A wireless network (or WiFi) is a network that connects devices without any wires. You can set up various access points which will amplify connections even if a device is far from a router.
It's almost a given these days that a WiFi connection will be present no matter where we are! Modern life means that wireless networks are so commonly used that they have become a business necessity; businesses can't operate without a secure and reliable WiFi network.
However, due to its wireless nature, WiFi security can be challenging to control and manage. A wireless network that has poor signal strength, dead spots or is inadequately distributed can also impact productivity and efficiency.
So, how can businesses approach wireless networks to maximise efficiency, and where do leaders need to put their attention in securing a fast and reliable wireless network?
Wi-Fi vs. a Wired Network: what's the best practice?
Where wireless networking offers convenience, mobility, productivity, easy setup, scalability, security and reduced cost, a wired network needs a high-speed Ethernet cable to connect your router and the device on which you are going to use the internet connection.
And while it's true that in the past a wired connection was considered faster and more secure than wireless networks, this is no longer the case thanks to continual enhancements in wireless network technology. Therefore, at The Missing Link we almost always recommend a wireless network as it offers much more flexibility, convenience, and mobility.
A Wireless network also presents positive opportunities for unified communication within your team. Strong wireless internet access boosts employee productivity by enabling employees to work seamlessly and effectively from their location of choice. Wireless connectivity allows employees to connect a range of devices that would have once needed to be connected by cabling, including; wireless printers, mobile devices, tablets and other wireless devices.
How a Wireless Network is deployed
The ideal wireless network will cover several important elements:
- Centralised - a centralized network architecture is built around a single server that handles all the major processing
- Coverage - a well-designed network starts with an understanding of the physical layout of your space and where exactly you would like Wi-Fi coverage
- Cloud-based - cloud-based Wi-Fi offers Protected Access (WPA2) which includes certain security functions
- Capabilities - the wireless network needs to allow user and their mobile devices to connect, without any disruptions to the applications they're running
- Confidence - the network must be secure and have the right balance between network security locks, and user access.
Looking at all these elements will help you to enjoy a fast and secure wireless connection.
What is a wireless site survey?
You can improve your current wireless networks or carefully plan a new WiFi network by carrying out a Wireless Site Survey.
Wireless Site Surveys allow us to help you build the best wireless network possible. Without a thorough survey, Wi-Fi networks can become compromised. You can fall foul to common problems such as coverage holes, overlap coverage and RF interference, leading to wasted time and money.
Whether you are moving into a new space or if you are looking to audit an existing network, there are Wireless Site Surveys designed to help your situation.
The overall goal of a Wireless Site Survey is to determine the practicability of deploying wireless solutions to meet your needs and within the constraints of your site. Therefore, we carry out different site surveys depending on your situation.
There are three basic types of Wireless Site Surveys: passive, active and predictive.
- A Predictive Site Survey is usually performed prior to moving into a new space and are helpful for budgeting purposes.
- A Passive Site Survey collects information on your existing wireless access point for signal strength, interference, and AP coverage - these are often performed when upgrading existing wireless technology.
- An Active Site Survey concentrates on a specific wireless signal or set of signals while the network is in full operation.
Which wireless site survey is right for you?
Predictive site surveys
For when you are planning a new WiFi network - using existing building floor plans, we can estimate coverage and plan the required amount of wireless access points, then once the wireless LAN (WLAN) is set up, we can run an on-site survey to see if there are any areas that need tweaking.
Let's face it, no one wants to move into a new space and find there is no or patchy WiFi coverage, because this can result in loss of productivity and a rather frustrated team.
Passive site surveys
Auditing existing wireless infrastructure for performance and coverage - at The Missing Link we can help you to get optimal wireless coverage and performance, by assessing and identifying poor signal coverage or congested areas and we use specialised hardware and software to take readings of your existing wireless signal strength, creating a predictive heatmap to address congestion and blackspots.
Active site surveys
Analysis of both internal and external interference - to identify, locate and eliminate any interference that may be affecting your wireless router WiFi network performance.
Transform your network to maximise productivity, efficiency and connectivity in your workplace. Get in touch now to find out how our team at The Missing Link can offer tailored wireless networking solutions for your business.
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