Internet access is a given when it comes to the office—you can’t work without it. But what if you also need Internet outdoors to support your staff or customers?
The Outdoor WiFi router from CLtel can get you started with high-speed connectivity of up to 1 Gigabit and extend your business’s reach beyond its physical walls. Plus, it’s built to withstand rain, snow and heat, so you don’t have to worry about how it will hold up in the elements.
So, how do you choose the right WiFi arrangement for your business needs? Consider taking these key steps:
Assess your Needs
Start by identifying coverage areas and measuring distances. You may need to assess your current network infrastructure for performance gaps. Understanding how your customers and employees will use WiFi is essential to determining your bandwidth needs. After implementation, ensure to train staff on managing the new setup and provide access to ongoing support for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Plan for Scalability
Once you know your immediate needs, plan for the future. Whether you have a restaurant that could expand its outdoor seating area or an entertainment venue that might one day add an outdoor movie option, be sure you’re investing in the latest tech so you can scale as your business grows or changes.
Choose the Right Equipment
If you’re using outdoor speakers, points of sale, kiosks or other Internet-connected devices, you’ll need to think beyond traditional WiFi. Opt for outdoor-rated equipment that’s durable and weather-resistant. Select solutions that are easy to install and manage. Choose vendors with a strong reputation for reliability and customer support, considering reviews and ratings from other businesses.
Elevate Security Features
Most of the same security features recommended for traditional indoor WiFi also apply to the outdoor variation. You’ll want an encrypted connection with password-secured access. You may also opt to add a guest network so you can provide temporary access to your Internet—and nothing else.
Leverage Management and Monitoring Tools
Security rests in the palm of your hand—literally—with CLtel’s WiFi app that you can access from any mobile device or tablet. The benefits are endless. You’ll be able to see who’s on your network, identify devices using the most data, flag suspicious activity and turn profiles on or off to protect your critical business data. Best of all, it’s free.
Test Signal Strength and Interference
Trees, buildings, and other wireless networks can interfere with your signal’s strength and create spotty coverage. A trained professional can measure signal strength and identify interference sources. You should also analyze channels for congestion and select the less congested one. Also, optimize access points’ placement, height, and orientation to maximize coverage and minimize obstructions. Ensure you continuously adjust settings and iterate testing to reach your peak performance.
Seek Professional Assistance
CLtel takes the headache out of Outdoor WiFi installation, managing the process for you from start to finish and ensuring there are no dead spots.
Ready to get started? Visit our website or call 641-357-2111.
