Wi-Fi is life. Bold statement for sure. But there are a lot of people that cannot live without their devices being connected to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi Internet access for your business is one of the most important services that is a must have to run your day-to-day operations. We’ll highlight seven interesting facts about Wi-Fi including different types of business equipment that can depend on your Wi-Fi connectivity. And it’s not just your smartphone!
1. Is Public Wi-Fi Safe?
When you walk into public businesses like your favorite restaurant, an insurance agency, a jewelry store, or the airport, the likelihood of their public Wi-Fi popping up as an available network to connect to on your smartphone is extremely high. But should you connect? Most public Wi-Fi offerings are not secure, but the FTC offers up some great insight into How To Safely Use Public Wi-Fi Networks. As a small-to-medium business (SMB) owner offering up free Wi-Fi to your customers currently is one of the services that most consumers considering frequenting your business are going to make sure is an amenity being offered. Weather you go the public Wi-Fi route or offer up #2, password protected Wi-Fi, consumers expect it and want it.
2. Password Protected Wi-Fi FTW!
If you happen to be 25+ years or older, you’ll be able to remember a time when Wi-Fi wasn’t available. Introduced to consumers September 21, 1997, Wi-Fi changed when, where, and how we were able to use numerous different Wi-Fi compatible devices. To keep your wireless services stable, and secure you’ll want to be sure the password you establish to protect your Wi-Fi is extremely strong. The other option is to offer a free password protected Wi-Fi network for your customers, with maybe an easier password, while behind the scenes having another network and password for your employees to use.
3. Wi-Fi Replaces Mobile Data Usage
Having access to free Wi-Fi from work, to dinner, to home allows for you to save up your cellular phone plans data. Knowing that my office, home, and other places I visit in between offer up Wi-Fi access, keeps me secure in knowing that the chance of me using up all my cellular data is slim to none. I know I’ve gone a full month and used less than 0.25 GB of my smartphone and tablet data plan thanks for being on Wi-Fi. Being able to have data remaining from your cellular provider is great when you find yourself traveling or in a situation where Wi-Fi cannot be found.
4. Is my Wi-Fi Network Overloaded with Users?
Are you interested in knowing how many users are on your Wi-Fi Network? Not only can you see how many users are on your Wi-Fi network using Network Analyzers, see this data by logging into your router. NOTE: You can also monitor which devices are using how much data.
Depending on the number of employees working at your SMB, this factor will help you determine the type of router to install, where the router needs to be installed (normally a centralized location for best connectivity), install signal boosters, and ensure that your equipment is upgraded often. Mike Kreitzer, CEO of BizVox also adds, “Many users have a misconception about range extenders and although they give you more bars, they are only retransmitting a piece of the WiFi spectrum provided by wireless access point it connects to. This isn’t too bad for in home environments, because you are just trying to extend a couple users connection out to the screen porch. However, in business environments you are trying to connect additional users down the hall. An adequately sized Mesh network is the appropriate solution with wired connectivity to the broadcast device is a must. It’s not about getting more bars but actually extending the network connection for adequate business use and trying for the most seamless coverage of your office area.“.
5. Is my Wi-Fi Fast Enough?
“I feel the need, the need for speed.” Made famous in the original Top Gun movie, these words ring just as true when it comes to great Wi-Fi connectivity. As mentioned above, there are different things to ensure your Wi-Fi experience for your employees and customers. One of the main things includes having a great connectivity. No one enjoys having to wait more than a nanosecond for websites or apps to load on their devices. It also slows down productivity if your employees are being held up by your Wi-Fi network.
6. Compatible Wi-Fi Devices
The list of compatible Wi-Fi devices gets longer each year and will potentially surprise you. Some of our favorite compatible Wi-Fi devices include:
- Cellular Telephones
- Laptop Computers
- Tablets
- Printers
- Scanners
- Smart TVs
- Gaming Systems
- Streaming Players
- Security Cameras
- Desk HD Telephones
- Small Digital devices such as Radios and Clocks
- Refrigerators
- Thermostats
- Watches
7. Who’s Installing my Wi-Fi?
Getting the right team to install your Wi-Fi is where BizVox comes in. Having a professional from BizVox install your Wi-Fi is going to achieve the reliability and security you need for your SMB. Our consultants can create a wireless solution for your business office and across your enterprise campus. Let us design and implement wireless services to meet the needs of your new construction, expansion plans, or upgrades to your existing Wi-Fi environment.
Here at BizVox we’re excited to see how technology continues to evolve the business solutions that will work best for your business. Find out more about Wireless Services – Wi-Fi by completing our Request A Quote form or contacting us at sales@bizvox.net or 843-628-0860. BizVox, Connecting the Charleston area with confidence.
Blog Resources: Federal Trade Commission: How to Safely Use Public Wi-Fi Networks, Wikihow: 3 Ways to See Who is Connected to Your Wireless Network, Google Support: View devices connected to your network and review data usage, USAToday: Top Gun clip: ‘I feel the need, the need for speed’