Business Wi-Fi:

How to fully connect your workplace building

In today’s fast-paced globally-connected world, the demand for reliable and robust business Wi-Fi is more critical than ever. As hybrid working policies stand the test of time and companies become increasingly digital, the necessity for uninterrupted network connectivity has never been greater. This need, however, is met with significant challenges.

Ensuring consistent Wi-Fi coverage in varied business environments, from sprawling industrial complexes to multi-level urban offices, poses a complex task. Each commercial building presents unique obstacles – like structural interferences and varying user densities – and these require customised networking solutions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for businesses to maintain connectivity, enhance productivity and ensure tight security.

Mobile connectivity powering business Wi-Fi

Offering a resilient, flexible solution to connectivity challenges, mobile connectivity emerges as a vital complement to traditional business Wi-Fi that can often be fraught with problems. Where Wi-Fi might falter due to structural limitations or coverage issues, mobile networks step in, ensuring continuous, reliable access to the internet. This synergy is particularly crucial in areas plagued by weak Wi-Fi signals, such as remote work sites, large outdoor spaces, or densely structured buildings.

Integrating mobile network solutions, especially in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals, offers several key benefits to business owners or commercial building managers, including:

(1) Stable connectivity

Stable connectivity is expected for any digitally operational business. It ensures that internet access is consistently available across all areas of a business, which is particularly crucial in building zones where Wi-Fi signal strength is traditionally weak. This uninterrupted access is essential for maintaining operational efficiency. In environments where connectivity is inconsistent, tasks that rely on online resources can become hindered, leading to delays and potential losses.

(2) Improved reliability 

Improved reliability through the use of mobile networks as a backup for Wi-Fi is crucial for modern businesses. This approach ensures that, even in the event of a Wi-Fi failure, business operations can continue without interruption. Mobile networks provide a dependable alternative when business Wi-Fi networks are compromised, whether due to technical malfunctions, system overloads, or external factors like severe weather conditions. The ability to swiftly switch to a mobile network during such disruptions minimises downtime, maintaining the continuity of business activities. This reliability is particularly important for tasks that require constant online access, such as cloud-based services, customer support and real-time data processing.

(3) Support for hybrid workforces

In a hybrid work environment, employees alternate between working remotely and being present in the office. Ensuring robust connectivity within the office is essential for these employees when they choose to work on-site. This includes providing reliable business Wi-Fi and mobile network solutions that cater to the diverse needs of a hybrid workforce. Robust in-office connectivity supports the dynamic nature of a hybrid work model. It accommodates fluctuating numbers of employees in the office on any given day, ensuring that the network can handle varying loads without compromising speed or reliability. This adaptability is key to managing a flexible workforce effectively.

(4) Disaster recovery <> business continuity 

The role of mobile networks as a fail-safe during Wi-Fi outages is indispensable for maintaining uninterrupted business operations. In scenarios where Wi-Fi becomes unavailable due to technical failures, maintenance activities, or external factors like natural disasters or hacking, mobile networks step in as a reliable alternative. Tasks like accessing cloud-based data, conducting online transactions and communicating internally and with clients can proceed without significant interruption. This uninterrupted access is not just about convenience, it’s a matter of sustaining critical operations that might otherwise result in substantial operational and financial setbacks.

(5) Reduced network congestion

Reduced network congestion is a significant benefit of integrating mobile networks into a business’ connectivity strategy. In environments where business Wi-Fi networks are heavily burdened, offloading some of the traffic to mobile networks can result in a substantial improvement in network performance. This is especially relevant for businesses that depend extensively on internet-based tools and communication platforms. When too many devices are connected to a single Wi-Fi network, it can lead to bandwidth saturation, resulting in slower internet speeds, longer loading times and potential disruptions in video or voice calls. This can hinder productivity and affect the quality of online services provided to clients. By leveraging mobile networks, businesses can distribute the data load more evenly, reducing the strain on their Wi-Fi networks.

Considerations for implementing business Wi-Fi

The following list is a few key considerations that form part of our process here at Shared Access to determine the most appropriate solution for your building connectivity needs.

Bandwidth 

One of the foremost considerations is bandwidth. It’s essential to assess the amount of data traffic your business network will handle. This includes understanding the number of users, the type of online activities (like video conferencing, large file transfers, streaming) and peak usage times. Adequate bandwidth ensures smooth operation without lags or downtime, crucial for business efficiency.

Network security 

With increasing cyber threats, robust network security is non-negotiable. This involves implementing firewalls, secure passwords, encryption and regular updates to protect sensitive business data and prevent unauthorised access. Educating employees about security practices is also vital.

Scalability 

A business Wi-Fi network must be scalable. As your business grows or evolves, your network should easily accommodate additional users, more extensive coverage areas and increased data traffic without compromising performance.

Site surveying

Conducting a site survey is critical for understanding specific connectivity needs. It helps in identifying potential signal interferences, structural barriers and optimal placement of access points. This step is crucial for ensuring effective Wi-Fi coverage throughout the premises.

Flexible solution design

Different buildings, like multi-story offices or warehouses, pose unique connectivity challenges. Multi-story offices may require multiple access points to ensure uniform coverage, while warehouses might need solutions to cover large open spaces and penetrate through metal racks. Customised Wi-Fi solutions, tailored to the specific structural and operational requirements of these buildings, are essential for optimal performance.

Connectivity solutions for all types of businesses

At Shared Access, we pride ourselves on partnering with landlords, developers, and various businesses to enhance connectivity in a wide range of settings. Our expertise is in understanding the unique needs of different locations and providing tailored solutions to improve connectivity. No matter the type of location, Shared Access is equipped to handle the entire process, from planning to implementation.

Commercial office blocks

For offices, our connectivity solutions are tailored to support a variety of business activities, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted workflow for all office users.

Workspace providers

Workspace providers like WeWork benefit from our custom connectivity solutions that support a range of businesses and professionals, ensuring seamless connectivity in collaborative and dynamic environments.

Conference centres

Conference centres require high-capacity, reliable networks to support large-scale events and conferences. Our solutions are designed to handle high traffic and provide uninterrupted service.

Shopping centres

In shopping centres, where foot traffic is high and demands vary, our solutions ensure consistent connectivity, enhancing the shopping experience and supporting retailers.

Hotels

In hotels, we understand the importance of a seamless online experience for guests. Our solutions provide robust connectivity in rooms, lobbies, and conference areas, enhancing guest satisfaction.

Museums

In museums, our connectivity solutions enhance visitor experience by supporting interactive exhibits and easy access to digital guides, while maintaining the integrity of the museum environment.

Conclusion

Hopefully that was a useful and comprehensive guide to business Wi-Fi that paid particular attention to levelling up your building connectivity through mobile network solutions.

From the indispensability of stable and robust connectivity in various business environments to the synergistic role of mobile networks in enhancing traditional Wi-Fi, we’ve covered the spectrum of needs and solutions. And we’ve also delved into the critical considerations for implementing business Wi-Fi, emphasising the technicalities of bandwidth, network security and the necessity of scalability.

If you are a landlord or business in need of mobile connectivity to power your business Wi-Fi requirements, then we’re a trusted pair of hands with a proven record of delivering for our partners, businesses just like yours.

 

For more information about enhancing building mobile connectivity click here.