Managed WiFi is basically an outsourced managed wireless networking network which enables tenants, visitors, or private clients to access the Internet through multiple wireless access points around a particular building, ensuring more property-wide internet access throughout the building. It is an internet-native technology, which means that Internet service providers (ISP’s) manage, monitor, and manage a property or business s WiFi using remote control, eliminating the need for an in-house IT staff to manage, repair, and upgrade a property or business s WiFi connections. The managed WiFi service provider or administrator (managing an entire building’s WiFi network) is provided by the Internet Service Provider or Internet Provider Company. Typically, this is the primary building owner, but it may also be an individual or small business.
Managed WiFi is designed to save time and money for property owners because it eliminates the need to maintain multiple access points, which can be costly. For example, maintaining wireless connections at multiple access points can be expensive because of associated hardware costs, including routers, wireless cards, APs (antennas for each access point), power sources and more. Also, maintenance fees for APs can add up if they are in constant use by other businesses within the same building.
Managed WiFi provides another big benefit for home network users: portability.
Instead of being tied down to a single access point at a given location, multiple devices can connect via wireless networks at different locations within the same building. This enables people to bring computers and laptops along on trips, vacations, and more. As long as they have internet service providers (ISP’s) with data ports at those various locations, they will have access to the internet without having to worry about disrupting neighbors and/or roommates.
Some managed wifi providers provide a service called on-site activation. With this, a technician comes to your home or office and activates your managed WiFi network. With this service, users can activate their connection at any time. Users do not have to stay at the property to activate it, which makes it convenient. However, on-site activation is more costly, especially for businesses that need to bring their own supplies.
A managed wifi solution also offers stronger security than a traditional wireless network security system. With a managed solution, you have access to various levels of access, such as unblockable zones. These areas provide unmonitored access to the internet, which means your network security is not affected. Additionally, unmonitored access zones provide more flexibility because it allows you to block certain areas from the internet, which keeps unauthorized websites out of your home or office.
Managed WiFi providers also provide mobile devices for in-house enterprise wifi systems.
With mobile devices, employees can use their personal devices at any location in the building. As long as there is a functional connection, employees can stay connected to the company’s business wireless networks. Businesses can further benefit from mobile device management by setting up a help desk, so that employees can easily get in touch with the help desk when they need help.
Finally, many managed solutions include features that improve business operations. Some of these include support for WAP (wireless application protocol), WAN Optimization, off site WAN Optimization, Mobile Enterprise Application Platform (MEAP), and WAN Split Services. This kind of technology not only improves business operations by extending the reach of your existing networks, but also by improving the efficiency of your new connections. For example, by optimizing your wired and mobile connections with WAN Optimization, you can save more on power consumption, improve data transfer speed, improve productivity, reduce maintenance costs, reduce environmental impact, and even cut telecommunications costs.
In this day and age, it is important for businesses to ensure that they have a robust managed wifi solution. Choosing a good provider can help ensure that your devices are kept connected, even when you’re traveling.
- The right provider can also help make sure that your staff stays connected to the information provided by the company’s wireless networks.
- So if you’re looking for a provider that can provide your employees with improved performance, reliable devices, and off-site WAN optimization, consider getting help from a managed wireless solutions provider.
- The right provider will work with you to ensure your devices are optimized for your business operations.