An Introduction to Wireless Networking
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With the growing demand for mobile devices, remote workers, and the internet of things (IoT), wireless networks play a crucial role in supporting the ever-evolving technological needs of organizations.
It’s important to understand the benefits and challenges of wireless networking, and how to effectively design, implement, and manage these networks.
Benefits of Wireless Networking:
Flexibility: Wireless networks allow for greater mobility and flexibility, enabling employees to access the network from anywhere within range.
Scalability: Wireless networks can be easily expanded or changed to accommodate the growing needs of an organization.
Cost Savings: Wireless networks can be less expensive to implement and maintain compared to wired networks.
Challenges of Wireless Networking:
Security: Wireless networks are vulnerable to security threats such as hacking and eavesdropping.
Interference: Wireless networks can be disrupted by other wireless devices or by physical obstacles.
Management: Wireless networks can be complex to manage, requiring IT managers to monitor and maintain the network to ensure its performance and security.
Designing a Wireless Network:
Conduct a site survey: Before installing a wireless network, it’s important to conduct a site survey to determine the best placement for access points and to assess the network’s potential for interference.
Choose the right equipment: Select equipment that is reliable, secure, and supports the needs of your organization.
Implement security measures: Implement security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and access controls to protect against security threats.
Managing a Wireless Network:
Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor the network’s performance to ensure it is operating optimally.
Update Software and Firmware: Stay current with the latest software and firmware updates to improve security and performance.
Plan for Future Needs: Plan for future needs by regularly assessing the network’s capacity and making changes as necessary.
In conclusion, wireless networking has become an essential component of modern organizations, offering benefits such as flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. However, it also presents challenges, such as security and interference, which must be managed effectively to ensure the network’s performance and security. As an IT manager, it’s important to understand the design, implementation, and management of wireless networks to support the evolving needs of your organization.
Full Surveying Capabilities
Our experts are equipped to carry out in-depth active and passive wireless surveys, as well as provide detailed heat-maps post installation.
Cabling and Infrastructure Specialists
Our data cabling team combined with our IT systems engineers and project managers are able to provide you with end-to-end solutions.
Deep Knowledge of Network Security
WiFi networks can inherently produce security risks. It is paramount that your provider builds your network with robust security measures.
Proven Experts
Our claim to be proven experts in IT Infrastructure is backed up by a wealth of accreditations, including ISO 9001, ISO14001 and manufacturer partnerships.
Manufacturer Endorsed
Through our partnerships with Cisco, Meraki, Ruckus and HP, we are able to provide our customers with exclusive offers.
30 Years Experience
With three decades of experience in IT infrastructure, Lynx has been providing WiFi solutions since they became common practice.
Call today on 01908 633833 for complimentary expert advice on your wireless network or use our online form to arrange a survey.
To ensure a reliable, secure and accessible wireless network, it is critical to have your premises properly surveyed. The type of survey necessary is dependent on the nature of the site in regard to the size, structure and required application. Surveys are conducted by our experts using AirMagnet with spectrum analysis to create detailed heat-maps of your premises.
What is an active survey?
Active surveys take place on a live wireless network. They use your existing APs to create a heatmap of your current WiFi coverage whilst measuring things like round-trip time, throughput rates, packet loss and bandwidth. We then use specialist software to perform a series of tasks such as sending/receiving large files and ping tests. Using the results of this survey we can produce you a detailed report that includes heatmaps of your coverage.
When would you need an active survey?
You might need us to conduct an active survey if you have issues that need troubleshooting, or you want to upgrade an existing network. The survey results will reveal any gaps in your coverage.
Active surveys can also be used as post-installation surveys to ensure everything is working as intended.
What is a passive survey?
When we conduct a passive survey, we use an AP and a wireless device (typically a laptop) to generate data about your Radio Frequency (RF) environment. We then take the results and use intelligent software, along with a schematic of the area, to create a wireless network design.
When would you need a passive survey?
A passive survey is the best possible option if you are looking to create an entirely new network that will be required to cover a large area. Unlike active surveys, they do not require the presence of an existing network in order to be carried out, therefore they are ideal for new builds or refurbishments.
What is a predictive survey?
Predictive surveys are carried out remotely by using a plan of your premises and applying simulation tools. We use intelligent software to account for signal loss and reflections from things like walls or large objects and uses ‘virtual access points’ to create a design for you that maximizes coverage.
Why would you need a predictive survey?
Predictive surveys are usually conducted when carrying out a physical survey is not a viable option; this could be due to strict time or budget constraints. Predictive surveys can be carried out remotely and are therefore usually the cheapest option. With smaller locations, a predictive survey is often all you’ll need.
“Since having Lynx install a new network during the summer holidays, the reliability has been incredible. The service they have provided has been top quality and when we needed an engineer to look into an issue they responded immediately and sorted the issue out in seconds.“
– Rob Crilly, Wootton Primary School
Do you have multiple sites?
Cloud wireless systems give you control of all your sites’ WiFi networks from a single web-based portal; simplifying scalability, configuration and maintenance.
Looking for more than just Wifi cabling?
As well as being experts in wireless networking, we also have 34 years’ experience in delivering industry-leading structured cabling networks.
Are you looking for a wireless network for your school?
We have produced a helpful guide that outlines some considerations when investing in a wireless network for the education sector.
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Did you know we also do…
We have a wide range of IT networking services beyond the ones listed on this website. For more information of each of the services below, click the link to visit our networking website.