Technology
For many decades, traditional wired networks have proven effective for business operations. From offices to retail stores and from warehouses to laboratories, the concept of being able to connect to a LAN by means of plugging a device into an Ethernet port still works, but it is no longer as appealing as letting a device smartly connect to Wi-Fi.
Compared to wired LAN installations, Wi-Fi networks present a few more layers of complexity, particularly with regard to security, privacy and quality of service. Users who connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots do not usually think about the configuration of the network they are becoming a part of; for this reason, business wireless networks should ideally be installed and maintained by professionals.
Here are some of the challenges that business owners may encounter when they decide to cut the wire:
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Dead Spots
Not all wireless access points will offer the same level of connectivity in all settings. The floor plans of some workplaces will create dead spots as the signal struggles to reach some desks or workstations. Modern solutions to this problem include smart Wi-Fi antennas that provide 360 degrees of coverage; however, these elements must be positioned correctly in the workspace.
Bandwidth Usage and Optimization
User experience is a very important aspect of business Wi-Fi networking. Once a wireless network is installed, the bandwidth utilization must be analyzed for the purpose of optimization. Efficient bandwidth usage is something that should be accomplished by someone with a computer science degree, and it may involve configuring how certain applications are utilized. If your business is small and you don’t have someone on staff qualified to monitor your wireless network, you might be better off either ditching the wireless network or waiting for an employee to complete some computer science classes before you continue.
Security
This is the most important aspect of a business Wi-Fi network. Compared to wired networks, business Wi-Fi offers potential attackers too many exploit opportunities. In the early days of wireless networking, business owners and managers mostly had to worry about freeloaders looking to take advantage of unsecured connections so that they could access their Facebook accounts; these days, however, the security concerns include potential breaching and data theft.The minimum security measure that business Wi-Fi networks should employ these days is Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). Ideally, a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) should also be implemented so that all users connect through a private port.
Offering a Wi-Fi connection to clients and customers is probably the biggest challenge a business can encounter these days. First of all, the cost involved is often higher than expected; second, providing the right blend of security and convenience to the public is easier said than done.
In the end, going from wired to wireless networks in business setting is something that must be smartly approached. When done right, however, the benefits can outweigh the costs.
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