Wi-Fi failure can lead to a lot of panic but the appropriate router can prevent such a scenario, so make sure you consider all of the important aspects when selecting one. You need to be aware of your speed requirements for uploading and downloading purposes, your cybersecurity plan and guest wireless network connection capabilities, for example. These considerations are crucial to your business operations, so make sure you know the answers before making your decision.
The following guide will help you choose the right type of Wi-Fi solution based on your business needs:
Your size
Start by considering the number of devices that are on your network. If you are a small business with less than 20 computers and devices, a simple wireless router should be enough to keep your team online. Wi-Fi connected devices in your network may include laptops, connected printers, POS systems, tablets and cell phones, so make sure you take all of them into account. If you are part of a larger company, you will have to look into more advanced options like commercial Wi-Fi equipment, which may be more suitable.
Network availability needs
There are internal and external networks and two types of routers, including an edge router and a branch router. Small businesses that do not rely on Wi-Fi for critical operations can get by with a branch router, which is meant for smaller traffic and generally manages an internal network. This will allow you to send emails and run cloud-based accounting while having some devices logged in without experiencing much slowdown. If, however, you are adding in a POS system along with multiple devices and printers, it would be better to get an edge router as this would ensure network uptime and security. You should also consider the number of guest users you plan on having on your network and whether or not you require a network switch, as this information will help you select the appropriate router as well.
Security needs
This is a very important aspect and you must always have a back-up plan so that your business can continue to operate successfully at all times. Home routers cannot provide the level of security that commercial Wi-Fi equipment can, so if internet access is a crucial component of your operation, consider routers that contain a second WAN port, along with a business level firewall so that your system is secure and up-to-date.
Micro Computer Consulting can tell you exactly what to look for in your Wi-Fi router to help you select the right one. We offer managed IT services and more and would be happy to provide you with more details, so give us a call today!
