Managed WiFi is usually a business option which allows an enterprise to outsource such tasks as laying down the infrastructure, securing, maintaining, configuring, laying down the wireless networks, powering the managed access point and so on. The managed WiFi service provider (NAS), on the other hand, provides internet connectivity services to your business premise. The primary interface for managed WiFi services is a router or access point. Usually, there is one primary interface or router for each workgroup or department in your company. Each workgroup or department connects to the main access point of the managed WiFi service.
With managed wifi, you have the flexibility to decide which interface should be used for the establishment’s connection to the public wifi network. Since several companies provide managed wifi with varying levels of connectivity options to your workgroup, you should choose the interface that best suits your company’s requirements and budget. In addition, depending on the nature of your business and your employees’ access to the internet, you can opt for either client-side or server-side connectivity for your business.
For a small to medium-sized business, it is generally best to use the client-side connectivity for the establishment’s connectivity to the public wifi network as this offers the best cost efficiency. However, if you are able to connect to the public wifi network through a WLAN, there are also benefits to fully managed services for your business. This is because using WLANs will enable you to establish connectivity not only to the public wifi network but also to remote sites as well. This provides your employees with more connectivity options in various location of your establishment.
On the other hand, if your business does not involve you having to maintain a secure connection to the public or a remote site, you may consider fully managed home wifi networks. However, while some service providers do offer this service, others may not be able to offer this. In this case, you can consider the following factors before you select the right provider for your establishment:
Wireless security and encryption:
It is important that you have an effective and high quality security system to safeguard your customers’ personal information. Some providers offer managed wifi solutions with strong-security measures such as WPA 2 Enterprise Wi Fi Alliance. However, be careful to check the features of the service provider and its WPA2 security standards before choosing to use one. It is also important that the managed wifi solutions you are considering offer encryption so that your customers’ information is protected from hackers and other internet threats. Some providers use encryption that is based on a patented algorithm while some others use a WPA2 Enterprise WiFi Alliance based encryption system.
Server optimization: Choosing a suitable server is essential for managed wifi network management. The specific needs of each business will determine the kind of server that should be selected. Some businesses rely on their internal systems such as file servers, backup servers, and database servers. Other businesses may need to utilize third-party services for their data center requirements.
Wireless network adapter:
Before choosing a managed service provider, you must evaluate the type of wireless network adapter that you will use. This is particularly critical if your managed wifi system involves multiple computers. Depending on the size of your workforce and their locations, the type of laptop or desktop device that will be used must be chosen. A good managed wifi provider will be able to offer you an excellent wireless performance throughout the office.
Wireless LAN card: Some businesses also use WLANs (wireless LAN cards) for their managed networks. However, these devices will usually interfere with the performance of other devices.
- Therefore, it is important to consider whether you need to implement managed solutions for your entire office network or only for certain workstations.
- Wlan performance must be managed in a way that all users are able to use the internet without hindering each other’s online activities.
- To ensure superior managed wifi security and performance, you must select a managed solution in-house.
