16 Feb Your Guide to Setting Up Wireless Networks
In today’s world, having a reliable wireless network is essential for any business. The modern worker needs to be able to access information and communicate with others at any time, which is why a robust wireless network is a must-have. However, setting up a wireless network in the office is much different from doing so at home. After all, businesses need their wireless connection to cover a much larger area and support many more devices. Not to mention that the performance needs to be impeccable since any downtime can cost the company big time in both revenue and productivity.
To help business owners set up a reliable wireless network, we’ve compiled a guide that outlines the necessary hardware and considerations to keep in mind.
What an Enterprise Wi-Fi Setup Looks Like
An enterprise-level Wi-Fi setup looks quite different from a typical at-home Wi-Fi network. It must be designed for high-density Wi-Fi use and support many network devices. Not only does network equipment need to run all day, but it also needs to be configurable and scalable.
An enterprise Wi-Fi setup will need:
- Multiple Access Points: In any business setting (office, warehouse, hotel, hospital, etc.), it’s likely that you may have anywhere from one to thousands of access points. They are most effective when you place them in accordance with the instructions from a professional wireless network survey.
- Network Switch: A PoE switch will normally deliver the connection to the access points; however, some access points can be “meshed” together without an ethernet cable back to the switch. This option will save you money on cabling, however, you will see better performance by wiring each access point back to a switch port. Make sure you are using a switch that has enough PoE power budget to deliver power to your access points.
- Firewalls/Routers: All data should pass through a firewall (on-premise or virtual) to keep your data safe and secure.
Consider Your Preferred Internet Service Provider
Your internet service is just as important as the hardware you use to set up your wireless connection. You’ll want to compare the different internet service providers (ISP) in your area and speak with a representative to see what they offer regarding speeds and reliability.
You’ll also want to ensure that the service provider you choose is compatible with your hardware and can sustain the network strength your business requires. The following are some of the common types of internet services that are available:
- Fiber: Fiber optic circuits are the fastest and most reliable of all options, however usually the most expensive. Most fiber circuits are built for business use, and typically have a better SLA than DSL or Cable (copper) options if problems arise.
- Cable: Cable internet can reach speeds of up to 1Gbps (and beyond soon), making it the best value for most businesses. However, consistent speeds can be unreliable, as it is a shared connection with others in your building or area.
- Satellite: Satellite internet uses a satellite dish on your roof’s building to connect to the internet. It is not very popular for businesses, but expect that to change over time with the introduction to Starlink internet. Satellite internet is a great option (and sometimes the only option) in areas where other types of internet are commonly not.
- DSL: DSL can reach speeds of up to 100Mbps, but this connection is the slowest available to most areas and in some areas, it’s the only option still more reliable than dial-up, but can still be slower than other types of internet.
- 5G and 4G: 5G and 4G are types of wireless internet that use cell towers to connect to the internet. Currently, this is an expensive option, and it normally is capped by the amount of data that you
Factor in The Range you Require
When setting up a wireless network, it’s essential to consider the range needed. The range is the distance that the signal can travel from the access point to the endpoint device. Several factors can affect the range of a wireless network, such as the type of equipment used, the number of walls and obstacles between the access point and the devices connected to the network, the type of construction materials used in the walls, the height at which the access points are mounted, and antenna options.
Performing a wireless site survey can help you determine the range of your existing wireless network or help you identify potential obstructions.
Keep it Secure
When setting up a wireless network, security is of utmost importance. Without proper security measures in place, wireless networks can be vulnerable to attacks from hackers who can gain access to your network and steal your data.
Businesses are especially at risk because they often store sensitive information that hackers can exploit for financial gain. Moreover, a data breach can have significant financial and reputational repercussions for a business.
To safeguard your network from potential security threats, it is imperative to use encryption and a firewall at the very least. Encryption will scramble the data sent over the network so that only devices with the proper key can decrypt it. A firewall, on the other hand, will block unauthorized traffic from accessing your network or prevent certain traffic from leaving your network.
Enterprise-grade wireless access points may come with some built-in security features, but it is still advisable to seek the assistance of IT professionals when setting up a wireless network. They can recommend the right equipment and configure it properly to ensure your network is secure. IT professionals can also help businesses create a security policy to safeguard their data and prevent unauthorized access to their network.
Creating a Secure Wireless Network Can Be Simple
While setting up a secure wireless network may appear complicated due to the required hardware, it does not need to be. Familiarizing oneself with the purpose of each hardware component can simplify the process. Moreover, seeking assistance from a professional, such as Cal State Communications, to build and manage your company’s Wi-Fi network can also streamline the process. We can construct a wireless network that caters to your unique requirements, guaranteeing smooth operation and safeguarding your data.
Facing Wi-Fi Difficulties? We can help you evaluate your Wi-Fi environment. Get in contact today!