A successfully managed WiFi solution should involve a comprehensive analysis, design, and deployment. It should also include ongoing monitoring, management, and measurement.
An internet outage is fine for a guest’s stay or a front desk agent’s shift. A centralized, professionally-monitored WiFi network will ensure reliability and speed. That means happier residents and staff.
Cost-Effectiveness
For many organizations, WiFi is no longer just a nice-to-have amenity. It is a critical service that has become as essential as utilities like HVAC, water, and electricity. With a reliable Internet connection, businesses gain sales and revenue. The good news is that a managed WiFi solution can improve network performance and reduce costs.
A managed WiFi service provider allows companies to outsource the tasks involved in designing, procuring, installing, and managing a wireless network to a third-party vendor. This can include RF surveys, network design, hardware and software installation, and ongoing management, monitoring, and troubleshooting of the WiFi network. This saves time and money by eliminating the need for in-house IT teams to manage a critical business function. Unlike traditional WiFi systems, which use a central hub susceptible to security threats, managed WiFi systems are cloud-based. This means customers have complete visibility of all devices connected to their home networks from a single dashboard. This includes routers/modems, WiFi extenders and adapters, smart appliances, tablets, computers, and mobile devices. With this visibility, the ability to remotely access each device and monitor connectivity is possible. It also helps ensure that devices work at full speed and have stable connectivity. This is especially important in hospitality and multifamily housing, where customers or guests rely on WiFi for Internet connectivity.
Scalability
A managed WiFi solution gives you a centralized way to manage your home network devices. You can get one through a management platform or as a part of your Internet service provider’s equipment rental (gateway, router, or WiFi mesh product). The benefit is that you don’t have to buy your wireless network hardware and can rely on a third-party provider to monitor, manage and optimize your home network.
In addition to improving WiFi performance, a fully managed WiFi solution is cost-effective in the long run. A software-only option only provides an easy-to-use interface for monitoring and troubleshooting connectivity issues. At the same time, a fully managed solution includes the services of an IT team that oversees the entire WLAN system. This removes the burden from internal IT teams, who can better focus on other critical areas.
Many CSPs offer managed WiFi as a premium service to their broadband subscribers. This allows them to reduce support costs and generate additional revenue for their businesses. It also offers a better customer experience and helps them differentiate their service offerings. Managed WiFi solutions are designed to improve the home connectivity experience by delivering strong WiFi signals and a fast Internet connection. They allow for a secure, reliable, and affordable wireless network that can handle the growing number of connected devices.
Security
A managed WiFi solution takes multiple security measures to protect your network. These include a centralized authentication infrastructure, automatic tracking of all devices, and wireless intrusion detection and prevention. The best part is it’s affordable in the long run. This can significantly improve your business’s security.
A reliable WiFi connection is a critical part of any business today. It’s what enables employees to collaborate and communicate with each other. Moreover, it allows your company to stay competitive and conduct market research. Less than a decade ago, wireless networking was still in its infancy. Back then, $50 routers were all the rage in IT closets, and a home network was limited to 62 devices connected at once. But now, the average American household has smart devices and streaming services that can strain even the most robust broadband connections. That’s why a residential managed WiFi service is vital to give subscribers the peace of mind they need and deserve.
Flexibility
The technology your business uses daily has evolved, and you need to evolve your WiFi network infrastructure. While a $50 router may have served you well in the past, today, you need a managed provider with sophisticated network management tools and a comprehensive understanding of consumer device usage. This includes parental control settings and streaming optimization during peak watching hours. A good provider will consider all this while providing the best value for your investment. One of the biggest advantages of a managed WiFi solution is flexibility. Most providers offer solutions that are easy to scale as your business grows and can accommodate new locations quickly and efficiently. For instance, your provider can add fresh access points or WiFi extenders to areas of your building with poor Internet connections. This is an excellent option for multi-unit apartment complexes, national warehouses, hotels, chain restaurants, and more. A managed provider should also be able to deliver various other value-added services. They should understand the needs of your business and its devices and be able to offer a range of services from basic parental controls to full-blown WAN monitoring, analytics, and optimization.