Networking Guide

How to Set Up a Small Office Network on a Budget

Setting up a network for a small office does not need to be complicated or expensive. Whether you are connecting two or three computers in a small workspace or equipping a growing team with reliable internet access and shared resources, this guide walks you through what you need and how to get started without overspending.

What Does a Small Office Network Actually Do?

A small office network connects your computers, printers and other devices together so they can share an internet connection, access shared files and communicate with each other. A well set up network also means each device gets a reliable, stable connection — reducing the frustration of slow WiFi or dropped connections during important calls or file transfers.

For most small offices with up to 10 people, a straightforward setup using a router, a network switch and either WiFi or wired Ethernet connections is all you need.

What Equipment Do You Need?

Router

Connects your office to the internet via your broadband line. Most routers also provide basic WiFi and a few wired Ethernet ports. Your internet provider may supply one, but a better quality router can improve reliability and coverage.

Network Switch

Adds more wired Ethernet ports to your network. If your router only has 4 ports and you need to connect 8 computers, a switch gives you the extra ports you need. An 8-port or 16-port unmanaged switch is fine for most small offices.

Ethernet Cables

Wired connections are faster and more reliable than WiFi for desktop computers that do not move. Cat6 cable is the practical standard for most offices and is widely available in a range of lengths.

WiFi Access Point

If your router's built-in WiFi does not cover your whole office, a separate WiFi access point wired back to your switch can extend reliable wireless coverage to every corner of the workspace.

Laptop Docking Stations

If staff use laptops at their desks, a USB-C dock lets them connect to a monitor, keyboard, mouse and wired network through a single cable — and disconnect quickly when they need to take their laptop away.

NAS Drive (Optional)

A network attached storage (NAS) device lets all computers on the network access shared files and backups from one central location — useful for small teams that need to share documents without relying on cloud storage.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Basic Small Office Network

Connect your router to your broadband

Plug your router into the broadband socket (usually a phone socket or fibre connection point). Your internet provider will have given you the login details needed to get online. Most modern routers are largely plug-and-play for basic setups.

Connect a network switch if you need more ports

Run an Ethernet cable from one of your router's LAN ports to the uplink port on your network switch. This extends the number of wired ports available so you can connect more computers and devices.

Run Ethernet cables to each desk

Connect each desktop computer or laptop dock to a port on your switch using Ethernet cables. Wired connections give you the most stable and fastest speeds — well worth doing for computers that stay at a desk permanently.

Set up WiFi for laptops and mobile devices

Most routers include built-in WiFi. If coverage is poor in part of your office, connect a WiFi access point to your switch via Ethernet and position it to cover the weaker area. Avoid relying on WiFi extenders that repeat the signal wirelessly — a wired access point always performs better.

Test each connection

Check that each computer can access the internet and that network speeds feel consistent across all devices. If any machine is significantly slower, check the cable is properly seated or try a different port on the switch.

Set up shared folders or a NAS drive (optional)

If your team needs to share files, you can set up a shared folder on Windows or connect a NAS drive to the switch for centralised storage and backup. A NAS drive is particularly useful for businesses that handle a lot of files or need a reliable local backup solution.

Wired vs WiFi — which is better for office use?

For desktop computers and devices that stay at a desk, wired Ethernet is always the better choice — faster, more reliable and unaffected by interference from other wireless devices. WiFi is best reserved for laptops, phones and tablets that need to move around. If your team does a lot of video calls or transfers large files, prioritising wired connections for those machines makes a noticeable difference.

How Much Does a Small Office Network Cost?

For a small office with up to 5 computers, a basic wired and wireless network setup using an 8-port switch, Cat6 cables and a decent router is very achievable on a modest budget. The exact cost depends on the number of devices, the size of the office and whether you already have a suitable router from your internet provider.

An 8-port unmanaged network switch — a practical and affordable starting point for most small offices
Cat6 Ethernet cables — available in a range of pre-made lengths to suit most office layouts
A WiFi access point — only needed if your existing router WiFi does not cover the whole space
USB-C laptop docking stations — one per desk where staff use laptops, connects everything through one cable
A NAS drive — optional, but useful if shared file access and backups are important to your business

Can IT Done Right Help Set Up a Small Office Network?

Yes. As well as supplying the networking equipment you need, IT Done Right offers IT support for local businesses across Basildon, Wickford, Billericay, Rayleigh, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Southend and the wider Essex area. If you would like help planning or setting up a small office network, get in touch and we can discuss what you need.

You can also browse all networking products in the IT Done Right shop including routers, switches, WiFi equipment, Ethernet cables and NAS storage.

Need help planning or setting up a small office network?

IT Done Right is based in Basildon, Essex and supports local businesses across Essex and the UK. Get in touch to discuss what you need.

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