Wi-Fi is an integral part of every business nowadays, whether small or big. A single minute of unavailability can bring your business to a sudden halt. Whether it’s to access email via the Internet, complete daily office tasks, access CRM/ERP applications, or process payments, Wi-Fi plays a fundamental role in today’s business operations.
However, this opens the door for cybercriminals to target unsecured networks and steal sensitive data. In fact, in the first half of 2018, there were over 650 million data breaches, exposing 22.41 million records.
If you do not want your business to become susceptible to cyberattacks, all you need to do is to choose the right set of routers, appropriately set up your Wi-Fi, and keep your network secure.
Here is all you need to know about how to set up a fast, reliable, secure Wi-Fi network in 2023:
Selecting the Best WiFi Router for Business
An electronic device that sends and receives data through a cable to other devices is termed as a Router. They are mainly of two types:
Network Edge Routers
A Network Edge Router is preferred in places that require high-quality networks like data centers and large campuses. They are typically used for video, data, and mobile networks.
Branch Routers
A single platform that offers optimized branch services and helps to improve availability, is what Branch Routers are known for. It helps to run multiple applications & services, in remote areas, seamlessly.
Here is how you can choose the best Wi-Fi router for your business:
Better Throughput
Pick models that are built to endure the current traffic as well as what you expect to see in the coming years.
Scalable Solution
Select an apt router that is responsive to the changing network demands.
Connectivity Needs
Choose a router that can support multiple connection types if you have a dynamic connectivity requirement.
Security features
Built-in firewalls help you to secure your network and at the same time manage your traffic efficiently.
Physical Or Virtual Router Deployments
Traditional Physical routers are meant to perform single tasks under a controlled environment. While deploying Virtualization allows you to ensure better security and get access to more dynamic IPs, as and when required. Virtual Routers are a little expensive but investments in them are worth the money spent.
Setting Up Your WiFi
If you want to set up a wireless network for your business, a stable wi-fi solution is the key component of your overall strategy. After all, your organization’s day-to-day operations rely on a stable wireless network, and Wi-Fi is soon becoming the only option.
Following is a list of hardware required to set up a computer network for your company:
Modem
A modem enables your computer and other devices to connect to the internet. It also converts the computer’s digital data into analog that can be transmitted via cable.
Router
A Wi-Fi router in recent times is compatible with both cable and DSL (digital subscriber line) modems. To reduce interference from nearby Wi-Fi devices, you must utilize a dual-band router.
Firewall
A firewall acts as a filter between your internal network and the external network, such as the internet, to protect your corporate network from unauthorized external access.
Switch
It is a device that allows other network devices to communicate and share data with one another.
Patch Cable / LAN Cable
The foundation of a fast wireless network is based on the foundation of a powerful wired network. Your access points rely on your connections to offer adequate bandwidth to keep your Wi-Fi network working smoothly.
Securing Your Office WiFi
Wi-Fi networks are scalable and versatile; thus, the vast majority of enterprises employ them. However, when it comes to protecting your business data, your wireless network can be a liability if you do not take timely steps to secure it.
Here are a couple of common network threats:
- If your office is in a densely populated area, it can expose your wireless network to a large number of undesired users.
- Wardriving is another threat that your wireless network could be exposed to. If your network is unsecured, the chances of people piggybacking on it increase by several folds.
Here are ways to secure your office Wi-Fi network:
Secure location for your router
Move the router to a more secure location with restricted access such as a locked cabinet, a locked office room, or an area where there is video surveillance round the clock.
Deploy Subnets
It is recommended that you create and deploy subnets for internal and guest Wi-Fi networks. It will enable sharing, reduce congestion, improve network structure, and seamlessly track and prevent undesired network activity.
Use Encrypted SSID Names Passwords
Using default SSID names and passwords can attract hackers to access your machine. So, you must modify your SSID and create a strong password. Also, remember not to repeat your previous Wi-Fi passwords for better security.
Regularly Update Your Firmware
To have a strong and secure Wi-Fi network you must ensure that your Firmware is up to date. So, investing in a high-end secure firmware & software is essential.
Use VPN For Local Traffic
VPNs can prevent traffic snooping. VPNs encrypt local traffic to secure your websites from phishing attacks. So, investing in VPNs can offer several layers of protection with the highest level of security.
Employ SSL Certification
To ensure complete safety of online transactions, critical data, and privacy protection, you must employ SSL certificates. A Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate enables a secure connection between the server and browser that secures your business and your customers.
Do Not Let Hackers Give You Sleepless Nights!
Call our experts to set up the most reliable & secure wi-fi network for your business. Get professional setup and complete network management solutions from XO if you need it.
