Coverage that works.
WHAT DETERMINES WIRELESS PERFORMANCE
Access point placement Number and type of devices Interference Building materials Channel selection
WHY PLACEMENT MATTERS MOST
Signal falls rapidly with distance and obstruction.
WHAT TO AVOID
One access point serving a large or divided space Mounting equipment inside cabinets Placing it beside metal or water tanks
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Multiple access points, placed centrally in the areas they serve.
WHAT BANDS TO USE
The lower band for range, the higher for speed.
WHY THAT TRADE-OFF
Higher frequencies carry more data but penetrate less.
WHAT CHANNEL SELECTION DOES
Avoids interference from neighbouring networks.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Survey what is in use nearby, and select the least congested.
WHAT TO SEPARATE
Staff network from guest network Payment systems from general use, where applicable
WHY SEPARATION MATTERS
A compromised guest device should not reach business systems.
WHAT SECURITY TO APPLY
Current encryption standards Strong passphrases A separate passphrase for guests, changed periodically
WHAT TO AVOID
Open networks Hiding the network name as a security measure
WHY THAT SECOND POINT
It provides no real protection and causes connection problems.
WHAT TO TEST
Coverage throughout the premises, with a device.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
Access point locations, channels and credentials.
