6 Reasons Your Wireless Network Is Frustrating

Businesses are adopting wireless networking technologies to supplement and, in some cases, replace traditional wired networks. So, Wireless connections can be useful, inexpensive and simplify access for users.
Despite its many potential benefits, many businesses have frustrating experiences with wireless networking that undercut their perceived utility.

6 Reasons Why Your Wireless Network Is Frustrating

Inadequate WLAN Capacity

The term Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Capacity refers to the amount of network bandwidth delivered to clients. Traditionally, WLAN architecture was designed based on coverage. However, with an increasing number of devices operating nearby connecting to the same access point negatively impacts performance. Therefore, WLAN architectures need to consider capacity in addition to coverage when planning access point selection, placement, and backhaul. Device type, capabilities and applications devices are all critical inputs to capacity planning.

Too Many or Too Few Access Points

Devices used in networks to enable a wireless connection is referred to as Access points (AP). AP’s project a Wi-Fi signal that serves to connect to devices to the Local Area Network (LAN). Increasing the number of access points may add coverage and capacity, However, in situations where too many access points are installed, the radio signals from adjacent access points will interfere with one another, reducing network capacity and causing some clients to lose connectivity intermittently. On the contrary, if too few access points are installed, the wireless connection will perform poorly due to insufficient coverage and capacity. Therefore, it’s best to consult experienced WLAN engineer to design the best wireless network architecture for your current and near term future needs. Here at CSG Technologies, we assist companies to design, configure and install the right IT infrastructure that works best for your company’s requirements.

Outdated Equipment

Outdated routers, switches, access points lower your wireless network’s performance. Their incompatibility with the modern technological devices, complex applications and software will limit an IT team from effectively supporting you. Hence investing in equipment upgrades, a regular schedule will not only relieve frustration caused by the poor wireless connection but also make your business competitive.

Inconsistent Monitoring

Keeping an eye on your network system is essential to surface issues which may negatively impact your Wi-Fi performance. To gain optimal network performance, a real-time visibility and usage analysis strategy should be kept in place for your business. It is wise to get an expert to monitor device connections, signal coverage and device location by providing data on user end device access, heat maps of RF signal coverage influx and help project wireless connections on optimal positions, respectively.

Unmanaged Control Over End-User Access

Even though wireless connections enhance capabilities to access a network through multiple devices, it may also impact network security and connection performance. Earlier, we discussed how increasing the capacity of your WLAN may help efficiently accommodate more end users. However, this capacity planning is irrelevant if end-users add large numbers of personal devices to the network. Using a sophisticated user authentication system, such as RADIUS, will help keep unmanaged devices off of your network and the airtime utilization better aligned with your capacity plan. As a result, you can assign policies or specific rules to individual or group of users connected to your network.

Environmental Conditions

One must consider The surrounding environment of the wireless network. For instance, in a warehouse Palleted inventory stored on metal racking can result in signal scattering and reduced performance. Wireless networking provides the foundations for today’s business connectivity. If you find your network frustrating, the cause may be more profound than what meets the eye. Therefore, It is essential to take proactive steps and secure the productivity and efficiency of your business to yield more profits. After all, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.

Do you want to read more on this topic? Check out these articles:

• High Performance Wireless Networks
• Why Wi-Fi is a Security Risk for Your Business’s Wireless Network
• Resources
• 5 Benefits of Managed Services for the Remote Workforce