Description
A stable and secure Wi-Fi is the backbone of any business today, whether it is small or large. All businesses need to connect smoothly online. This is where managed Wi-Fi fits in. In this blog, we will explore what managed Wi-Fi is, how it works, and why your business needs it.
Managed Wi-Fi is a complete solution where an external provider takes full responsibility for the deployment, management, and maintenance of your wireless networking service. Managed Wi-Fi houses the responsibilities of all things ICT from an in-house IT team, unlike traditional Wi-Fi setups, where the internal IT team handles everything, outsourced to experts who ensure that your network runs very smoothly and without a hitch.
Access Points (APs):
Devices that transmit and receive wireless signals and facilitate the connection between devices and the internet.
Controllers:
Devices or software used to manage the configuration and operation of the APs.
Cloud management:
A platform that centralizes all operations in a single point to monitor and manage the whole Wi-Fi network from any location in real time.
Management of Wi-Fi Networks by Businesses
High Security
One of the top reasons for having a managed Wi-Fi is security. The problem has advanced with every passing day due to cyber threats, which means strong security measures are needed. The managed Wi-Fi provider has all the advanced security measures, including WPA3 encryption, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and frequent security updates. All these measures ensure your network is free from unauthorized access and cyberattacks
Better Services Offered
A well-managed Wi-Fi network should be seamless for a user. Managed Wi-Fi is mainly used in high-density environments; hence, all users can enjoy a stable and fast connection. This is mostly relevant to businesses where many devices are expected to connect simultaneously, e.g., offices, hotels, and retail spaces.
Reduced Workload for ITthe Department
Managing a Wi-Fi network has proven to be time-consuming and very complex. By contracting this task outside to a managed Wi-Fi provider, the internal IT team will be able to concentrate on other strategic tasks. This not only improves productivity but also ensures that your network is managed by experts who know quickly how to resolve an issue.
Scalability
The increase in business size automatically increases the Wi-Fi needs of the organization. Managed Wi-Fi solutions are highly scalable; therefore, additional access points can be added to extend coverage with minimal disturbance to the network. Flexibility to adapt to fundamental requirements of the business is guaranteed.
Cost Effective
On the whole managed wi-fi entails upfront costs. However, it can prove really helpful in the long run. All the hardware, software, maintenance, and staffing costs have been combined under one easily predictable monthly fee. This allows businesses to manage their budgets more effectively and easily away from unexpected costs.
Key Pain Points Addressed by Managed Wi-Fi
Connectivity Issues
For an average user, the common situations in normal Wi-Fi activities usually comprise interference, strength of the signal, and congestion of the network. Managed Wi-Fi providers do have sophisticated tools for monitoring and optimization of the networks towards achieving constant and solid connectivity performance.
Security Risks
A major area of vulnerability to small or medium-sized businesses is that even if a few could afford such a feature, security isn't implemented to the level that can fight any cyber-attack; the managed Wi-Fi provider will have the resources and the skill to implement very advanced security solutions that will protect your network from threats.
Maintenance and support
A good running Wi-Fi network requires running maintenance to keep it up and running. However, time and money are usually a challenge for the business. Managed Wi-Fi offers a 24/7 support and proactive maintenance environment in which problems experienced have had challenges and gets addressed very quickly for resolution.
Managed Wi-Fi-how does it work?
Installation
The managed Wi-Fi provider will examine your business premises and optimally install the access points for maximum coverage while reducing dead zones. The provider then installs the access points and configures the network as per your requirements.
Configuration
Once the hardware is put in place, the provider then goes ahead to set up the network features. Among them are the creation of SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers), the setting up of security protocols, and user access control features. Configuration is based on your business needs, thus, for a secure and efficient network.
Monitoring
Managed Wi-Fi providers can monitor your network in real-time using the cloud base platform. Therefore, the providers are able to realize and fix an issue on time. The monitoring tool consists of reviews of network performance, user activity as well as security events.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the one thing that will keep the Wi-Fi network running at its peak. Managed Wi-Fi providers are doing their routine checks; software updates; and security patches, which are to keep the network alive and running in optimum condition. These also provide 24/7 support to handle the issue at any hour.
Conclusion
Managed Wi-Fi is the best way for a business to upgrade connectivity, security, and overall improvement in network performance. Managed Wi-Fi is one of the best decisions you’ll make in outsourcing expert management of your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to focus more on what matters for your business. It helps in providing a seamless, worry-free, and secure internet space for both employees and customers. Managed Wi-Fi is a solution to all kinds of businesses: from the small business to the large enterprise, for scalable, cost-effective, and reliable solutions for all your wireless networking needs.