As the demand for wireless connectivity grows, businesses feel pressured to reconfigure their enterprise networks to accommodate these demands. Some are compelled to build an entirely new enterprise wireless network to help support the Internet of Things, BYOD, the influx of mobile devices, and cloud-based applications.
However, with so many options, selecting the right enterprise wireless network can be overwhelming. Some important considerations to make can be found here.
Intelligence
Does your video stream or video conference seem “choppy” even when the internet connection is fast enough? If so, the issue is likely RF interference. This interference causes a substantial drop in wireless network performance. Much of the interference occurs from WiFi devices, including routers; however, it may also be caused by microwaves or Bluetooth.
It may be possible to remedy this issue by repositioning your devices. However, you may have to replace them with like devices that use a different frequency. A permanent solution is to use technologies like intelligent controllers to detect cases of interference from RF sources and tune your network automatically.
Coverage Considerations
Before building a network, conduct a site survey. At the least, you should identify the following:
- Presence of dead spots
- Areas with more users
- Total connected devices in every room and on every floor
- Construction materials on floors and walls
You have to determine what wireless standard you will use. This is something the professionals can help you with, if necessary.
Security Considerations
For most businesses, wireless network security is a top concern. This is especially important for companies that must comply with various security and privacy legislation, such as PCI DSS and HIPAA. Note that regular wireless networks can only meet regulatory requirements in place. If you want to ensure you are compliant or establish more security, make sure your network has these capabilities out of the box, rather than putting together a “mixed bag” of solutions.
Onsite or Cloud-Based Controller
With wireless network controllers, you can configure, share, and enforce policies on all the Apps in your network. There are two primary controllers available – cloud-based wireless controllers or on-premise controllers. Each of these has pros and cons.
Onsite controllers are more compatible with the legacy WiFi devices and aren’t dependent on internet availability or connection speeds. However, with a cloud-based controller, you have something more capable of handling business units that are geographically dispersed and will support zero-touch deployments.
Work with the Professionals to Determine the Best Solution
When trying to find the right solutions for your needs, consult with The Purple Guys. By talking with those in the industry, finding the right enterprise wireless network for your business’s needs is possible.