The Wi-Fi technology we know and love is relatively young. It wasn’t until 1997 that international organizations created the Wi-Fi standard that is now commonplace in homes and businesses. Wi-Fi for businesses is now essential these days. It creates a flexible network in your facility that requires minimal installation and maintenance. That said, you shouldn’t pick up the first router you find off the shelf. There are a lot of factors that go into Wi-Fi options, from Internet bandwidth to security protocols. Read on for a brief guide on choosing Wi-Fi for your office space.
Types of Wi-Fi for Internet Bandwidth
Wi-Fi standards change from year to year, often providing increased Internet bandwidth and better security. Wi-Fi 5 is currently the most common standard in modern devices. Wi-Fi 6 arrived in 2020, but has not yet experienced widespread adoption. Further, Wi-Fi usually transmits via different bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz has a wider range at the cost of much slower speeds. 5 GHz, while in limited range, provides blazing fast speeds not far behind ethernet. Most businesses will be using Wi-Fi 5 with both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Employees can then switch back and forth between networks as necessary.
Wi-Fi Options for Security
Wi-Fi is sending information over the open air. Without encryption, anyone can intercept your data packets and read the contents. Businesses need to adopt modern Wi-Fi security protocols.
There are currently four common Wi-Fi security protocols:
- WEP
- WPA
- WPA 2
- WPA 3
WEP is an old security standard going all the way back to 1999. At the time, it was a plenty secure protocol. That is now no longer the case, and businesses should avoid WEP at all costs. The same goes for WPA, the successor to WEP. Your business should only use at least WPA 2.
WPA 3 is the most modern and secure protocol, but it will require costly hardware upgrades. Industry-wide, WPA 3 is very young and needs time to mature and reach full adoption. Your Wi-Fi network should have strict limitations on who can access it. Either have user credentials to log in, or create a strong password that you change on a regular basis.
Wi-Fi Routers and Extenders in Your Wi-Fi Network
A good Wi-Fi network has a series of endpoints located strategically across the office. These endpoints minimize dead zones, ensuring all employees have a good signal. However, it could get quite costly and complicated to have multiple routers.
These days, Wi-Fi extenders are the norm. These are endpoints that collect an existing Wi-Fi signal and amplify it. They allow you to have fewer routers and a stronger signal over a wider area.
Find Network Options That Work for You
Wi-Fi for businesses is a key component in every modern office. Cloud computing solutions rely on strong internet bandwidth that can reach the entire office. Make sure you understand the Wi-Fi standards, their security options, and how to have a good signal over a wide area.
CSI Jax can help you set up your Wi-Fi network. Contact us today and find solutions to Wi-Fi for businesses and schedule an appointment for your business’s needs.