Why use Wi-Fi? How do I set up Wi-Fi in my business? What should I keep in mind when installing a Wi-Fi network? What about security?
In this article, we’ll try to provide some answers to these questions.
Why Use Wi-Fi in the Workplace? What Are the Benefits?
The primary benefit of using Wi-Fi in a business setting is mobility. More and more people are working on their tablets, smartphones, or laptops; having a Wi-Fi network in your business allows these employees to move around the office without losing their connection, switch between their various devices, and maintain continuity in their work tools.
The second benefit worth mentioning is that Wi-Fi is easier to set up. A Wi-Fi access point, a security key—and you’re all set! Devices search for your company’s Wi-Fi network, connect to it, and are then prompted to enter the security key to gain access.
The third advantage of Wi-Fi is that you can create multiple networks using the Multiple SSID feature without needing additional antennas. You can create different networks with different security keys and different access levels depending on your needs.
Another advantage could be the Wi-Fi Bridge. But what on earth is that, you might ask!
A WiFi bridge is a way to create a connection between two buildings without using cables. Please note that setting up a WiFi bridge must follow certain guidelines to prevent packet loss and, consequently, a poor connection. HelpIT can work with you to determine how to set up such a system.
How do you set up Wi-Fi?
Covering a 50m² open-plan office is not the same as covering a multi-story building with a warehouse. The number of access points and their power will be tailored to your needs and the required coverage!
We can conduct a site survey to identify the areas where an antenna needs to be installed to ensure optimal coverage.
There are two ways to deploy a Wi-Fi network: Standalone mode, which is the simple, basic solution (when the number of access points isn’t too high) and essentially means that each access point is independent; and the centralized mode, which is the more professional solution offering certain advantages such as simplified administration regarding configuration and security, centralized management via a console, and monitoring that provides a comprehensive view of the network.
Another major advantage of the centralized system is that you can switch from one antenna to another without losing network connectivity when you move from one part of your building to another.
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Regardless of the mode you choose, HelpIT can install, configure, or maintain your Wi-Fi network and advise you on the best approach to implement within your company.
WiFi Mesh, WiFi 6, 5 GHz band, 2.4 GHz band, etc…. terms that can sometimes be a bit confusing. Let’s sort them out!
The BANDE5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands:
The main difference between these two bands is speed. Under optimal conditions, the 2.4 GHz band can reach speeds of 450 Mbps to 600 Mbps (depending on the transmitter hardware, internet connection, etc.) The 5 GHz band, on the other hand, is capable of speeds up to 1,300 Mbps
The 2.4 GHz band has historically been the band used by the majority of devices connecting to Wi-Fi. It is therefore highly susceptible to interference and congestion. The 5 GHz band is newer and therefore less congested, but it is less tolerant of obstacles.
What is a WiFi Mesh?
Mesh WiFi is a system that allows multiple WiFi access points to work together to cover a large area without any loss of speed, signal, or performance. It’s like cell towers: if you’re traveling across the country, no matter where you are (normally) you have 4G coverage—and with WiFi MESH, it’s the same thing. From the basement to the top floor of your business, including the warehouse, you’ll maintain a Wi-Fi connection without any loss of quality, signal, etc.
Wi-Fi 6:
Wi-Fi 6 is slowly but surely becoming the standard in Wi-Fi setups, but what exactly is it?
This is the latest Wi-Fi standard certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, the consortium responsible for establishing the technical standards for Wi-Fi technology.
What are the advantages of Wi-Fi 6 compared to earlier generations?
The biggest advantage of Wi-Fi 6 is undoubtedly SPEED. The gain is estimated at +/- 40%, with a theoretical MAXIMUM throughput of 10 Gb/s. In practice, no one will actually benefit from such performance levels, but the average speed of a Wi-Fi network will be boosted by switching to this standard.
In addition, the 2.4 GHz band has been updated with faster data rates and can therefore make a huge difference in places where Wi-Fi is used by many people at the same time (public spaces, open-plan offices, shopping malls, shared offices, etc… )
With this new Wi-Fi standard, say goodbye to latency and performance degradation! This improvement makes Wi-Fi 6 THE go-to Wi-Fi technology for all businesses that need to support a large number of users and devices.
PLEASE NOTE: To take advantage of the Wi-Fi 6 network, you need not only equipment capable of transmitting it (antenna, etc.) but also equipment capable of receiving it (computer, smartphone, printer, etc.).
What about safety?
A Wi-Fi network is subject to additional security requirements. In fact, just as with a wired network or when accessing the network—which requires a physical connection—Wi-Fi can be more easily targeted by hackers. That is why it is ESSENTIAL to protect your Wi-Fi network with the right equipment. This involves choosing professional-grade, non-residential equipment; setting up a GUEST network; implementing a security policy; using a separate VLAN; and so on…
For GUEST networks, there are several methods for securing access: access via a voucher, which will have a defined validity period (in hours or days), or a security code, which can be different for each voucher. Access via a portal, where anyone wishing to connect to your company’s Guest Wi-Fi must read and accept terms of service, enter their contact information, etc., before being able to browse the web—all while limiting bandwidth, downloads, etc.
HelpIT recommends Zyxel, a brand known for its quality, product reliability, and impeccable customer service, offering complete centralized management of your installation via the Nebula Cloud platform: firewall, antenna, switch, and VPN.
Do you need advice or would you like more information about Wi-Fi?
Contact us!
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