Network Engineering

Every office network has a switch at its center, and most of them are installed the same way: cables run in every direction, configuration left at factory defaults, and a mess in the rack that nobody can trace. When something slows down or fails, the cause is almost always a design decision that was never made. Macktez builds networks from the ground up with Cisco switching equipment, chosen for its reliability, its industry-standard operating system, and its record of running without interruption for years at a time.

Physical network design and installation

A well-built network starts in the rack. We plan layouts that intersperse switches and patch panels with short cable runs, making every connection traceable and every component accessible. Beyond the physical layer, we configure VLANs to logically separate guest and internal traffic, tune the Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent broadcast loops, and use high-speed uplink ports to eliminate the bottlenecks that make networks feel sluggish regardless of available bandwidth.

Macktez network engineers can help with:

• Rack layout and physical cable management
• VLAN design and segmentation
• Spanning Tree Protocol configuration
• 10-gigabit and higher uplink optimization
• Switch stacking and link aggregation
• Network documentation and labeling

Cisco hardware selection and deployment

We deploy two classes of Cisco switching equipment depending on your environment and uptime requirements. For most businesses, the Cisco Business series offers enterprise-grade engineering at a practical price point. For environments where downtime carries real consequences, the Catalyst series provides hot-swappable redundant components and dramatically higher backplane throughput. We have deployed Catalyst-series equipment in law firms, architecture offices, and public infrastructure environments where the network supports life-safety systems.

Macktez can help with:

• Cisco Business deployment
• Cisco Catalyst enterprise switch installation and configuration
• Redundant power and failover configuration
• Remote pre-configuration and shipping to client sites
• Coordination with local contractors for out-of-state installations
• Cisco licensing and support contract guidance

How Macktez approaches network engineering engagements

• Initial assessment: We review your existing infrastructure, rack layout, and configuration to identify gaps and bottlenecks.
• Strategic planning: We develop a network design tailored to your size, growth trajectory, and uptime requirements.
• Pre-configuration: Where possible, equipment is configured and tested at our office before it ever reaches your site.
• Installation: Our engineers install and configure all hardware with minimal disruption to your operations.
• Documentation: We document every connection, VLAN, and configuration decision so your team and ours can support the network long-term.
• Ongoing support: We provide continued monitoring, firmware management, and optimization recommendations.