What You Need to Know About Wireless Networks for Businesses

wireless networks for coworking

Experience

Since 2014, TechNoir Solutions has worked with business of all sizes, to build fast and reliable wireless networks for commercial business operations. From small and mid-sized businesses, to national brands, with locations across the country, our engineers have supported hundreds of data networks, nationwide, for thousands of clients. Learn more about us here.

With all that experience in wireless technology, once thing is very clear, be prepared. Prepared means, having the right technology, redundancies, and policies in place when you open your doors. Throwing a wireless access point on a desk, in the corner office will lead to many complaints.


The Foundation of Wireless Networks for Businesses

What is your business? How does your team use the internet in their day-to-day business?

Are your employees attorneys, that work remotely and use cloud-based resources?

Or perhaps, you are a startup, or entrepreneur who might be coding or publishing videos or need real-time data feeds for business?

It’s no surprise which one of these businesses will be extremely dependent on their data networks. Understanding your business and how your employees use the network is the first step to designing fantastic wireless networks.


Understanding the Needs of Wireless Networks for Businesses

Whether your business space manages its own internet and WiFi network, or it uses a IT vendor to manage it,understanding what goes into high performing wireless networks will help you make more informed decisions for your business

With this in mind, fast and reliable internet could be considered the backbone of your business productivity. Your employees rely on seamless connectivity for tasks ranging from videoconferencing to uploading and downloading large files. High-speed internet not only enhances your team member's productivity, but also contributes to employee satisfaction.

However, fast internet all by itself isn’t everything you need. Businesses will experience fluctuations in occupancy, thanks to hybrid work environments. By building a scalable and flexible network infrastructure that allows for easy scaling, your business will be able to accommodate more employees and devices without compromising performance.

Last, but certainly not least, is network security. Network security is a major concern in every business environment. Robust security measures must be in place to prevent unauthorizedaccess, data breaches, and other cyber threats. Configuring the network property, from the beginning, will ensure that security is baked in.

How Wireless Technology Future-Proofs Your Business

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, integrating wireless technology into your business operations is not just an option—it's a necessity. Here's how adopting wireless solutions can safeguard your business's future:

  • Scalability at Your Fingertips: Wireless networks allow you to easily scale your operations. As your business grows, you can seamlessly add new devices without the constraints of wired infrastructure. This adaptability ensures that you can meet increasing demands efficiently.
  • Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility: Wireless technology empowers your workforce to stay connected from anywhere, boosting productivity. Employees can access critical business applications on their mobile devices, facilitating collaboration and quick decision-making, no matter their location.
  • Staying Ahead of Competition: Wireless networks keep you competitive by allowing you to rapidly respond to changes in the market and customer demands. With fast, reliable connectivity, you can implement innovative business models and technologies swiftly.
  • Connectivity Redundancy and Reliability: Implementing cellular internet backup solutions ensures that your network remains operational even if your primary internet connection fails. This redundancy protects you from costly downtime and maintains business continuity.
  • Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency: Transitioning to wireless can lead to significant cost savings in installation and maintenance compared to traditional wired networks. The improved efficiency can free up resources for other critical business investments.

Adopting wireless technology is a forward-thinking strategy that secures your business against future challenges, positioning you for sustained success in the digital era.

Essential Security Measures for a Business Wireless Network

Securing a business wireless network demands more than just basic precautions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure robust network security:

1. Implement Strong Encryption

Start by deploying advanced encryption standards such as WPA3. This ensures that any data transmitted over your network is rigorously encrypted, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized data interception.

2. Update Passwords Regularly

Regular password updates are crucial. Utilize strong, complex passwords for your network devices and ensure they are changed frequently to prevent unauthorized access.

3. Network Segmentation

Divide your network by creating separate channels for internal use and guest access. This segmentation isolates sensitive business data from potential vulnerabilities associated with guest users, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches.

4. Advanced Security Solutions

Equip your network with sophisticated security tools such as intrusion detection systems and robust firewalls. These technologies monitor traffic dynamically, flagging and mitigating potential threats before they compromise your system.

5. Continuous Network Monitoring

Regularly observe network activity for anomalies or unusual patterns that may indicate a security threat. Consistent monitoring can quickly highlight vulnerabilities, allowing for prompt intervention.


Why Understanding Wireless Standards Is Crucial for Network Configuration

When setting up your network, a solid grasp of wireless standards is essential for optimal performance and reliability. Here's why:

  1. Enhanced Performance and Speed: Wireless standards like 802.11ac and 802.11ax dictate the speed and efficiency of your network. By adopting these newer standards, you can achieve faster data transfer rates and more efficient bandwidth usage, which are critical for businesses that rely on swift internet connectivity.
  2. Improved Range and Coverage: Modern standards extend the reach of your wireless signals. This enhancement means that devices can maintain a strong connection over larger areas, reducing dead zones and providing a seamless user experience across your office or facility.
  3. Compatibility and Versatility: Ensuring your network aligns with current standards guarantees that it will support a wide range of devices and applications. This includes everything from smartphones and laptops to IoT devices, making your network adaptable to various business needs.
  4. Reliable Connectivity: Adhering to updated standards reduces interference and connection drops, which enhances stability. For businesses that depend heavily on consistent internet access, this reliability is non-negotiable to maintain productivity and communication.


Advantages of Wireless Network Deployment

  1. Simplified Installation: Wireless networks eliminate the intricate process of running extensive cables throughout a building. This simplification not only reduces the physical labor involved but also decreases potential disruptions to business operations during the setup phase.
  2. Cost Efficiency: By avoiding the need for extensive cabling, businesses can significantly cut down on material and labor costs. The absence of cables also means less maintenance, which translates into ongoing savings over time.
  3. Quick Setup: The speed at which a wireless network can be activated is a notable benefit. Without the need for laying down cables, businesses can get their networks up and running in a much shorter time frame, which is crucial in fast-paced environments.
  4. Flexibility in Network Design: Wireless technology allows for more adaptable network configurations. As a business expands or its requirements change, relocating or adding wireless access points is straightforward. This adaptability ensures that the network can evolve alongside the company’s growth.
  5. Optimal Coverage: Access points can be strategically positioned for enhanced network performance and coverage. Adjustments to these positions can be made easily without the constraints of fixed wiring, ensuring that all areas receive the necessary connection strength.

The Role of IoT Devices in Wireless Networks

  1. Enhancing Connectivity and Control: Internet of Things (IoT) devices are crucial in modern wireless networks by enhancing connectivity and control. These devices, ranging from smart thermostats and lighting systems to advanced security cameras, leverage wireless technology to communicate data and execute commands efficiently. This connectivity empowers businesses to streamline operations and achieve greater control over their environments.
  2. Automation and Efficiency: By deploying IoT devices, businesses can automate routine tasks, improving efficiency and reducing human intervention. For instance, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on occupancy or time of day, leading to energy savings.
  3. Data-Driven Decision Making: IoT devices continuously collect and transmit data over wireless networks, providing valuable insights into business operations. This data can guide strategic decision-making, helping businesses optimize processes, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive advantage.
  4. Flexibility and Scalability: The versatility of IoT devices supports expansion and scalability. As businesses grow, additional devices can seamlessly integrate into existing wireless networks, ensuring that operations remain smooth and uninterrupted. This adaptability is essential for businesses looking to innovate and stay ahead of the competition.

How Office Environments Benefit from Wireless Networking

Office environments gain a multitude of advantages from integrating wireless networking technology. Here’s how:

  1. Mobility and Flexibility: Wireless networks empower employees to move freely around the office. This freedom supports various work styles, enabling staff to switch easily from desks to meeting rooms without losing connectivity.
  2. Improved Collaboration: With wireless networks, teams can effortlessly share documents and access shared resources online. This seamless connectivity fosters a collaborative atmosphere, making it easier to work together on projects.
  3. Increased Productivity: By providing consistent and reliable access to essential tools and information, wireless networking minimizes delays and disruptions. Employees can quickly access files, join video calls, and communicate in real-time, boosting overall efficiency.
  4. Cost-Effective Setup and Maintenance: Implementing a wireless network reduces the need for extensive cabling, lowering setup costs. Additionally, maintenance becomes simpler; updates can often be rolled out with minimal physical adjustments.
  5. Scalability: Wireless solutions can adapt as businesses grow. Adding new devices or expanding office space is more straightforward without the constraints of wired connections.
WiFi Design For Businesses

How Do Wireless Point of Sale Systems Benefit Businesses?

Wireless point of sale systems have revolutionized the way businesses handle transactions, providing several significant advantages that boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Flexibility and Mobility

Gone are the days when transactions were confined to a static cash register. With wireless POS systems like Square or Clover, businesses gain the freedom to process sales from anywhere within their establishment. This is particularly advantageous for restaurants offering tableside service or retail stores managing pop-up events.

Improved Customer Experience

By speeding up transaction times, wireless POS systems enhance the customer experience. Employees can checkout customers where they stand, reducing wait times and improving service quality. This seamless approach often leads to higher customer retention and increased sales.

Real-Time Inventory Management

Wireless POS systems integrate seamlessly with inventory management software, allowing businesses to track stock levels in real-time. This feature is especially beneficial for retailers who need to keep a close eye on inventory to optimize stock levels and reduce shrinkage.

Enhanced Security

Modern wireless POS systems are designed with security in mind, implementing advanced encryption to protect both customer data and business information. This security assurance builds trust and minimizes the risk of data breaches, keeping sensitive information safe from cyber threats.

Ease of Integration

These systems can easily connect with other business tools, such as accounting software and customer relationship management systems. This integration simplifies operations, making it easier for business owners to manage their operations effectively and make informed decisions based on comprehensive, real-time data.

In retail and hospitality, adopting a wireless POS system can be a game-changer, driving efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ultimately contributing to business growth.

How Do Wireless Networks Benefit the Retail Sector?

Wireless networks revolutionize the retail environment by providing several advantages that enhance both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

  • Enhanced Customer Experience: With the implementation of wireless point-of-sale (POS) systems, transactions become faster and more flexible. Retailers can process payments from anywhere in the store, minimizing wait times and improving the overall shopping experience.
  • Streamlined Operations: Wireless connectivity enables seamless inventory management. Retailers can instantly update stock levels, reorder products, and check warehouse availability, all in real-time. This reduces the likelihood of stockouts and ensures that popular items remain available for customers.
  • Improved Staff Mobility: Employees equipped with wireless devices can assist customers on the spot, providing product information or locating items without the need to return to a fixed terminal. This mobility contributes to a more personalized and efficient in-store experience.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Wireless networks facilitate the collection of valuable customer data, which can be analyzed to gain insights into shopping behaviors and preferences. This information helps in tailoring marketing strategies and optimizing product placement.
  • Increased Security: Modern wireless systems often come with advanced security features. These help protect sensitive customer information during transactions, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and building consumer trust.

Wireless technology not only supports the logistical aspects of retail but also empowers businesses to create a dynamic and engaging shopping environment.

Advantages of Wireless Networks in Manufacturing

Wireless networks offer a host of benefits that revolutionize the manufacturing landscape. One major advantage is real-time monitoring. With wireless technology, manufacturers can continuously track equipment performance, ensuring swift responses to any issues. This leads to reduced downtime and enhances operational efficiency.

Moreover, wireless networks enable automation, which streamlines production processes. This transition from manual to automated systems not only boosts productivity but also improves precision and consistency in manufacturing operations.

Additionally, the flexibility of wireless solutions eliminates the need for extensive cabling. This reduction in clutter supports a more adaptable manufacturing floor layout, facilitating easier changes in production lines and machinery placements.

Finally, scalability is another vital benefit. As manufacturing needs grow, wireless networks can be easily adjusted to accommodate increased data and connectivity demands. This adaptability is crucial for companies looking to expand operations without overhauling existing infrastructure.

In summary, the integration of wireless networks in manufacturing drives efficiency, enhances production capabilities, and supports future scalability.

How the Hospitality Industry Benefits from Wireless Networks

The hospitality industry seamlessly integrates wireless networks to elevate guest experiences and enhance operational efficiency. Here's a closer look at how these networks transform the industry:

  • Guest Satisfaction: By providing reliable internet access, hotels and resorts meet modern guest expectations. Travelers often prioritize connectivity, enabling them to stay connected for work or leisure with ease.
  • Streamlined Operations: Wireless networks facilitate efficient communication among staff, resulting in quicker service response times. Tasks such as room service requests or housekeeping updates are managed more effectively, reducing wait times and improving service quality.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Hotels can leverage network data to gain insights into guest preferences and behaviors, allowing for more personalized services and targeted marketing efforts. This level of customization is key to building loyal customer relationships.
  • Enhanced Entertainment Options: With robust wireless connectivity, guests have access to streaming services and other digital entertainment options seamlessly, ensuring a more enjoyable stay.

By adopting wireless networks, the hospitality industry not only meets but exceeds guest expectations, setting new standards for service excellence and operational efficiency.

How Are Wireless Networks Used in Education?

Education Must Have Good WiFi

Wireless networks have become integral to modern education, transforming the way students learn and teachers instruct. Let's explore how they are utilized in educational settings:

  • Digital Learning Platforms: Wireless networks provide the backbone for platforms like Google Classroom and Blackboard. These platforms enable students and teachers to access assignments, resources, and grades from anywhere, fostering a flexible learning environment.
  • Interactive Classrooms: With wireless technology, interactive tools such as Smartboards and tablets connect seamlessly, encouraging real-time collaboration and engagement. Students can participate in quizzes or group projects with minimal technical barriers.
  • Remote and Hybrid Learning: Especially in recent years, wireless connectivity has supported remote and hybrid learning models. Students can attend virtual classes via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, ensuring continuity in education regardless of location.
  • Access to Resources: Wireless networks facilitate access to vast online libraries, research databases, and other educational resources. Students can easily download and read e-books, watch educational videos, or engage with interactive simulations.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams offer a wireless hub for students and faculty to collaborate. They allow for easy communication and management of project work, transcending physical classroom boundaries.


How Can Offering a Guest Network Enhance the Visitor Experience in Businesses?

Providing a guest network in your business can vastly improve the overall visitor experience. Here’s how:

  1. Seamless Internet Access: By offering a dedicated guest network, businesses allow visitors to connect to the internet effortlessly. This means guests can browse, stream, and stay connected without the hassle of seeking passwords or dealing with connectivity issues.
  2. Boosted Security: A separate guest network ensures that visitors’ online activities do not compromise your primary network. This layer of security protects both your business data and your visitors' information, creating a safe environment for everyone.
  3. Convenience and Comfort: When guests can easily access the web, they spend their time more comfortably. Whether conducting business meetings, checking emails, or enjoying leisure activities like streaming videos, the convenience enhances their overall stay.
  4. Improved Customer Perception and Loyalty: Offering a reliable guest network can enhance how customers view your business. It demonstrates consideration for their needs, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits.
  5. Opportunity for Engagement: Businesses can leverage the guest network login process to capture emails, promote special offers, or share personalized content, thus deepening the level of engagement with their visitors.

A guest network not only makes your premises more inviting but also adds layers of security and interaction that benefit both the business and its patrons.


Top 4 Considerations of Wireless Networks for Businesses

As mentioned previously, understanding your employee's work habits is the foundation from which to build upon.However, once you have determined who will be using, and how they will be using your network, you then need to consider the space you are in, the type of connectivity you will be providing, internet bandwidth you’ll need and redundancy.

1 – Planning

Whenever we have a new project, the first thing we ask for are the floor plans. This is the very first step to determine how much and what kind of equipment will be needed. We assess the floor plans by looking at the office layout, meeting rooms and common areas.How the offices are laid out makes a big difference in network design. Are theydense, or spread out; are offices drywall or glass wall? It all makes a difference in the design. We also need details on the building materials(especially important with older buildings that are being renovated), since brick, mortar and wood beams absorb WiFi transmissions like a sponge

2 – Wired vs. Wireless Networks

The choice between wired and wireless networks depends on a number of factors such as user density, device mobility, latency needs and cost. While wired connections offer greater stability, wireless networks provide the flexibility required in today's business environment. The vast majority of businesses we have designed have wireless networking, simply because it is the logical choice.

So, wireless seems to be the clear choice? Well, there are some drawbacks:

  • Requires more configuration, setup, and maintenance than wired networks (budget for this OpEx cost, it’s real).
  • WiFi is prone to interference from microwaves, wireless networks from nearby buildings, un/intended wireless networks installed by members and Bluetooth devices (AirPods).
  • WiFi signals can be blocked or weakened by concrete and masonry walls, timber beams, metal HVAC equipment, glass, drywall, tile, and conduit.

That’s a lot to consider, especially if your space has dense floor plans and or multiple floors.

Typically, wired ports are typically easier to install properly, need less management, and maintenance is straightforward. The downside, if you are building a new space, is that the CapEx costs will be much higher for the network equipment and data cabling installation, than for a fully wireless network.

Regardless, ensure that you have a clearly defined policies for internet use, access to the wireless network and online etiquette.

3 – Bandwidth Allocation

Properly allocating bandwidth ensures that essential tasks receive the necessary resources. High-definition videoconferencing, VoIP phones, and data-intensive applications should be prioritized to prevent bottlenecks.

Allocating bandwidth per employee ensures that the bandwidth from the incoming internet circuit is never too oversubscribed.

4 – Redundancy and Failover Mechanisms

To minimize downtime, incorporating redundancy and failover mechanisms is crucial. Redundant internet connections and backup power sources can keep the network operational even during outages.

How Does the Range of a Wireless Network Affect Its Coverage?

The range of a wireless network is crucial as it directly influences the extent of the area that the network can effectively cover. A robust network range ensures that devices within your business or home can connect seamlessly, regardless of their location within the premises. This makes selecting the right equipment vital.

Key Considerations:

  • Access Point Selection: Choose access points that offer a suitable range for the size of your space. More extensive areas may require multiple access points to ensure complete coverage.
  • Strategic Placement: Positioning access points thoughtfully can prevent dead zones. Consider their location in relation to walls, floors, and ceilings to maximize coverage.

Additional Tools:

  • Range Extenders: These can boost coverage in challenging areas where signal might be weak.
  • Mesh Networks: Companies like Google Nest and Eero provide mesh networking solutions that allow for expanded, stable coverage across larger or multi-level buildings.

Challenges:

  • Physical Obstacles: Walls, furniture, and even metal objects can hinder the wireless signal, reducing its effective range.
  • Interference: Other wireless devices, such as microwaves and Bluetooth gadgets, can disrupt your network’s coverage. Identifying and mitigating these sources of interference can enhance network performance.

Conducting a site survey is a practical step to understand your unique environment better. This will help pinpoint any potential coverage issues and inform the optimal placement of your networking devices.

Power

One word of caution, have realistic expectations. The only backup power supplies that will keep your internet up and running during an extended power outage are diesel generators. Most affordable battery backups are not intended to run for more than 3-12 minutes.These batteries are intended to only provide a “graceful shutdown” to the equipment connected to them. Expecting a $300 battery backup device to power your entire network is not realistic, however they are necessary to guard against brownouts and power surges and spikes.

Wireless Networks Need Internet

Your internet connection will go down.It is not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Cable, fiber, satellite, or terrestrial microwave all have downtime at some point or another. Depending on what your business does, it may not matter if the internet goes out once in a while.Conversely, it may matter a great deal if the internet goes out for your employees….and it will always happen at a critical time for you or one of your team members.

Determining where you land on the scale of “do or don’t care”, this should tell you whether redundant internet connections are necessary for your business. From an IT perspective, redundancy should always be planned for, although the scale of redundancy can be a big variable. For businesses that use cloud based resources for business operations,we recommend, at minimum, two internet connections sourced from two different ISPs. This way, if one ISP is having problems, the other circuit should be operational.

Connectivity

These circuits should be the same type of connectivity, meaning they both should be cable or fiber. Doing this will allow you to “load balance” the bandwidth between the two circuits. If you cannot get two circuits with the same connectivity, you cannot load balance the bandwidth. Instead, you’ll have to have one circuit as a primary and one circuit as a failover. The reason being fiber and cable use two different mediums to transport data. Cable uses copper wire; fiber optic uses glass cables. Because there is more resistance when data travels over copper wire, it has higher latency than fiber. Load balancing requires both connections/circuits to have the same latency.

Businesses have costs to consider when it comes to how much they are willing to spend to ensure reliability.

More to Come on Wireless Networks for Businesses

Stay tuned for the next part of the article, where we’ll delve into selecting the right network equipment and addressing data security concerns. Whether you’re setting up a new office or looking to enhance your existing network, these insights will be invaluable.

Whether your business space manages its own IT or uses a IT vendor ,understanding what goes into high performing wireless networks will help you make more informed decisions for your business