17 December 2019

Will Liu, managing director of TP-Link UK

In the UK, more than 40% of small firms now utilise web-based accounting software and cloud computing technologies in their every day operations. What’s more, with many SMEs now adopting cloud-based systems and collaboration platforms - such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google’s G-Suite - in an effort to improve working processes, the need for seamless WiFi has only intensified.

The good news is that business networking technology is also evolving in order to help companies build a network infrastructure which meets the demands of the modern working environment. When thinking about a strategic investment such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), here are five considerations to maximise network performance and minimise disruption due to poor connectivity.

Multiple networks for effective working

No office should be held ransom by the bandwidth hogger. Unbelievably, some companies still operate on a single network, without VLANs for separate departments. In this scenario most employees will have fallen victim to the chaos caused by ‘the big file transfer’ where the Wi-Fi connection grinds to a halt when a colleague is uploading a video for example. Responsible business owners treat WiFi as part of the core office equipment that enables employees to perform their jobs to the best of their ability and configure the network accordingly.

For example, will departments such as marketing - who typically work with large multimedia or image files - benefit from allocating more bandwidth to prevent lag during downloads? If so, creating multiple, department-specific service set identifiers (SSIDs) within a network can provide them with the security and high performance they need to complete such tasks, whilst leaving enough bandwidth available for other teams.

This can also add to security, with staff from other departments unable to log into each network without the correct credentials. This is particularly valuable for departments such as Finance, to ensure that sensitive information isn’t compromised.

Scaling networks as you grow

It’s important to consider how your needs might change as your business matures. Implementing an infrastructure which can be easily managed and upscaled helps to future proof a business. Modern networking technology offers this flexibility, by combining advanced hardware with cloud-based ongoing maintenance to enable seamless connectivity at scale.

Your network should facilitate your business. To make sure you have the reliable backbone your business deserves, take advantage of a Network Site Survey, to audit your current network and identify weaknesses or opportunities for improvement as well as any physical issues the network has to overcome to determine the best equipment configuration. For example, install Access Points in the correct position across a workplace, and ensure they can be accessed and managed through cloud-based systems to improve network maintenance processes, with the additional capability of being added to retrospectively as a network requires expansion.

Once access points are positioned appropriately, it is standard network housekeeping protocol to reboot them on a regular basis, and complete timely firmware updates in order to keep hardware secure and functioning effectively.

Cost effective connectivity

Like any overhead, business owners need to budget for the initial implementation as well as the ongoing cost of ownership. Beyond initial hardware and roll out it’s important to consider the year-on-year charges for license fees, not to mention management and maintenance.

For example, one-off purchases which cover all functionality and include the necessary management software may well be more feasible than opting for annual licence fees - removing an ongoing financial burden whilst delivering the same level of support regardless of manufacturer warranty periods.

Evaluating the long-term sustainability of wireless networks at the outset can help small businesses to mitigate any risk further down the track and ensure that they continue to run effectively without ongoing impacts to their bottom line.

Maintain security with guest networks

As businesses continue to take their work and data online, network security is another crucial consideration. Ensuring that a network is impenetrable to malicious outside activity must take priority, especially with a third (32%) of UK businesses having identified a cybersecurity breach in the last 12 months, according to the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2019.

Establishing designated guest networks can help to achieve this, by protecting the networks that staff are running on whilst delivering a basic hospitality feature that visitors can take advantage of. Such networks, which can either be accessed openly or using some form of login/voucher-based credentials, prevent visitors from having access to private networks and potentially disrupting the flow of business.

Extending the office

In addition to business-centric issues such as cost, efficiency and security, SMEs may also want to build W-iFi networks which contribute even further to the overall working experience of modern employees. With Wi-Fi’s share of UK mobile data (vs. 4G and download only) now at 83%, businesses should cater to any additional indoor or outdoor areas used by staff - such as break areas or hospitality rooms - in which WiFi access may be needed.

Other businesses might also consider outsourcing their network to a managed service provider (MSP). When this occurs, modern cloud controller capabilities enable SMEs to securely manage and maintain their network remotely for maximum efficiency and uptime.

By preparing the physical work environment with a connectivity infrastructure which reflect the needs of a flexible, digital-centric workforce, decision makers can benefit from increased employee satisfaction and ultimately, higher-value work outputs.

By Will Liu, managing director of TP-Link UK