Wireless Network Planning for Small Business

As more mobile devices become critical business tools, the ability to incorporate them into enterprise infrastructure continues to be a challenge. While using the latest device is always an upgrade, if the wireless network that they are running on can’t handle the increased traffic and they are running slowly, what good does it do? While consumers just experience frustration, a business dealing with this kind of scenario on a large scale can face wasted money, time, and resources.

Building a wireless network for your business isn’t as simple as plugging in your ISP-supplied router. Putting together a Wi-Fi network strong enough to support your business can be a daunting task and should be handled by an IT professional.

The number of devices weighs much more on a network’s strength than the number of employees. While a company may not change headcount for years, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities to think those workers may now be using tablets and smartphones. It is common for small businesses to start off with an entry-level wireless router but find quickly it gets overloaded by heavy usage. Do you only have one access point to your network? Are your access points blocked by physical structures within your office?

A wireless network purposely-built will give you the full capabilities you are looking for. Scalability, bandwidth, and security are required features for your wireless network so your company can use advanced business applications such as videoconferencing, unified communications (UC), and customer relationship management (CRM) software.

Small companies lose money when their daily operations are disrupted. Slow network speeds reduce efficiencies and disrupt normal flow; security threats to your network will do the same thing. New viruses come out all of the time, with CryptoLocker being one of the latest major malware threats. Consumer-grade networks can leave you open to vulnerabilities. Business-grade wireless networks offer increased security features.

CTI partners with various providers like Aerohive, Watchguard, and Cisco, to provide you and your business a variety of choices when it comes to your network structure and security. Managing your IT infrastructure may seem like a challenge if you don’t have in-house IT expertise. Let us help you.