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Network Infrastructure Magazine | Tuesday, September 22, 2020
As a way to accommodate the rapidly growing demand for wireless connectivity, businesses are increasingly feeling the need to re-architect their enterprise networks.
FREMONT, CA: Many businesses are now compelled to build their enterprise wireless network to support the influx of mobile devices, the Internet of Things, cloud-based applications, and the increased adoption of WiFi-hungry practices such as BYOD.
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An enterprise-grade wireless network is above just a collection of WiFi Access Points (APs). At the minimum, it is characterized by superior security and performance, centralized configuration and management, and a much greater capacity for the user density.
Here are a few points to consider before choosing the network.
Intelligence
[vendor_logo_first]Does a video conference or the video stream turn “choppy” sometimes even if the Internet connection is fast enough? There may be too much RF interference. RF interference can result in a significant drop in wireless network performance. Most of this interference generally comes from the WiFi routers and other WiFi devices but can also be because of non-WiFi sources like Bluetooth or microwaves.
Sometimes, this can be solved by merely repositioning the devices. But in most cases, the user will have to replace them with similar devices that operate on a different frequency. A more substantial and permanent solution would be to take advantage of intelligent controllers or other technologies that can detect interference from other RF sources and instantly tune the network and adjust power to better the RF performance.
Security
Wireless network security is a critical concern in the enterprise, especially for the businesses covered by data privacy and security legislation such as HIPAA and PCI DSS. If the user follows those links, they will find documents that provide prescriptive guidance for compliance with such kinds of laws and regulations. There are also guidelines for required security measures such as authentication, rogue AP detection, encryption, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and access logging.
Cloud or Onsite-Based Controller
Wireless network controllers allow the users to have the ability to configure, communicate, and enforce policies in one place on all APs in the network. There are two main kinds of controllers: on-premise wireless controllers and cloud-based wireless controllers. Each has its set of advantages and disadvantages.
Generally, the onsite controllers are more compatible with legacy WiFi devices and are not dependent on the Internet connection speeds and availability. On the other hand, cloud-based controllers can handle geographically dispersed business units and readily support zero-touch deployments.
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