News and Insights – September 2016

How to Choose a Business-Grade Wi-Fi Solution

Wi-Fi has become mission-critical for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re running a retail shop, clinic, warehouse, or remote office, connectivity is no longer optional—it’s expected. But many Argentine SMBs in 2016 still rely on consumer-grade routers, resulting in instability, poor coverage, and security risks. This month, we explore what makes a Wi-Fi solution “business-grade” and how to choose the right one.

Why Consumer Gear Fails in Business Environments

Consumer access points (APs) are designed for light use in homes with few users. Once you introduce 15+ devices, guest users, VoIP phones, and multiple rooms, performance starts to degrade rapidly. Business networks require hardware that can manage simultaneous connections, enforce policies, and adapt to environmental factors like concrete walls or interference.

Core Features of Business Wi-Fi

• Centralised Management: Cloud-based or controller-based platforms to manage multiple APs easily.
• Band Steering & Load Balancing: Automatically direct users to the 5GHz band and reduce congestion.
• Guest Network Segmentation: Keep customer Wi-Fi separate from your internal network.
• Security Controls: WPA2 Enterprise, rogue AP detection, and device authentication options.
• Coverage Planning: Scalable deployment with predictive mapping tools for signal strength.

Buying Tips for SMEs

• Start by mapping out user density and physical layout (number of users, floors, walls).
• Avoid mixing brands—stay consistent across your infrastructure for support and updates.
• Look for support contracts and firmware updates with a known vendor.
• Budget not just for APs, but for power injectors, cabling, and wall mounts too.

Need a Guide?

Here is a Wi-Fi Planning Checklist to help you get started on the right foot.