Wireless Network

Over recent years, particularly with the growth in the use of portable devices e.g., smart phones, tablets and laptops, the wireless network has become more important in both the business and public environments. In addition, with the growth in the last few years of “smart” devices from light bulbs, to TV’s to domestic appliances, the number of devices utilising wireless connectivity has grown massively.

In a domestic environment, this usually results in pressure on the broadband router within the home to provide all of these devices with a sufficiently good wireless signal. If this can’t be achieved then extenders can help to improve the coverage required.

In a business environment though, ensuring that a sufficiently strong and stable as well as secure wireless network can be key to a businesses operation and user productivity. All wireless access points require a physical wired network data cable to be provided to connect the access point, and in most cases also provide power, to the main business data network. This network connection may already be in existence but often, is installed as part of the wireless network planning and deployment.

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There are three key stages to achieving a strong, stable and secure wireless network:

  • Planning – correct planning at the early stages will ensure that the wireless access points that will provide the wireless network coverage are located in the best places to ensure a complete coverage of the areas required. This requires the use of a wireless survey kit e.g., Ekehau, in combination with accurate building plans and either a physical survey of the building, or for new build premises, a predicted wireless survey, using the proposed building plan and fabric
  • Deployment – once a properly carried out actual or predicted wireless survey has been completed, deployment of the required cabling and access points will ensure that the required wireless network will perform to the clients’ requirements. Once installed, an actual wireless survey should be carried out to ensure that the actual network performs and covers the same as the predicted network or the client requirements.
  • Management – once deployed, the main requirement of any wireless network is to manage it so that it performs as required but is also secure. Wireless security is a big issue as by its very nature, a wireless network broadcasts and is not confined to the physical business office or premises and so therefore is vulnerable to outside parties connecting into the business itself. Depending upon the wireless access point manufacturer, management of the network can be on-premise or through a cloud controller.

““Mike and the team at Flexicomms offer a first rate service for all our telephone and Wi-Fi needs and I’m pleased that we’ve switched our business needs to be managed by Flexicomms. From our initial meetings, Mike provided realistic, relevant and affordable options followed by hassle free installation and ongoing support. I’d have no hesitation in recommending Flexicomms”.

Ian Robinson, General Manager, White Hart Hotel

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