Top tips to effective wi-fi implementation
Wherever we are, we want internet access. But there’s no point rolling out an amazing IT solution if workers are unable to connect to it. We have managed numerous, large scale WiFi implementations in essential locations such as hospitals and airports. These tips will help you take the right approach.
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1. Requirements
Understanding your requirements is critical. Talk to those people who will be using the WiFi. Where is it most important, where is it less important? Is it public, partner or secure? What is the current demand and is this likely to change in the future?
2. Survey
Do a survey to discover where are your black-spots and your sweet-spots.
3. Design
Design your new solution. Where should access points be positioned and what infrastructure do you need to support them.
4. Engineers
Assemble the team you need to deploy the solution. You’ll need infrastructure engineers, access point engineers, coordinators, health and safety people, CDM is important… your plan will tell you the requirements.
5. Backbone
Deploy your solution: make sure the network backbone will handle the solution. What cabling is need to reach access points, are new switches needed? No point have lots of shiny access points without the network to carry the signal.
6. Access points
Deploy your solution: get the access points fitted. Remember you may need to adjust your design as you fit. Be ready with options and strategies to adjust the design where the practicalities demand it.
7. Testing
Testing, testing, testing – after deployment, re-survey, because real life has a way of getting in the way of perfect designs.
8. Communicate
Let people know what you are doing, what you have done and listen to their feedback. Communication; full-on two-way communication is all important.