When it comes to Wi-Fi in the office, most people for some reason imagine something like this: you buy a router, plug it in next to the reception, come up with a more complicated password, give yourself a pat on the back—as if to say, now we have wireless internet. And then, suddenly, it turns out that the developer loses connection every time someone turns on the microwave in the kitchen, and the sales department consistently complains about “Zoom dropping out.” At this point, everyone starts suspecting the internet provider, but the problem is often elsewhere entirely.
In reality, the requirements for office Wi-Fi are almost always broader than they seem at first glance. You’d think, what could be so difficult: just make sure the internet works everywhere and always, and that it’s fast. But in practice, different departments use the network differently. Some are transferring large presentations over the internal server, some are on VoIP calls all day, and some are just working in email and the CRM. That’s already three different load scenarios, and if you don’t take them into account from the start—it will be painful later.
Sometimes, people fail to consider the number of devices. The so-called 20 employees is not 20 connections, but rather 40 or even 60: everyone has a laptop, a smartphone, sometimes a tablet. Plus, guests arrive and start asking for Wi-Fi. Add video surveillance, add smart printers. As a result, the network is overloaded, everyone is complaining, and once again the poor router gets the blame.
Some applications and programs are extremely dependent on uninterrupted internet connectivity. And we’re not just talking about work-related software, but about entertainment as well. For example, take the iGaming industry. After no-deposit free spins made Vulkan Vegas and other online casinos available to the masses, according to
https://twinspinca.com/no-deposit-bonuses/review-get-30-no-deposit-free-spins-at-vulkan-vegas-casino-twin-101/ many ,people started playing them—including in offices. We know that gambling at work is not the best idea. But let’s be honest—a lot of people do it.
Here’s another point that’s often forgotten: an office is not an apartment. The walls are thicker, there are metal or glass partitions, loads of equipment, and sometimes a neighboring office with the same “brilliant” Wi-Fi solution. As a result, you can pick up six networks in one spot, all interfering with each other, and the speed drops even without heavy traffic.
Security is a whole separate story. At home, the worst you can usually lose is your email password. In the office, what’s at stake is the client database, accounting, sometimes even financial transactions. And if someone from the outside gets into the network, the consequences can be unpleasant. That’s why proper office Wi-Fi is always about a whole set of requirements: speed, stability, security, and scalability.
In short, you can’t just plug in a router and call it a day. You at least need to understand what exactly will be happening on the network. Otherwise, the situation where half the office can only get a signal in the hallway will stop being funny very quickly.