More than likely at some point a new wireless infrastructure was installed in your facility.  Your devices needed to send data free from the constraints of cables, and your new WLAN met those demands.  But at some point, along the way, the once reliable wireless network started experiencing issues.  Or maybe it never quite lived up to the expectations.  The sad reality is that most WiFi networks are not performing optimally, for any number of reasons.

Perhaps there was no proper design prior to implementation.  Or the design was based on older standards (e.g. APs in hallways).  Even good designs can become outdated in a short time as requirements change and new devices are introduced to the environment.  Changes in physical space will also change the performance.  For instance, a new wall will introduce attenuation.  Or an end user installs a large shelf to display their collection of expensive wine and the RF signal gets absorbed (this is an actual encountered scenario).  A more typical scenario is a warehouse moving inventory which is constantly changing the wireless environment.

Changes may not even be happening in your facility, but certainly affect your airspace.  Neighboring and competing wireless networks will often have a negative impact, adding interference and contention.  The impact of any new wireless networks need to be measured and addressed.

For all these reasons it’s important to give your wireless network a routine health check.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This way you can identify problems and remediate them before they impact your business.  A wireless audit is also a great option prior to any proposed upgrade to determine if it is necessary or if a simple change in configuration or design may help and extend the life of your wireless network.

Give TPK an opportunity to review your wireless network and see how we can help give your network the necessary tune up you need to keep it operating at peak efficiency.

Undoubtedly, there came a time when your facility underwent the installation of a cutting-edge wireless infrastructure. Liberating your devices from the tethers of cables, the new WLAN catered to your data transmission needs seamlessly. However, over time, even the most dependable wireless networks encounter challenges. Regrettably, the truth is that the majority of WiFi networks aren’t operating at their prime due to an array of underlying factors.

It’s possible that the implementation lacked a meticulous pre-design phase. Alternatively, the design might have been rooted in outdated standards, such as the positioning of access points solely in hallways. Even well-structured designs can become obsolete as requirements evolve and novel devices join the ecosystem. Physical alterations within your space can also significantly impact performance. Consider scenarios like the introduction of a new wall causing signal attenuation or a fervent wine enthusiast installing a sprawling shelf that absorbs RF signals (an actual incident we’ve encountered). A more common occurrence involves warehouses relocating inventory, leading to a perpetually shifting wireless landscape.

Changes might not exclusively originate within your premises; they could stem from factors that influence your airspace. Adjacent and competing wireless networks often wield an adverse influence, introducing interference and contention. It’s imperative to gauge and address the repercussions of any newly introduced wireless networks.

This underscores the significance of routinely assessing the health of your wireless network. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By doing so, you can identify issues and rectify them proactively, preempting any potential business disruptions. An invaluable tool in this endeavor is a wireless audit, especially prior to contemplating any upgrades. It helps ascertain whether an upgrade is imperative or if a minor adjustment in configuration or design could potentially prolong the efficacy of your wireless network.

Allow TPK the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of your wireless network. Let us demonstrate how our expertise can fine-tune your network, ensuring it continues to function at its best, delivering optimal efficiency.

Remember: “Networking” is only one letter away from “not working”