Looking at Wi-Fi connectivity for your office? Here’s how
Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that — using a Wi-Fi enabled computer and modem — allows you to send and receive data from anywhere within the range of a base station. It also allows computers to connect to the internet from anywhere within your “hotspot”.
Setting up a wireless network in your office has a number of advantages. Besides the fact that business associates and customers will be able to plug into your wireless network and work at your office, a key advantage is that one wireless router can accommodate more than 25 devices, so you can have a lot more users plugged into the wireless network than a wired network.
Being Wi-Fi enabled means you can work from anywhere in your office; in a conference room, on the office balcony or in the canteen. And there are no unsightly cables running though your office.
Before installing Wi-Fi, the first thing to do is make sure your computer has the right wireless hardware. Most new laptops and many new desktop computers have built in wireless transmitters. If your laptop does not have this hardware, you can buy a wireless adapter that plugs into the PC card slot or USB port. Desktop computers can use USB adapters, or you can buy an adapter that plugs into the PCI slot inside the computer’s case.
You will also need a wireless router to transmit your internet signal around the office. This is simply a router (similar to a modem) with a wireless interface and a small antenna that will link up the computers to the internet, wirelessly. And if you want a really hi-tech look you can also get a wireless printer and wireless mouse and keyboards.
Here is some advice about common mistakes that many small business owners make when they install Wi-Fi in their offices:
Not reaching the entire office.
Wireless signal strength will vary throughout the office. You should expect “cold spots” and have a back-up plan for reaching these areas in the building;
Using obvious passwords.
Never use your name, the name of your department or other obvious information in your passwords; rather try using more sophisticated passwords using a combination of characters, for example P@ssWord!
Neglecting network security.
Make sure your network is secured against hackers, viruses and other malware;
Ensure your equipment supports the latest security standards, namely WPA, and ensure it is implemented instead of older, more vulnerable standards such as WEP; and
Sharing your Wi-Fi access.
Be careful about who you grant access to your wireless network, you cannot afford to have the wrong person accessing your files.
Loading ...