Managed Wireless: Elevate Your WI-FI Coverage
Providing wireless access for employees, customers, tenants, and guests is crucial. Reliable, high-performance internet is now a key differentiator. Offering WI-FI can attract new business and enhance customer satisfaction.
As a solution provider, Guide Star’s managed wireless service offers high-quality, on-premise internet solutions. Guide Star partners with you to determine the coverage you need.
While great WI-FI coverage is a customer perk, it shouldn’t become a service problem. This article outlines the fundamentals of WI-FI coverage and what is needed to provide the best solution to your customers.
Where is WI-FI Needed?
First, consider where WI-FI coverage is needed and the specific use cases. WI-FI is used in various spaces, including hospitality buildings, multi-dwelling units, arenas, and public spaces. Guide Star works with a variety of markets to create custom-managed wireless solutions.
Many spaces need WI-FI both inside and outside. For example, a resort needs coverage in the lobby, guest rooms, and common areas like the pool. During planning, factor in how many users will connect to the network at any given time.
Decide if the WI-FI will be free, paid, or a combination of both. We will discuss this in more detail later.
Choose a Provider
Next, engage with a managed service provider for desktop design, on-site surveys, and follow-up recommendations for WI-FI coverage.
Guide Star can create a comprehensive technical design emphasizing performance, security, and coverage. We provide a bill of material (BOM) and implementation plan so you know what’s happening at each step of the process.
We also offer complete, professional installation, including construction, electronics, software configuration, and testing. We provide ongoing support with 24/7 telephone assistance and a secure portal for property management.
Determine Network Equipment Vendor
After selecting a managed wireless provider, choose a network equipment vendor that offers secure, reliable access.
For high-end solutions in venues like arenas or public spaces, Guide Star recommends Ruckus or Cisco Meraki network equipment. For low to mid-range solutions, Ubiquiti offers cost-effective options for venues like campgrounds, RV parks, and marinas.
Choosing a trusted network equipment vendor that supports your business needs adds value to your customers.
Review Design/Survey Results & Discuss Connectivity Requirements
After selecting a network equipment vendor, a predictive design and onsite survey will be completed. Your managed wireless provider will present their findings and recommendations for interconnecting the entire network. Connectivity options include ethernet, fiber, or wireless backhaul.
Once you agree on the results and recommendations, the managed wireless provider will compile a bill of materials for the equipment.
Determine Access to the Network
Determine how users will authenticate and access the network. Free WI-FI access often requires users to accept terms and conditions before connecting. Free access is usually slower, allowing users to check email, post on social media, and browse the internet.
For advanced internet tasks like video streaming, consider paid use. Offer various paid packages and speeds to customers who need to connect to the network. Paid use can limit the number of devices associated with a login. Bandwidth policies can limit bandwidth per login, causing devices to share bandwidth or set limits per device.
Proposal, Installation, Go Live
With your WI-FI network framework chosen, review and accept the proposal, begin installation, and go live.
Your guests and tenants want seamless ease and convenience when connecting to WI-FI networks within a unit or across a property. Guide Star provides managed wireless solutions that allow users to have property-wide access to the secure network.
Learn more about Guide Star’s Managed WI-FI Solutions: https://www.guide-star.com/it-security-services/managed-wi-fi-solutions/
We’re Here to Help
Ask the Experts
