Who does not have Wi-Fi? It is all that we live off of now because it is how we stay connected to each other across the world. But sometimes it just does not ‘work’ and of course we blame it on the network!
A proper working Wi-Fi network is essential to your business functionality whether you are a start up or a 20-year striving enterprise.
In our line of business, we hear the complaints about Wi-Fi every single day.
Here are 7 things to consider if you experiencing problems with your Wi-Fi network
1. Did you do a walk through or a survey to determine what can workDon’t be fooled when someone says ‘yes we can set up Wi-Fi for you’. The question to ask is- Are you doing a walk through or a proper survey of my needs.
Many people entrust companies to install Wi-Fi connections to their business with the hope that it will increase their productivity and help them stay connected to their staff and customers. But sadly, that is not always the case.
Ensure that anyone setting up Wi-Fi at your organization covers:
- Throughput Testing
- Understanding of the intended use of the Wi-Fi Solution
- Spectrum Analysis
- Physically Diagramming the intended location
If not, you are guaranteed to get errors and may have to start from scratch. Let’s avoid this at all costs by starting with a Wi-Fi Survey
2. What was the intended use of your wireless set up
This may sound like a silly question. But without understanding the intention of your wireless network, you may pay big money for someone to install a system for you that will not meet your requirements.
Ask yourself some questions like :-
- Am I using it to do videos?
- Surveillance?
- Or just Voice?
Knowing your intentions will save you time, money and resources and ensure you invest in the right system that works best for your business up front.
A network whether wired or wireless is charged with the responsibility of carrying varying data types i.e. Voice, Video etc. The applications that actually use these data types can also be different for eg.
Voice and / or Video for Skype,
Video for Surveillance, and the list can go on and on.
The point is that each application or scenario warrants different consideration that will directly affect the design of the wireless network. It really pays to do it right the first time.
3. Its a numbers game. How many people are wireless?
Who is online? You heard me right. The amount of people on your wireless network affects it’s performance.
Have you ever wondered why certain times of the days or nights, your speed suddenly slows down or comes to a complete halt? Knowing how many people would actually be using the system will help you plan more efficiently for the implementation of the Wi-Fi system in your business.
All wireless devices are NOT created Equal.
Theoretically wireless, unlike Ethernet Switching is shared bandwidth, though there have been advancements in the way that the access points resources are shared, it still pays to fully understand the client environment. The number of clients on any wireless network directly affects performance.
4. When was the last time you checked your frequency?
Did you know that Wi-Fi is delivered over two (2) frequencies; 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. Both options will work but only one may deliver on your business requirements.
Many access points are equipped with dual radios to support both frequencies.
5. Time to switch the channel
Whoever thought that you also had to choose the right channel for your Wi-Fi?
Each frequency is made up of a number of channels. The size of a channel as well as the actual channel chosen directly affects the data transfer capability as well as the overall performance of the wireless network.
6. Can you hear me now?
Phone, PC, Laptop, Ipad which device are you currently using? Or do you have them all running at the same time?
The more devices using the same channel ultimately affects how quickly you can communicate with others in and out of your organization. Simply put, this is called co- channel interference.
Some sources of Co- Channel Interference are
- Neighbouring Access Points
- Wi-Fi Clients
As a business, if this is happening, you can experience a drop in Wi-Fi service including a longer response time by clients and staff. This will conversely affect the other functional application aspects of your business.
7. Horizontal or Vertical? What is the best position?
Do you need it horizontal or vertical? Understanding who is going to be supported on your wireless network as well as the position of the access point and device can and will affect the type of service that you receive.
A misalignment in polarity between access point and end device like a cell phone or PC can result in more than half of the power from the access point antenna; this can equate to bad signal reception and Wi-Fi performance. It pays to really understand the clients that are to be supported on your wireless network as well as whether the intended platform can support such technologies like Polarization Diversity among others.
If you are in business, more than likely, you are dependent on having a reliable Wi-Fi network to increase your productivity and your revenue. Let’s start it off right, by scheduling a Call, (868) 223-1576 to discuss your option and a site survey to engage and implement the best design solutions for the sustainability of your business.
