What to Look For When Choosing a Wireless Solution

In today's corporate world, having a wireless solution in place is no longer an option; it's a need. With a rising mobile workforce and the BYOD paradigm, companies of all sizes need reliable wireless solutions. If you haven't updated your Wi-Fi system lately, your firm may be losing out on current generation solutions' enhanced efficiency.

There are several wireless solution providers, however, this essay will not recommend one over another. Instead, we'll go through a few essential points to think about while shopping for a wireless solution to help you figure out what your business requires and cut down your possibilities.

What is your preferred method of managing your wireless solution?

The answer to this issue will have the most influence on the Wi-Fi solution you choose, and it will be determined by your demands and requirements. You may manage your Wi-Fi in one of two ways: on-premises or via a cloud-hosted service.

An on-premises solution gives you total control, enabling you to manage each access point (AP) separately or from a single dashboard. This solution is ideal for businesses with a small number of APs.

A hosted cloud solution, such as the WatchGuard Wi-Fi Cloud, allows you to manage many access points from a single online site. For enterprises with a large number of APs, this simplifies administration. However, with a hosted cloud solution, you will pay a monthly charge and will not own all of the management gear.

Identifying the sort of Wi-Fi management your company requires can help you concentrate your search on providers that provide what you want.

Are access points thick or thin?

When evaluating the many forms of administration for wireless systems, you may come across the terms "thick" and "thin" access points. A thick wireless AP may be built without a central console and can work independently. If you just have one or two access points, this approach is perfect.

A thin AP needs and cannot be setup without a central console. You don't have to setup each access point, which makes managing several APs simpler. Although most suppliers provide both options, thin APs are often less costly and simpler to install.

Is it compatible with your current setup?

Anyone who has dealt with computers knows how satisfying it is when "things just work." When picking a wireless solution, compatibility with current gear and software is crucial. Before committing to a solution, consider the following:

• What frequency bands is the solution capable of?
• Is a directional or multi-directional antenna possible?
• Is your firewall, web filter, or other network devices compatible with the wireless solution?

If there is a layer of compatibility, then setting up and administering the wireless solution won't seem like a distinct island of data from the rest of your equipment.

Does it satisfy your security requirements?

Any sort of solution adopted inside an organization has security concerns, and picking a wireless solution is no exception. The sort of security provided or not provided may make or break a contract.

Determine which security features a Wi-Fi system must-have. Which version of WPA2 do you require? Do you need RADIUS server integration? Is 802.1x supported by the system?

You should never compromise on security; instead, find a solution that completely matches your requirements.

Begin by making a list

Hopefully, these subjects have gotten you thinking about the many considerations to consider while looking for a wireless solution for your business. It's a good idea to establish a list of elements that are crucial to your company and make sure that the suppliers you're looking into meet those requirements. This will guarantee that your business makes the best choices possible.