Managed WIFI
How it Works
M anaged WIFI is an outsourced wireless network that allows residents, guests, or customers to connect to the Internet via multiple access points throughout a building, ensuring property-wide access. It’s a cloud-based technology, meaning that WIFI providers manage, control, and troubleshoot a business or property’s WiFi remotely, removing the need for an on-site IT department to manage a building’s WiFi network.
“I never thought that WIFI planning was important, after discussing with NSA engineers – I realized there are considerations to planning and deploying WIFI in a large area.”
– Mr Ang
Benefits of Managed WIFI
1. Cost-Effective
Managed WiFi is managed by the Service provider, meaning businesses can cut the costs associated with needing an on-site IT department to manage and troubleshoot a property’s WiFi, as well as have access to cutting-edge wireless technology and cyber-security professionals.
2. Reliability
Nothing is worse than the WiFi connection going down (or being spotty) to ruin productivity. For many businesses, this would mean having their IT department diagnose the issue or call in a specialist to figure out the issue.
For those who use a managed WiFi network, providers have 24/7 Dedicated Support that diagnoses, troubleshoot, and fix WiFi problems remotely – without having to come on-site for support. These providers also have monitoring practices in place to reduce downtown.
3. Scalability
One of the biggest benefits of managed WiFi networks is scalability. With managed WiFi, providers can simply add new access points or WiFi extenders to the areas of a building they notice have poor connections – before users even notice. This is especially useful for large, multi-unit apartment complexes, large nationwide warehouse and chain-retail stores, hospitals, and enterprise offices.
Managed WiFi providers also have the latest technology. With traditional, unmanaged WiFi access points, only a few devices can be connected at a time. Managed WiFi not only provides multiple access points (literally up to hundreds for large properties), but these providers’ access points can also individually handle hundreds of devices per access point.
4. Security
As mentioned earlier, security can be a major concern of managed WiFi connections – however for many, it’s a major benefit (as long as the provider has ethical practices.)
Managed WiFi is considered a better option than an internal IT department in terms of security because it allows businesses to outsource to trained professionals. These security professionals know the best practices for setting up the most secure networks and admin controls. They are able to authenticate connections, and monitor networks for potential attacks and breaches.
5. Monitoring & Reporting
Managed WiFi providers have state-of-the-art tools to monitor and report on connectivity, potential security breaches, network reliability and speed, and more. With traditional providers and on-site IT departments, it would be on them to figure out how to best monitor and report on their networks. With managed WiFi providers, there is no need – saving money and giving businesses access to industry-leading software and tools.
6. RF Surveying
A wireless RF survey (or radio-frequency survey) is the mapping of a property to plan and design a wireless network that has wide-coverage throughout a building. Managed WiFi providers conduct RF surveys to design the most reliable network that reaches all corners of a building – ensuring all residents, employees, or customers have access.