On the average business’ network, you can find many of its most important assets. As a result, any addition to that network will need to come with some solid deliberation.
If you’ve been thinking about the security or viability of your business’ wireless network, we can provide a few strategies and practices that you can use to build a secure and dynamic wireless network.
One of the first considerations you need to make when you are installing a new wireless network is the hardware and software you are going to need to make it work. You’ll obviously need a modem, a router, and depending on how you need it to function, a network switch. Besides the cables that run from your modem to your other hardware, you won’t need any other hardware unless your space is too large, in which case you may need to purchase a Wi-Fi extender.
Here are some of our most useful suggestions when trying to set up a comprehensive wireless network:
Skip the Consumer Level
Like other types of hardware, there are different “grades” of networking equipment. For your business, you definitely want to purchase hardware that is of commercial or enterprise grade. This will ensure that you have the built-in security you will need when handling people’s sensitive information. Consumer-grade routers and access points simply aren’t built to handle the demands of a business environment, and they often lack the advanced security features, firmware update cadences, and centralized management capabilities that enterprise hardware provides. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends deploying enterprise-grade wireless infrastructure with support for WPA3 encryption and intrusion detection to help protect business networks from unauthorized access.
Prioritize Redundancy
Disasters happen, and you will want to make sure that your network is reliable enough to get back up and running quickly. A solid Backup and Disaster Recovery strategy will work wonders to restore operations effectively when something goes wrong. Beyond data backup, network redundancy means building in failover connectivity so that a single point of failure doesn’t bring your entire operation to a halt. Secondary internet connections, redundant hardware, and documented recovery procedures ensure your team knows exactly what steps to take in an emergency.
Plan for Future Growth
You will want to ensure that your wireless network can be scaled to support organizational growth or higher foot traffic, depending on your market. A network that handles today’s demands well may buckle under the weight of new employees, additional devices, or expanded locations. Building with scalability in mind from the start, through modular hardware, cloud-managed access points, and proper network architecture planning, will save you significant cost and disruption down the road. The NIST Small Business Cybersecurity resource center is a valuable reference for businesses looking to understand the full scope of secure network design requirements.
Protect Every Connection Your Business Relies On
A well-designed wireless network is one of the most important investments your business can make, but it doesn’t end at installation. Ongoing monitoring, proactive maintenance, and periodic security and compliance reviews are what separate a truly resilient network from one that’s simply functional. WheelHouse IT’s managed IT services team can help you design, implement, and maintain a wireless network built to grow with your business and stand up to today’s threat landscape.
The IT professionals at WheelHouse IT are here to help you build your best business. Call us today:
- Florida: (954) 474-2204
- New York: (516) 536-5006
Or Contact Us Today to learn more about how to get the wireless network that is right for your business.
