WiFi can be a great advantage for businesses in today’s high-tech age. Data available from Statistica shows that in the U.S. alone, wireless business internet traffic has risen around 7% in the last five years. By 2023, it is predicted that the wireless internet traffic share for business use will amount to just short of 50%.
The figures are not surprising. There are many benefits to installing WiFi in your premises:
● Flexibility to use devices more freely.
● Increased coworker collaboration.
● Greater staff productivity.
Not only this, but WiFi brings no requirement for extensive cabling, helping to declutter the workplace and speed up the delivery of vital connectivity. Read on to find out more about where to install WiFi.
How do I install wireless internet?
To install wireless internet, you first need an internet connection to your building. Any ISP offering fiber internet (e.g. FTTP) will offer the fastest speeds. WiFi installation cannot progress without this step.
The minimum equipment required is a WiFi router and modem. This will allow you to broadcast wireless radio signals to devices, such as laptops and smartphones. Other devices, such as WiFi extenders, may also be required if you need to boost the signal to reach more challenging areas of your premises.
A new WiFi network will need to be set up and configured using the router settings or supplied software. This process is relatively fast, after which you can begin using wireless internet within minutes.
Where should I install my WiFi?
WiFi is suitable for installation in most types of business premises, including commercial and industrial settings. Common examples include office blocks, retail units, hospitality, and entertainment venues, but WiFi can be equally useful in environments like warehouses and industrial sites. Remote home office workers can also benefit enormously from reliable and speedy WiFi within a house or apartment.
In fact, there are very few restrictions that can hinder the setup. Even if there are physical challenges to installation, these can generally be overcome by a specialist.
Can you install WiFi anywhere in the building?
It is possible to install wireless internet in most areas of a building. As long as there is a power supply and internet connection available, there are few limitations. But to get the best internet speeds and coverage throughout a property, you need to think about the location of equipment, specifically your WiFi router.
There are some areas that you may be wise to avoid:
- Basements
- Attics
- Anywhere with physical restrictions that may dampen the signal into other zones of the building.
The majority of smaller premises can receive decent WiFi coverage from a single WiFi router. These are typically buildings under 2,000 square feet in size. But for larger premises with multiple floors, a mesh network will work well. This involves installing a central access point and then several nodes on different levels.
Alternatively, multiple wireless access points or extenders can achieve the same level of coverage. An experienced specialist will be able to advise on the best approach to take.
Where is the best place to set up your router?
If you position your router centrally in your building, you will generally gain an even signal spread throughout your entire premises. But a central location will not work for every situation. It is best to think about where you need the signal to reach most strongly.
Remember: positioning centrally does not always mean the center of the property. The most central and optimum location is where the signal benefits you the most.
Key things to consider when installing WiFi
● The type of router and the reach of the signal are important factors. Cheaper or older routers may not give you the required coverage.
● You may need to raise the router to a higher position to achieve the best signal, especially if you discover “black” spots in certain areas.
● If your router has antennas, target these towards the rooms you will be working in. A wall mount can be used for more optimal placement.
● Avoid placing your router in the corner of your property since much of the signal will radiate outdoors.
● The size, layout, and materials used to construct the building can all impact the signal strength. Consider these when choosing your router location.
● Ideally, place your router in an area with open space — away from walls, multiple doors, and other physical blockages. Placement behind brick and concrete walls should especially be avoided if at all possible.
● Avoid placing your router near large metal objects like industrial ovens, water tanks, and fridges that may block or reflect the signal.
● Keep your router away from additional devices that operate on the same radio frequency, such as cordless telephones and baby monitors.
● If your router is several years old, it may be using outdated technology. Upgrade to a new router to maximize its effectiveness. For the best possible signal coverage, 802.11ac and dual-band support is a necessity.
● A specialist in WiFi installation will be able to undertake mapping – a process that gives you an accurate diagnosis of exactly where to place the router for maximum effect.
Where should I get internet access?
In business settings, wireless internet should be installed primarily where people are working or where customers gather. As far as it is practical, getting wireless internet throughout your entire business premises could make a lot of sense. But in reality, this may not always be feasible.
So think about where you need to focus on. For example, in a hotel setting, ensuring WiFi in communal areas and guest bedrooms would likely be your first concern. And never overlook the external areas of your property, especially gardens and break-out areas where people may wish to connect.
How do I install WiFi in an outbuilding or external area?
Installing WiFi in a garage, outbuilding or external area is certainly possible. Arguably the most reliable method is to run a solid external grade cable to the building and then attach a wireless access point, but there may be physical restrictions.
An alternative option is to install a wireless extender in your main property so that your signal can reach the outbuilding. Or use a mesh node, if you are operating a wireless mesh network.
A third option is to use a powerline adapter. This option will only work if your outbuilding is connected to the same electrical network as your primary premises.
Arrange your wireless installation today
Now you know where to install WiFi, you should be in a better position to enjoy the many advantages that wireless internet can bring. To get a free quote and consultation for WiFi installation, contact The Network Installers today.
