A fast, reliable WiFi is not an option for any business. You must absolutely have it in place if you want your employees to be productive. It can also affect the reputation of your business if you operate a customer-focused one, such as a hotel or coffee shop. An updated wireless system is an essential investment to make sure that you go above and beyond with WiFi expectations of employees and customers. Everything boils down to having a reliable system with the right components working together to deliver the best results. Access points are one of the components you need to know about. Let us explain them in detail.
What are access points?
An access point is a key device that serves as a portal for devices connecting to a local area network. Essentially, they are used to extend the coverage of an existing network. Further, you can also use them to increase the number of users connecting to the network. While the router is the central hub that sets up a network, an access point is a sub-device within the network. Grandstream and fanvil are some trusted brands that offer high-quality access points. While you have to pick quality APs, having them in the right number is equally vital for your WiFi network’s performance.
How many access points do you need?
The ideal number of APs depends on several factors. It always makes sense to seek professional advice when it comes to finding the best Voice and data technology solutions for your organization. Here are the factors to consider while deciding the right number based on your needs and circumstances.
Physical space
Your physical space is the key deciding point for determining the number of access points to be installed. While the square footage of your office matters, you also have to consider the shape. A single AP in the middle can work if you have a square space. But you may have to deal with dead zones if the office space is T-shaped, L-shaped, or H-shaped. Distributing your access points strategically can help. Signal penetration also depends on building materials. They penetrate easily through drywall and wood, but not brick and metal. So you will need to pick the number accordingly.
Capacity
Another factor to bear in mind while deciding the number of access points is the expected capacity. With the widespread adoption of BYOD policies, employees are bringing personal devices to the workplace. You will need a bigger bandwidth to support all the laptops, tablets, phones, smartwatches, and e-readers. The more the number of devices to be connected, the more is the number of access points. The tasks that users perform also have a significant impact. You will need more of them if the users do a lot of video streaming and file downloads.
While you will surely need to add access points for large locations and as your users grow, it is best to rely on professional guidance to pick the exact number. Also, do not fall for the trap of having more than you need. Let an expert help you decide with a load balancing approach.