Wi-Fi has becomes an essential way to connect to the Internet in a professional setting. Collaborators, partners, clients; all need it to share data without barriers. Especially as more and more are equipped with smartphones and touch tablets. Consequence: Wireless routers are everywhere in business and commercial premises.
1. Do you need a wireless router?
Using a router is not necessarily necessary. You can use an Ethernet wired connection to connect fixed stations, endpoint. Except that most mobile devices (including laptops) do not have an Ethernet port, and a wireless network is the only solution to connect the entire hardware stock.
In commercial premises, shops, showrooms, demonstration stands, wireless routers also enable audio or video streaming from a multimedia server connected to the wireless router, linking speakers or a monitor. Note on this point that the standard Wi-Fi Direct makes it possible to dispense with router according to the uses.
2. Choose the right network standard
Now let's talk about the features and functionality that seem absolutely necessary in a wireless router. And there the standards of Wi-Fi connectivity are important. 802.11g (maximum data rate: 54 Mbit / s, internal range ~ 25 m, external range ~ 75 m), 802.11n And 802.11ac (maximum throughput of 1300 Mbit / s, internal range ~ 20 m, external range ~ 50 m), for example, define the maximum theoretical wireless throughput proposed by the wireless routers but also their range.
The choice of the standard, beyond the price of the hardware, will therefore define the applications that will pass through the wireless network. Streaming the video while performing a data backup with 802.11g risk for example to be complicated.
3. Interpretation of Wi-Fi network speeds
Remember that you should always take the manufacturers' declarations on the flows with tweezers. As such, they almost always refer to these data as "theoretical".
Concretely, you will see in the record flows from 350Mb / s to 1900Mb / s (megabits per second), but you will never see the color in a classic office environment. Walls, doors, multiplicity of connected devices and other obstacles will degrade the speed of data transmission announced. A plethora of other specifications and standards also influence the actual speeds of routers. Use the theoretical speeds announced as general indications, rather than as precise tools.
Example of a wireless router.
Fortunately, 802.11ac wireless routers are capable of streaming HD video over a reasonable distance, provided there are not too many obstacles on the path between the router and the receiving device. And when buying, remember that the speed of a router determines the maximum speed of your corporate wireless network.
On the wired side, you might also need some network ports on your wireless router. Prefer a model with a Gigabit switch (1000Mb / sec) to a 100MB / s port, history to see coming.
4. Data security over wireless networks
Wireless networks are very practical, but often very insecure if you do not take the necessary measures. In case of a gap, anyone can spy on your online activities, use your Internet connection, or access files stored on your computers and infect your systems with viruses.
Any router that you purchase must ship at least the WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access Protocol) standard. But the consequence is that all devices that connect to your network must also support this WPA2 security standard to work. The WPA standard can do the trick, but it is not ideal. Avoid the WEP standard, easily broken by tools that anyone can download for free. Beyond that, do not forget that your network is as secure as the least secure device connected to it.
If standard wireless routers can be used in business, also keep in mind that some routers are designed natively for the pros. There you can benefit from many security tools, including advanced encryption, monitoring tools for devices connected to the network, or blocking devices that do not comply with the company's security policy.
However, even the most secure routers may experience design flaws. And so bugs. This was the case recently Asus, or in Cisco routers which some were recently infected from the design factory with a virus. It is therefore necessary to make a little watch on the topicality of these materials to be aware of the last elements of security.
5. How many bands do I need?
For years, manufacturers have sold dual-band routers, but now it is the tri-band routers that have the odds. Bi-band (or dual band) means that the router is equipped with two radio transmitters, one that operates on a frequency band of 2.4 GHz and the other on 5.0 GHz. This makes it possible to set up two separate wireless networks, to accommodate more people for example. The tri-band routers include a second 5.0 GHz band. Convenient business to further improve network availability.
Be sure to read the fine print of the instructions. Some dual band routers can only operate one frequency at a time.
6. The Smart Wireless Management feature
One of the challenges of wireless network management is the issue of interference. Some solutions use "smart" processes that identify devices and dead or less covered areas. They then target these devices to guarantee a connection. Enhance coverage of your wireless network without going through signal amplifiers or multiplying wireless access points.
7. Quality of Service
Quality of Service (QoS) is not related to the quality of your Internet connection. It comes from a set of mechanisms activated in the firmware of the router in order to prioritize the connection of the wireless network for specific applications.
In the case of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, a QoS setting allows the router to be configured to give voice over IP priority over other applications, for example. Consequently, if someone downloads a large file while you are talking on the phone, the quality of your call does not deteriorate. QoS can also optimize the performance of your network on streaming video. In fact, this avoids having to increase the bandwidth, and make better use of resources.
8. USB connections
There are USB ports on wireless routers, but you have to know how to use them wisely. On some routers, a USB port simply transfers configuration information (such as the network ID and password) with a USB key. But more advanced devices ensure the connection of a NAS server to the router. What to have a server connected at little cost.
Therefore, it is important to carefully look at the generation of the USB port proposed on the router. A combination of two USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports is ideal. A USB 3.0 minimum port is recommended.