The internet has become an integral component of running a successful business. As the reliance of businesses on online tools, cloud-based applications, and internet platforms has increased, businesses need reliable and robust internet connectivity to stay competitive.
However, traditional wireless networks are not able to cater to the needs of the office because of their limitations. For offices, mesh networking offers a unique solution to provide reliable and robust internet connectivity.
What is Mesh Networking?
Mesh networking is a new networking technology that uses multiple devices or nodes (access points) to extend the range and coverage of a wireless network. In a mesh network, each node acts as an access point and communicates with other nodes to create a network that can cover an area larger than a single router.
Mesh networks are created by multiple router manufacturers, including Huawei and TP-Link, and are popular for the unique benefits they provide over traditional WiFi networks. This makes them a superior choice for office environments.
Problems with Traditional WiFi Networks in Offices
Traditional WiFi networks come with their limitations, which can cause problems in the office environment. One of the primary problems with traditional WiFi networks is their limited range. Office environments are usually complex, with multiple walls and other objects that can interfere with the WiFi signals. This can lead to dead zones and areas where wireless signals are very weak or non-existent.
Another major problem with traditional WiFi networks is their bandwidth limitation. No matter how well the wireless network is configured from 192.168.8.1, with a single access point, all the connected devices must share the available bandwidth. This leads to network congestion and slow internet speeds, which is something that businesses cannot afford, especially during peak working hours.
Limited scalability is another drawback of traditional Wi-Fi networks. Traditional networking in offices can be difficult to scale, and adding more users or devices to the network leads to network congestion, slow internet speeds, dead zones, and other limitations. This further creates challenges for growing businesses that rely on the internet for their operations.
In addition, traditional WiFi networks are more prone to security risks compared to Mesh WiFi networks. Since a traditional WiFi network only has a single access point, if an attacker gains access to that access point, they can potentially access all the devices and data on the network. With a mesh network, that is not the case, as a mesh network consists of multiple nodes and each node acts as a unique access point, limiting access to all the connected devices on the network.
How Mesh Networking Can Improve Internet Experience in Offices
For office environments, mesh networking is a better option for improving the internet experience. Mesh networking can address the aforementioned problems in several ways, including:
Firstly, mesh networks can eliminate dead zones and provide better and constant coverage throughout the office. By placing nodes in the right locations, businesses can strategically improve the strength of wireless signals throughout the entire office, regardless of the user or device’s location.
Secondly, mesh networking can also increase the available bandwidth, eliminating the problem of network congestion. A mesh network consists of multiple nodes, and each node acts as an access point. This allows users to connect to the closest nodes and enjoy a faster and more reliable connection without having to worry about network congestion. This can significantly improve the internet experience, especially during peak work hours.
Mesh networking also has another feature: seamless device roaming. With a traditional Wi-Fi network, devices must disconnect and reconnect to a different access point while moving between coverage areas, which leads to interruptions and delays in service. With mesh networking, devices can seamlessly switch between nodes without any interruption in internet connectivity, so users can move around the office and stay connected to the internet without any delays or interruptions.
Mesh networking also provides enhanced security features. Mesh networks offer advanced security features, just like traditional WiFi networks, but they offer an additional security feature: if one node is compromised, the rest of the network can continue to function normally.
Lastly, mesh networks are highly scalable. Traditional WiFi networks can easily become congested and slow down as the number of connected users increases. However, with mesh networks, you can add additional nodes to the network anytime you want to accommodate more users and devices.
