Setting up a wireless network for business is one of the best ways to boost convenience and enable maximum productivity in the workplace. Wireless networks provide secure and stable internet connections, without the hassle of cords and hardwiring that a wired network requires. It’s a modern way to enjoy efficient internet access throughout your entire office, for all employees and all devices.
Taking advantage of a business wireless network can also help your small business reduce operating costs. There are, however, a few security precautions and equipment requirements to be aware of when setting up a wireless network for business. Let’s examine the information you need to know before implementing your wireless solution.
Why Should I Consider Setting Up a Wireless Network for Business?
Wireless networks are an ideal option for businesses of any size. They provide convenience and high performance, enabling hundreds of employees to have reliable network access no matter where they’re located within the workspace. Wireless networks are great if your business practices social distancing, since the signal range can be extended as far as you need it, to keep employees spaced apart in a large area.
It’s easy to add new access points wherever needed, as your business grows. Wireless networks are also cost-effective, as they don’t require as much hardware as traditional wired networks.
Important Aspects to Consider Before Installing a Small Business Wireless Network
Site Survey: Any business looking to set up a Wi-Fi network must first have a site survey conducted. The survey will look at what types of physical materials are present in your workspace that may interfere with a wireless signal, such as metal or glass. The survey will also evaluate where wireless access points should be placed, as well as how many points are needed.
The configuration of a space, square footage, building materials, and even number of employees will all affect how the business wireless network should be set up. The survey will also determine any improvements that can be made to your current network to improve usability.
Equipment Needs: A business wireless network setup has different equipment requirements than a home network or public coffee shop network. Enterprise grade equipment is necessary for workspaces, as it provides support for hundreds of connections from many different devices. Business grade equipment also increases signal strength, enabling the business wireless network to be easily accessible over a very large area, unlike home networks. Business Wi-Fi equipment is also highly robust, designed for high performance, heavy use and signal stability.
You will need adapters, routers and access points, antennas and repeaters for a fully functioning small business wireless network setup. Most Wi-Fi networks also require a WLAN controller (wireless local area network) or a wireless network management system, to enable you to manage the access points easily.
Mesh Network Capability: Your workspace may benefit from using a wireless mesh network for business. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses a main wireless router, and a series of multiple nodes placed in strategic locations throughout your workspace. These nodes increase the strength of the wireless connection in these locations and eliminate dead zones, without requiring range extenders or data cables.
Mesh Wi-Fi is flexible and scalable, making it highly customizable to your unique business needs, workspace dimensions and company growth over time. An experienced provider will help you determine if mesh Wi-Fi is right for your business.
Now that we’ve looked at the physical requirements of setting up a wireless network for small business, it’s essential to choose the right provider for your needs. Here’s what you need to know when deciding between providers.
Ongoing Needs of a Wireless Network for Business
Comprehensive Support: Any wireless network for business will require some support, maintenance and management over time. Occasionally you will need to change settings and prepare for scalability as your business grows. A company that offers wireless network solutions for business should also have comprehensive support — a help desk that can quickly solve issues remotely, and experienced technicians for on-site support when necessary.
Superior Security: Network security is one of the most important considerations when creating a wireless network for business. It’s essential to ensure that your data, passwords and devices connected are strongly protected from hackers at all times. Cyber attacks are always evolving, and present a constant threat to your small business wireless network.
A trusted provider should have industry-leading cybersecurity. Look for providers that offer:
- 24/7/365 network monitoring
- Multi-factor authentication
- VPNs (virtual private networks)
- Penetration testing
- Firewalls
- Immediate suspicious activity reporting
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
Providers should also offer complete data backup and recovery in case of an attack, outage or disaster.
Get a Free Consultation and Technology Assessment for Your Small Business Wireless Network Setup
Attentus Tech is a managed services provider with 18 years of experience, and we offer best-in-class customized small business wireless network solutions. Our friendly, knowledgeable team provides support around the clock. We help you determine the best wireless solution for your unique needs.
Our highly trained technicians also offer engineering and IT procurement project scoping, at no additional cost. Our service enables clients to develop a long-term IT strategy for growth. Our customer satisfaction score is 96.6, so you know we’ll do everything possible to support your business success and ensure you have the tools you need for high performance wireless networking.
We are a one-stop-shop for all your IT needs and Wi-Fi solutions, delivering cyber security, cloud, end user, and field IT support and services. Attentus Tech saves you the time, money and hassle of dealing with multiple vendors. We offer affordable rates customizable to your small business budget. Contact us today for a completely free consultation.
