Businesses are increasingly realizing the need to re-architect their enterprise wireless service in order to match the fast-expanding demand for wireless connections. The proliferation of mobile devices, the Internet of Things, and cloud-based apps has driven many major companies to create their internal wireless networks.
When it comes to an enterprise-grade wireless network, it’s more than simply a bunch of WiFi Access Points. At the very least, it’s distinguished by improved levels of security and performance, as well as centralized management and configuration, and a greater overall user density. In comparison to a traditional wireless network, the following benefits are often associated with a corporate wireless network:
- Increased capability for collaboration
Your employees will not lose access to apps and files that require a constant network connection as they move from place to place.
- Coordinated administration
Rather than having to do the same operations on each access point, administrators can administer the network from a single place.
- Increased compliance capacity
To ensure regulatory and policy compliance, it usually comes pre-installed with various safety measures and security settings.
- Improved customer satisfaction
Enhanced network-based procedures will be more efficient and less vulnerable to interruptions.
Considerations Before Choosing a Wireless Network for an Enterprise
- Intelligence
When you’re participating in a video conference or watching a video stream, does it ever become “choppy”? There’s a good chance that you’re experiencing excessive RF interference.
Wireless network performance can be significantly impacted by RF interference. While the majority of this interference is caused by WiFi routers and other WiFi devices, it can also be caused by non-WiFi sources like Bluetooth or microwaves.
You may be able to fix the problem by simply rearranging your devices. There are times when it is necessary to replace these devices with ones that run on a different frequency.
A more comprehensive and long-term solution would be to use intelligent controllers or other technologies, such as Dynamic Radio Management (DRM), to recognize disturbance from other RF sources and dynamically tune the network and modify power to optimize RF performance.
- Coverage
You need to undertake a site study before you begin establishing your network. At the very least, you should be able to identify:
- Areas where there is a lack of activity
- Areas that are likely to be frequented by a large number of people.
- The expected number of devices per floor or room that can be connected.
- The sort of materials utilized in the building of the walls and flooring.
In addition, you must decide in advance on the wireless standard you intend to use. For example, 802.11ac Wave 2 APs must be placed closer together than 802.11b/g/n APs if you want to achieve the most performance from your network.
- Security
Enterprise wireless network security is a serious problem, especially for firms subject to HIPAA and PCI DSS regulations. Following the relevant legislation can provide written documentation for enforcing these rules and regulations. There are also requirements for needed security measures like authorization, encryption, identification of rogue access points, and access recording.
Some of these regulatory standards can only be met by regular wireless networks. To avoid having to piece together a jumble of solutions, it’s preferable if your network already has these features built-in rather than having to implement them.
- An On-Site or Cloud-Based Controller
It is possible to establish, connect, and enforce policies on all APs in a network from a single point of management with wireless network controllers. On-premises wireless controllers and cloud-based wireless controllers are the two most common types of controllers to choose from. There are pros and cons to each.
An on-site controller is often more compatible with legacy WiFi devices and does not depend on Internet network speeds and compatibility. If you’re looking to manage many business units throughout the globe, a cloud-based controller is a better option. To evaluate which controller type is best for your company, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each.
- QoS (Quality of Service)
Using VoIP technology and teleconferencing software like GoToMeeting, Skype for Business, or Webex, organizations may communicate, debate, plan, present, or troubleshoot with colleagues and business partners who are located across the globe. All of these activities need high-quality video and audio.
Your workplace wireless network should be capable of supporting Quality of Service (QoS) and, if feasible, voice priority. This gives you the ability to provide speech packets precedence over other types of network traffic, such as multimedia or file transfers.
When comparing different workplace wireless networks for your day-to-day company operations, there are several factors to consider. A managed services provider may assist in reviewing the present network configuration, identifying any gaps or requirements that an enterprise-grade network can address, and recommending the optimal network configuration based on those needs and your budget.
