Why Software-Managed Access Points Are Better for Cooperate Wi-Fi

With the Internet becoming an almost inevitable necessity in the modern workplace, Wi-Fi has become equally essential considering the increasing use of wireless devices. Whether it is the mobile phone, laptop or IP cameras and phone IP telephony systems, a stable wireless network is important to ensure a constant internet connection for a better work experience. With these facts in mind, it is vital to choose your office Wi-Fi very carefully.

Points to take into account when choosing the Wi-Fi for your office

Look at the office layout before designing

The office layout plan is the first thing to consider when designing your wireless network. This is because most wireless access points have some limitations when it comes to distance. If the area is too large, you need to figure out how far your access point of choice can transmit just to make sure everyone who needs to connect can receive the signal.

Look at the type of walls used within the area

The other factor to consider will be the types of walls within the office area. Wi-Fi doesn’t transmit through solid walls and this can restrict your signal to shorter distances than your chosen access point can actually cover. Offices that have partitions with solid blocked walls can be quite a challenge. If the partitions are made with glass, it is often easier because the signal can easily leak through the glass walls.

Consider the expected users and their accessibility rights

The need for a guest Wi-Fi is another vital element to consider. Most, if not all, software-managed access points have a provision to include the standard SSID, as well as an additional guest SSID, both running from the same software. Guest SSIDs will always be useful as they give the network administrator the option to separate guest users from the main cooperative network. This ensures that the risk of unauthorized access to major shared resources, such as printers and databases, is prohibited for such users.

What are the main advantages of using software controlled access points?

You can set more than 1 SSID

There are numerous advantages to using these types of access points. These will range from the fact that you can have more than one SSID set up on the same network to the fact that they will offer seamless transfer as you move around the office from one access point to the next. Since all access points generally read the software, your devices don’t have to log off and search for a new SSID as you move around your office space.

Manage your connected devices from one point (DHCP server management)

You also have the opportunity to avoid having so many DHCP servers within the same network. Standalone access points can sometimes be difficult to manage, especially if they start leasing addresses on your network. Troubleshooting within a software-managed wireless network is also easier considering that the software will often select all available devices. Under normal circumstances, the software can even give you a quick health scan giving you a quick head start when looking for a fault within the network.

Top concerns when dealing with software-managed access points

Perhaps one of the most common concerns when it comes to software-managed access points includes the fact that they are not cheap, and secondly; They’re not as simple to plug and play right out of the box as most common self-supporting access points. However, it is worth noting that despite the cost of the devices and their need for more skilled technical expertise for configuration and management, they are a better option as they will ensure your network is stable and better managed.