Wireless access points (APs) establish a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) that allows devices to wirelessly connect to your commercial telecoms network. For large businesses, therefore, having a reliable business Wi-Fi connection for users is crucial for efficient day-to-day operations, and those who have experienced spotty Wi-Fi coverage leading to slow and unreliable connections in the workplace will already know how frustrating this can be.
In this article, we’ll aim to help project managers and IT professionals understand the significance of access point mounting and its critical role in optimizing your business’s Wi-Fi.
How Do Access Points Work In Practice?
An access point is a wireless device offering a localized internet connection within a particular zone or region, such as a floor or a complete building. APs can be mounted on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and poles, and should be positioned where they can be easily accessed for regular maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
How you go about this will depend on the needs of your building and its users. Ceiling-mounted access points, for example, maximize coverage in open-plan areas and reduce interference while maintaining a clean appearance. At the same time, wall-mounted APs secure the signal for enclosed rooms and hallways and can be strategically placed to avoid signal collisions.
The strategic placement of APs around your premises is the key to achieving optimal network coverage and signal strength. Effective coverage depends on various factors, however, including the location and environment of your premises – and several internal factors can also negatively affect Wi-Fi coverage, including adjacent walls, your floor configuration/layout, and even wall and ceiling materials.
Site Surveys: Identifying Where To Place Your APs
The easiest way to identify the best locations for your APs is, therefore, to perform a thorough site survey. The survey will assess your business environment and identify Wi-Fi signal hurdles that could undermine your network performance. A site survey will collect data to determine where access points can function optimally by typically investigating Wi-Fi channel usage, signal strength, and interference factors. The aim of the site survey is to ensure that wireless connectivity is uniform and consistent throughout your premises, regardless of whether the user’s workspace is in a private office, an open-plan call center, or a conference room.
Wireless Access Points For Large Businesses
Large enterprises and commercial campuses require robust access points that can handle hundreds of connected devices simultaneously while providing uninterrupted high-speed internet that ensures seamless business operations. The quantity, location, and type of APs you’ll need depends on the size of the area that needs Wi-Fi coverage and the materials and architectural composition of your building. An expert in structured cabling and network design, such as Orion US, can evaluate your workspace layout and provide a custom installation plan for the most effective coverage in your case.
Access Point Mounting Solutions From Orion US
A professional installation and mounting service will ensure your APs are correctly and securely installed. Each installation will consider your premises' location, safety, and power requirements, along with industry best practices for structured cabling and wiring, to create a seamless Wi-Fi experience for your users.
To ensure that your network is achieving its full connectivity potential, please get in touch with our expert team today by clicking here.
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