In today's digital world, a reliable Wi-Fi network is crucial for any SME in Switzerland. It allows your employees to move around freely and work productively while ensuring access to important data and resources.
Innoscale, your partner for all your SME's digital needs, knows how important a smooth wireless network setup is. As an association of four experienced companies, we offer you comprehensive services for planning, setting up and maintaining your WLAN system.
This blog post will guide you through the most important aspects of wireless network setup for your SME in Switzerland. We explain the basics, provide valuable tips for planning and help you choose the right components.
What is a wireless network (WLAN)?
A wireless network (WLAN), also known as a wireless local area network, enables devices to connect to each other and to the internet without physical cables. Instead, WLAN devices use radio waves for communication.
WLAN networks offer several advantages over wired networks:
- Mobility: Employees can move around freely and still access the network.
- Flexibility: WLAN networks can be easily expanded and adapted to changing spatial conditions.
- Cost efficiency: Setting up a WLAN network can be cheaper than laying network cables.
Planning your wireless network setup
Before you start setting up your WLAN network, you should think about and plan a few things. The following points will help you with this:
- Location analysis: Analyze the size and nature of your office or business space. Take into account walls, ceilings and other obstacles that could weaken the WLAN signal.
- User requirements: Consider how many devices will connect to the network and what bandwidth is required. Depending on the number of users and applications, it may be necessary to install several access points.
- Safety requirements: Determine which security measures are required for your network. The use of a strong password and encryption of data traffic are essential.
Selecting the right components
You will need the following components to set up your WLAN network:
- WLAN router: The router acts as the central component of your network and establishes the connection to the Internet.
- Access Points: Access points (APs) amplify the WLAN signal and ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Network switches: Switches enable several devices to be connected to the network.
When selecting the components, you should pay attention to the following factors:
- Range: Choose a router and access points with sufficient range for your office or business premises.
- Speed: Pay attention to the maximum transmission speed of the WLAN system.
- Security: Make sure that the components support the latest safety standards.
Setting up and configuring your WLAN network
Once you have selected the required components, you can start setting up and configuring your Wi-Fi network. The exact procedure depends on the respective devices. However, you can usually find detailed instructions in the manufacturer's user manuals.
Some general steps for setup include:
- Connecting the router to the Internet: Connect your router to your Internet provider modem.
- Configuring the router: Configure the Wi-Fi settings, such as the network name (SSID) and password.
- Placement of the access points: Install the access points at strategic points to ensure optimum coverage.
- Configuration of the security settings: Activate WPA2 encryption and set a strong password.
- Connect your devices: Connect your devices to the WLAN network.
Tips for optimum WLAN performance
Once you have set up your WLAN network, you can take a few measures to optimize performance:
- Positioning of the access points: Avoid placing access points near metallic objects or other devices that may interfere with the signal.
- Channel selection: Select a channel with as little interference as possible from other WLAN networks in the vicinity.
- Firmware updates: Update the firmware regularly