Wireless Network Deployment: 4 Things To Know

Most businesses still depend on cable connections for their devices.

19:14 17 December 2021

In contrast, though, the wireless connection has become a preferable choice. As such, you may consider operating your business on a wireless connection, but you need to ensure you get value for your money. To help with this, you can get a service provider to assist in pre-deployment planning.

 

Various companies can now offer extensive services on wireless network deployment. The majority are managed service providers who deal in the Infrastructure as a Service software (IaaS) platform. However, you need to look at each company profile and its quality of service. There are new market entrants whose profiles can give you an interesting read and wider provider options.

 

There are factors to consider when looking at adopting wireless deployment. This article highlights some of these factors, thus helping you plan better. You need to know what type of wireless deployment you are adopting, though. Read on to find out.

 

Types of Wireless Network Deployment

 

Before you work on going forward with network deployment, you need to choose from three types of deployment. Your service provider can help you figure out one that suits your business.

 

1. Centralized Deployment

 

In case your business has buildings and networks close to each other, you can use this network. This network consolidates the wireless network and allows for easier upgrades. In addition, it facilitates better wireless functionality as the controllers are on-premises and are at a central location.

 

2. Converged Deployment

 

Generally, this type converges cable and wireless connections on one network device. Therefore, it helps give consistency in a wireless and a cable connection. A converged deployment can work better if you have a small organization.

 

3. Cloud-Based Deployment

 

This deployment uses the cloud to manage your network devices. It uses cloud computing to provide visibility of the network devices.

 

Let’s now move on to things you need to know more about wireless network deployment.

 

The efficiency of your network may depend on the wireless network standard you choose. In turn, the network depends on specifications and your network environment needs. For this reason, you need to have the following pre-deployment points:

 

4. Network Requirements

 

Getting the right network connection to accommodate your various devices can be challenging. However, you can narrow down your choices by breaking them down in terms of bandwidth, capacity, and speeds.

 

How you intend to use the wireless network will determine the bandwidth and speeds of hardware to install. Likewise, you need to know if you are using light network access. This includes emails and other light browsing needs.

 

Having the right speed can determine your communication network’s efficiency. In other words, part of your pre-deployment planning is knowing if you depend on heavy applications to conduct business.

 

What devices you use are also key to network deployment. You have to consider points like dual-band radio devices and types of transmit power for each device. In addition, if you have devices with applications that need roaming, then your network needs to accommodate them.

 

5. Scope of Coverage

 

You need to determine the size of the network coverage and the number of users in each section. You also need to know the type of users in the different sections and their needs. An example is a record-keeping department with one user versus a four-user sales department.

 

Overall, you need to check how each section uses the network and the value of the wireless network to the work they do.

 

6. Wireless Network Security

 

One of the most critical areas in a wireless network is its security. To achieve this, you integrate devices, data, and users into your network. As a result, this will increase your network’s security. Examples of security measures are device firewalls, data encryption, and user authentication.

 

A point to note is that a wireless network allows you to adjust your network’s security settings. As such, you can utilize the different security types on its platform. For example, you can group your access points (APs) depending on the service set identifier.

 

Additionally, you can filter device access to the network according to the media access control (MAC) address. In so doing, a new device can’t access your network unless you register its MAC address. 

 

7. Access Point Layout

 

How you want your AP layout depends on users and the location of your internet routers. You can have a star or ring layout once you look at these factors. A star layout works out better in most cases because it allows the APs to work interchangeably.

 

Other minor factors you can consider are the cost of deployment and future changes that you may need to make. 

 

Conclusion

 

Performing a wireless network deployment can be beneficial to your organization. However, without looking at the key factors, you may end up with an inefficient network. As a result, you either fail to meet your efficiency needs or consider it too costly.

 

By doing a pre-deployment assessment, you can eliminate post-deployment inconveniences. As a result, you’ll have increased productivity, enhanced mobility, and improved security for your business.