software & Networking, and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your network strategy. Request to learn more.