Reliable wireless connectivity for every employee, guest and business device
Wi-Fi should be simple.
Employees should be able to walk into the office, open their laptop and start working.
Customers and visitors should be able to connect to an appropriate guest service without gaining access to the internal business network.
Meeting rooms, phones, tablets and connected devices should work where they are expected to work.
But business Wi-Fi is rarely as simple as placing a router in the middle of the office.
Walls, glass, floors, furniture, neighbouring networks and the number of connected devices can all affect performance.
A wireless network that worked well for fifteen employees may struggle when the business grows, introduces Microsoft Teams, adds meeting rooms or supports hybrid working.
Stratiis helps organisations design, install, secure and support managed Wi-Fi across offices, shared spaces and multiple locations.
Better coverage. Stronger security. One wireless network your business can manage properly.
Is your business Wi-Fi causing daily frustration?
Wi-Fi problems are often accepted for too long.
Employees learn which desks have poor signal. Meeting rooms develop their own workarounds. People disconnect and reconnect several times a day.
You may recognise some of these problems:
- Wi-Fi is slow in certain parts of the office
- Video meetings break up
- Calls drop when employees move around
- Meeting rooms have weak coverage
- Employees connect to personal mobile hotspots
- Different floors use different passwords
- Guest Wi-Fi shares access with the internal network
- Old access points are still in use
- Nobody knows who manages the wireless system
- The network struggles when the office is busy
- Devices remain connected to a distant access point
- Wi-Fi works well near the router but poorly elsewhere
- Employees need to reconnect at different sites
- Printer and connected-device access is unreliable
- Support teams blame the broadband provider
- There is no central visibility of performance
These problems may be caused by Wi-Fi.
They may also involve broadband, cabling, switches, firewalls or device configuration.
Stratiis reviews the complete environment rather than replacing access points without understanding the cause.
What is managed Wi-Fi?
Managed Wi-Fi is a professionally designed and centrally supported wireless network.
It normally includes:
- Business-grade wireless access points
- Central management
- Secure configuration
- Coverage planning
- Performance monitoring
- Guest Wi-Fi
- Network segmentation
- Firmware updates
- User and device controls
- Fault support
- Ongoing optimisation
- Lifecycle management
The service may cover one office or many locations.
A managed platform gives the support team greater visibility than a collection of standalone routers and access points.
It can show:
- Which access points are online
- How many devices are connected
- Where users are experiencing poor signal
- Whether channels are congested
- Which devices use the most data
- Whether an access point needs attention
- Whether firmware is current
- Whether a site has gone offline
This information can make fault investigation faster and more accurate.
Why is business Wi-Fi different from home Wi-Fi?
A home router may support a small number of people in a relatively simple environment.
A business wireless network may need to support:
- Dozens or hundreds of employees
- Several access points
- Multiple floors
- Meeting rooms
- Shared offices
- Business phones
- Tablets
- Printers
- Guest devices
- CCTV
- Sensors
- Door-entry systems
- Different security policies
- Several internet services
Business Wi-Fi also needs to consider:
- User authentication
- Security
- Coverage
- Capacity
- Roaming
- Segmentation
- Monitoring
- Support
- Backup power
- Multi-site management
Adding more consumer routers usually makes the environment harder to manage rather than more reliable.
Our managed Wi-Fi services
Stratiis can help with:
- Office Wi-Fi
- Guest Wi-Fi
- Multi-site Wi-Fi
- Hybrid workplace Wi-Fi
- Wireless surveys
- Predictive Wi-Fi design
- Access point installation
- Wi-Fi optimisation
- Secure employee networks
- Device and IoT networks
- Meeting-room Wi-Fi
- Warehouse Wi-Fi
- Community and shared-space Wi-Fi
- Cloud-managed wireless platforms
- Network segmentation
- Wi-Fi monitoring
- Firmware management
- Structured cabling
- Power over Ethernet
- Fault investigation
- Ongoing support
Wi-Fi coverage and Wi-Fi capacity
Coverage and capacity are different.
Coverage
Coverage asks:
Can the device receive a usable wireless signal in this location?
A room may have weak coverage because of:
- Distance
- Thick walls
- Metal
- Concrete
- Glass
- Floors
- Furniture
- Poor access point position
Capacity
Capacity asks:
Can the wireless network support all the devices and activity in this area?
A room can have a strong signal and still perform badly when too many devices share one access point.
Capacity problems may appear in:
- Training rooms
- Boardrooms
- Contact centres
- Open-plan offices
- Event spaces
- Community rooms
- Busy reception areas
A good Wi-Fi design needs both adequate coverage and enough capacity.
Why adding another access point may not fix the problem
More access points do not always create better Wi-Fi.
Access points that are too close together may interfere with one another.
Poorly planned additions can create:
- Channel congestion
- Devices connecting to the wrong access point
- Excessive signal overlap
- Roaming problems
- More complicated support
- Inconsistent security
The design should consider:
- Access point placement
- Signal strength
- Radio channels
- Power levels
- Building materials
- User density
- Device types
- Cabling
- Network-switch capacity
A wireless survey can help determine what is actually required.
Wireless surveys and access point placement
Wireless surveys
A wireless survey helps assess how Wi-Fi will perform in a building.
Different survey types may be used depending on the project.
Predictive survey
A predictive survey uses floor plans, wall types and expected usage to create an initial design.
It can help estimate:
- Access point numbers
- Access point placement
- Coverage
- Capacity
- Cabling requirements
It is often used before installation.
On-site survey
An on-site survey examines the real building and wireless environment.
It may identify:
- Existing signal
- Interference
- Building obstacles
- Poor coverage
- Congested channels
- Installation restrictions
Post-installation validation
After installation, testing can confirm whether the design delivers the intended coverage and performance.
This may reveal where adjustment is required.
Access point placement
Access points should be positioned according to the wireless design.
They may be installed:
- On ceilings
- On walls
- In corridors
- In open-plan areas
- In meeting rooms
- In warehouses
- In communal spaces
- Outdoors
They should not simply be placed:
- Inside cupboards
- Above metal ceilings
- Beside electrical equipment
- Wherever a spare socket exists
- At one end of a large office
- Behind furniture
- Near major sources of interference
Good placement improves performance and may reduce the number of devices required.
Structured cabling for Wi-Fi
Business access points normally connect to the wired network.
They may also receive power through the same cable using Power over Ethernet.
The cabling design should support the required access point locations.
This may involve:
- Cat6 or Cat6A cabling
- Network cabinet capacity
- Patch panels
- Power over Ethernet switches
- Cable testing
- Labelling
- Fibre links between floors
- Outdoor-rated cabling
A wireless design should determine access point placement.
The access points should not be positioned only where old cabling happens to exist.
Power over Ethernet
Power over Ethernet, often shortened to PoE, allows compatible network switches to deliver data and electrical power through one Ethernet cable.
It is commonly used for wireless access points.
PoE can:
- Reduce the need for local power sockets
- Simplify installation
- Support central battery backup
- Allow remote device restarts
- Keep equipment hidden and secure
The switch must provide enough power for all connected devices.
A switch may have enough network ports but insufficient PoE capacity.
The design should confirm:
- Number of access points
- Power requirements
- Switch capacity
- Future growth
- Cable length
- Backup power
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi allows access points and settings to be administered through a central online platform.
This may provide:
- Central configuration
- Multi-site visibility
- Remote updates
- Performance monitoring
- Guest-network controls
- Security policies
- Device information
- Usage reporting
- Alerting
- Easier site deployment
The platform may require ongoing licences.
The organisation should understand:
- Licence terms
- What happens when licences expire
- Data retention
- Administrator access
- Support arrangements
- Manufacturer lifecycle
- Replacement planning
Wi-Fi security and network design
Secure employee Wi-Fi
Employee Wi-Fi should be protected appropriately.
Possible options include:
- Strong shared passwords
- Individual user authentication
- Certificate-based authentication
- Microsoft identity integration
- Device-based access
- Multi-factor-supported onboarding
- Network access controls
A shared Wi-Fi password may be simple to deploy.
It can become difficult to manage when:
- Employees leave
- Contractors receive the password
- The password is written on walls
- Personal devices connect
- The password is never changed
- Several offices use different credentials
Larger or security-conscious organisations may benefit from individual authentication.
Guest Wi-Fi
Guest Wi-Fi provides internet access to visitors without giving them access to the internal company network.
It may be used by:
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Contractors
- Board members
- Trustees
- Tenants
- Volunteers
- Event attendees
A guest network should be separated from business systems.
It may include:
- Internet-only access
- Usage limits
- Time limits
- Content controls
- Terms of use
- Captive portal
- Voucher access
- Self-registration
- Sponsor approval
The process should remain simple enough for genuine visitors to use.
A guest network that requires a lengthy registration process may create repeated reception and support requests.
Captive portals
A captive portal is the page a guest sees before receiving internet access.
It may ask the user to:
- Accept terms
- Enter an email address
- Enter a code
- Use a voucher
- Request approval
- Confirm a mobile number
Captive portals can support branding and access control.
They also create responsibilities around:
- Personal data
- Terms
- Accessibility
- Retention
- Marketing consent
- Support
Guest access should not be used to collect unnecessary customer information.
Separate networks for different devices
One wireless network may not be suitable for every device.
Separate networks may be created for:
- Employees
- Guests
- Business phones
- CCTV
- Printers
- Connected devices
- Building systems
- Contractors
- Payment terminals
- Shared devices
This can help limit what each group can access.
For example:
- Guests may access only the internet
- CCTV devices may reach only the recording system
- IoT devices may connect only to an approved cloud platform
- Employees may access business applications
Separation should be supported by firewall rules and proper network design.
Creating several Wi-Fi names without controlling traffic does not provide meaningful security by itself.
Wi-Fi security
Wireless networks can create risk when they are poorly configured.
Common problems include:
- Weak passwords
- Outdated encryption
- Default administrator accounts
- Unsupported access points
- Shared credentials
- Guest access to internal systems
- Unapproved access points
- Poor logging
- Open management interfaces
- Former employees retaining access
Security controls may include:
- Modern wireless encryption
- Individual authentication
- Certificate-based access
- Strong administrator credentials
- Multi-factor authentication
- Network segmentation
- Firmware updates
- Central monitoring
- Rogue access point detection
- Guest isolation
- Secure device onboarding
- Access reviews
Rogue access points
A rogue access point is an unauthorised wireless device connected to or imitating the business network.
It may be introduced when:
- An employee installs a home router
- A contractor creates temporary Wi-Fi
- A device is connected without approval
- Someone creates a misleading network name
- Old equipment remains active
Rogue devices can create:
- Security risk
- Interference
- Confusing network names
- Uncontrolled access
- Support problems
Managed wireless platforms may help identify unfamiliar access points.
The organisation should also have a clear process for approving network equipment.
Wi-Fi passwords and leavers
Where a shared password is used, removing one employee can be difficult.
Changing the password may require every approved device to reconnect.
This creates a choice:
- Keep the same password and accept that former users may know it
- Change it and disrupt everyone
- Use individual authentication instead
For larger organisations, user-based or certificate-based access can simplify joiner and leaver management.
Device onboarding
Employees may need to connect:
- Laptops
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Specialist devices
- Shared equipment
The onboarding process should explain:
- Which network to use
- Which devices are approved
- How authentication works
- What to do when access fails
- Whether personal devices are allowed
- How certificates or profiles are installed
- How access is removed
The process should be secure without becoming unnecessarily difficult.
Bring Your Own Device
A Bring Your Own Device policy allows employees to use personal devices for some business purposes.
Wi-Fi design should consider:
- Which network personal devices use
- Whether they can access internal systems
- Security requirements
- Device compliance
- Support responsibility
- Data protection
- Guest access
- Application controls
Personal devices should not automatically receive the same network access as managed business computers.
Wi-Fi and key business systems
Wi-Fi and Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams depends on stable network performance.
Wi-Fi problems may cause:
- Frozen video
- Robotic audio
- Delayed speech
- Dropped calls
- Slow screen sharing
- Reconnection
- Poor meeting-room performance
Possible causes include:
- Weak signal
- Congestion
- Interference
- Poor roaming
- Overloaded access points
- Limited broadband
- Device drivers
- Firewall configuration
The issue should be investigated across the device, wireless network and internet service.
Wi-Fi and Hosted Voice
Some business phones and mobile calling applications use Wi-Fi.
Voice traffic is sensitive to:
- Packet loss
- Delay
- Jitter
- Roaming
- Coverage gaps
- Congestion
A Wi-Fi network used for business calling should be designed and tested for mobility.
An employee should not lose a call every time they walk between rooms or floors.
Wi-Fi calling
Mobile Wi-Fi calling allows supported mobile phones to make and receive calls through a wireless internet connection where mobile signal is weak.
It may improve service inside buildings.
Performance depends on:
- Mobile provider support
- Device settings
- Wi-Fi quality
- Internet access
- Firewall configuration
- Roaming
- Emergency-calling arrangements
Wi-Fi calling should not be treated as the same as a managed business phone platform.
It can support mobile coverage as part of the wider communications design.
Wi-Fi and video conferencing
Video conferencing can place significant demand on wireless networks.
A busy meeting room may contain:
- A dedicated room system
- Several laptops
- Mobile phones
- Guest devices
- Wireless presentation equipment
The room needs enough capacity as well as signal.
Dedicated room systems are often better connected through Ethernet where possible.
Employees and guest devices may still use Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi for different environments
Meeting-room Wi-Fi
Meeting rooms often experience wireless problems because many devices gather in one space.
The design should consider:
- Room capacity
- Number of laptops
- Video meetings
- Wireless presentation
- Guest use
- Dedicated room systems
- Nearby access points
- Interference
- Cabling
An access point directly outside the room may not always provide enough capacity when the room is full.
Wi-Fi roaming
Roaming allows a device to move between access points while remaining connected.
Good roaming is important for:
- Mobile calling
- Warehouse devices
- Tablets
- Employee mobility
- Large offices
- Multi-floor buildings
Roaming depends on both the wireless system and the client device.
Poor roaming may cause a device to remain connected to a distant access point even when a stronger one is nearby.
This is sometimes called sticky client behaviour.
The wireless design can encourage better roaming, but the device still makes many of the final connection decisions.
Multi-floor Wi-Fi
A multi-floor building requires careful planning.
Signals can pass through floors and create unexpected overlap.
The design may need to consider:
- Stairwells
- Lifts
- Floor construction
- Ceiling materials
- Shared risers
- Access point alignment
- User density
- Cabling
- Fibre links
- Separate network cabinets
Simply installing the same number of access points on every floor may not produce the best result.
Warehouse Wi-Fi
Warehouses create different wireless challenges.
These may include:
- High ceilings
- Metal shelving
- Moving stock
- Vehicles
- Refrigeration
- Dust
- Large open areas
- Outdoor yards
- Rugged devices
- Barcode scanners
- Voice-picking equipment
Coverage can change when shelves fill with stock.
Access points and antennas may need specialist placement.
The design should be tested using the actual devices and working processes.
Outdoor Wi-Fi
Outdoor wireless may support:
- Courtyards
- Visitor areas
- Construction sites
- Warehouses
- Events
- Community spaces
- External working areas
Outdoor access points may require:
- Weather protection
- Correct mounting
- Outdoor-rated cabling
- Surge protection
- Secure power
- Directional antennas
- Building permissions
- Coverage testing
The network should also avoid extending further than required.
Wi-Fi for shared and public spaces
Shared buildings and public-facing locations may need wireless access for:
- Employees
- Tenants
- Customers
- Volunteers
- Visitors
- Contractors
- Events
The design should define:
- Who owns the service
- Who can connect
- Which systems remain private
- What support is provided
- Whether usage is limited
- How abuse is handled
- How personal data is used
- Who pays for capacity
- How access is removed
A public service should not compromise the organisation's internal network.
Multi-site managed Wi-Fi
Organisations with several locations can benefit from a standard wireless platform.
This may provide:
- Common employee network names
- Consistent authentication
- Central monitoring
- Standard security policies
- Guest Wi-Fi
- Remote updates
- Shared reporting
- Faster new-site setup
- Simplified support
- Central asset records
Employees may be able to visit another office and connect automatically.
Each site still needs its own coverage and capacity design.
Wi-Fi and business broadband
Wi-Fi and broadband are related but different.
Broadband connects the organisation to the internet.
Wi-Fi connects local wireless devices to the network.
A slow experience may be caused by:
- The broadband service
- The wireless network
- The router
- The firewall
- The device
- The application
- Several factors together
A faster broadband package will not fix a wireless dead zone.
New access points will not fix a failing internet connection.
Wi-Fi and leased lines
A leased line can provide strong internet performance.
Employees may still experience slow service if the Wi-Fi is poorly designed.
The wireless network must be capable of delivering the available connection speed to users.
This may require:
- Modern access points
- Adequate access point density
- Correct cabling
- Multi-gigabit network ports
- Suitable switches
- Strong Wi-Fi security
- Capacity planning
Network switches
Access points connect to network switches.
The switches may provide:
- Data connectivity
- Power over Ethernet
- Network segmentation
- Link capacity
- Monitoring
The switch design should consider:
- Number of access points
- Port speed
- Power budget
- Uplink speed
- Fibre connections
- Redundancy
- Management
- Future expansion
Installing modern access points onto old switches may limit performance or prevent them from receiving enough power.
Wi-Fi standards and device compatibility
Wireless technology continues to develop.
Newer standards may support:
- Greater capacity
- Better performance
- Improved efficiency
- More simultaneous devices
- Stronger security
- Lower delay
The latest standard is not automatically required at every site.
The design should consider:
- Current employee devices
- Expected replacement cycle
- Application needs
- User density
- Access point lifespan
- Cabling
- Network switches
- Budget
Older devices may still connect but may not receive every performance benefit.
Wi-Fi 6 and newer wireless platforms
Modern access points may support Wi-Fi 6 or newer standards.
These can be useful in environments with:
- Many users
- Many devices
- Heavy video use
- Meeting rooms
- Open-plan offices
- Connected devices
- High-speed internet services
The benefit depends on whether the connected devices also support the standard.
Upgrading access points without checking switches, cabling and client devices may provide less improvement than expected.
Interference
Wi-Fi uses shared radio frequencies.
Performance may be affected by:
- Neighbouring networks
- Bluetooth devices
- Wireless cameras
- Personal hotspots
- Microwave equipment
- Building systems
- Poorly configured access points
- Legacy wireless devices
A survey can help identify interference.
The design may then adjust:
- Channel use
- Power levels
- Access point placement
- Frequency bands
- Device policies
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz
Business Wi-Fi may use different wireless frequency bands.
2.4 GHz
This band can provide wider reach but offers fewer channels and may experience more interference.
It is still used by many older and connected devices.
5 GHz
This band commonly provides more capacity and higher performance over shorter distances.
It is widely used by modern business devices.
6 GHz
Newer wireless standards may use the 6 GHz band where supported.
It can provide additional capacity and reduce congestion.
Coverage and device support vary.
The wireless platform should manage the available bands according to the building and devices.
Wi-Fi monitoring
Managed Wi-Fi monitoring may provide visibility of:
- Access point status
- Connected devices
- Signal strength
- Channel use
- Data usage
- Client experience
- Interference
- Firmware
- Site outages
- Authentication failures
This can help identify:
- Overloaded access points
- Coverage problems
- Failing hardware
- Unusual devices
- Repeated authentication issues
- High guest usage
- Sites that need expansion
Monitoring cannot replace on-site investigation in every situation.
It provides useful evidence and shortens the troubleshooting process.
Performance reporting
Useful Wi-Fi reporting may show:
- Number of connected clients
- Peak usage periods
- Most heavily used areas
- Failed connection attempts
- Device types
- Data use by network
- Guest usage
- Application categories
- Access point health
- Capacity trends
Reporting should support decisions.
For example:
- Does a meeting room need another access point?
- Is guest usage affecting employees?
- Are old devices slowing the network?
- Does a site need more capacity?
- Is an access point failing?
Firmware and updates
Access points and management platforms require updates.
Updates may:
- Correct security weaknesses
- Improve reliability
- Add features
- Improve compatibility
- Address performance problems
A managed service should include a controlled update process.
Updates may need to be scheduled to avoid disrupting working hours.
The organisation should also know when equipment will stop receiving manufacturer support.
Wireless hardware lifecycle
Access points should not remain in service indefinitely.
Lifecycle planning should consider:
- Manufacturer support
- Security updates
- Performance
- Device compatibility
- Licence status
- Failure rates
- Capacity
- New wireless standards
- Spare equipment
- Replacement cost
A wireless network may continue operating while becoming increasingly insecure or difficult to support.
Planned replacement is better than emergency failure.
Wi-Fi business continuity
Wireless access depends on:
- Internet connectivity
- Routers
- Firewalls
- Network switches
- Power
- Cabling
- Access points
- Management platforms
A failure in any one of these may affect users.
Continuity measures may include:
- Internet failover
- Backup power
- Spare access points
- Redundant switches
- Alternative wired access
- Mobile connectivity
- Another office
- Remote working
The required level of resilience depends on how heavily the site relies on Wi-Fi.
Power cuts
Access points and network switches need electricity.
During a power cut, Wi-Fi may stop even if the internet provider's external service remains available.
Possible protections include:
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies
- Generator power
- Backup switches
- Mobile hotspots
- Alternative work locations
Where Wi-Fi supports business phones or critical devices, power resilience should be considered carefully.
Managed Wi-Fi for different sectors
Accountancy firms
Accountancy firms may need secure Wi-Fi for:
- Employees
- Partners
- Client meeting rooms
- Microsoft Teams
- Cloud accounting
- Guest access
- Hybrid working
- Business mobiles
- Printers
- Shared offices
Client devices should use a separate guest network.
The internal wireless service should support confidentiality and access to cloud systems.
Housing associations
Housing associations may require Wi-Fi across head offices, local offices, contact centres, boardrooms, community spaces, shared buildings, concierge areas and training rooms.
The design may support:
- Employees
- Tenants
- Contractors
- Visitors
- Connected devices
- Business phones
- Microsoft Teams
Public or tenant Wi-Fi should be separated from internal systems and supported through clear usage policies.
Charities
Charities may operate in offices, community centres, shared premises, outreach locations, training spaces and event venues.
The network may need to support:
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Trustees
- Service users
- Guests
- Events
- Hybrid meetings
Budgets may be limited, making it important to standardise equipment and avoid consumer devices that create repeated support problems.
Professional services firms
Professional services businesses may require:
- Reliable client meeting rooms
- Secure employee access
- Guest Wi-Fi
- Teams and video conferencing
- Hot desking
- Multi-office consistency
- High device density
- Strong security
The wireless experience should match the professional environment expected by clients and employees.
Warehouses
Warehouse Wi-Fi may support:
- Barcode scanners
- Tablets
- Handheld devices
- Printers
- Voice systems
- Cameras
- Inventory systems
- Employee devices
Coverage must reflect the changing physical environment.
Metal racking, stock and vehicles can all affect performance.
Multi-site organisations
A multi-site organisation may benefit from:
- One wireless platform
- Common employee networks
- Standard guest access
- Central reporting
- Consistent security
- Remote support
- Standard equipment
- Easier office openings
- Planned lifecycle management
Each location should still be surveyed according to its building, user density and operational needs.
Benefits of managed business Wi-Fi
Better coverage
Access points are positioned according to the building and user requirements.
More capacity
The network is designed for the number of users and devices.
Improved security
Employee, guest and device access can be separated and controlled.
Central visibility
Access points and connected devices can be monitored.
Easier troubleshooting
Performance data helps identify the likely cause of problems.
Better roaming
Employees can move around larger offices more reliably.
Consistent multi-site access
Wireless policies and network names can be standardised.
Better guest experience
Visitors can access the internet without reaching internal systems.
Planned updates
Firmware, licences and hardware lifecycle are managed.
One support route
Wi-Fi can be investigated alongside broadband, firewalls, switches and cabling.
What are the disadvantages of managed Wi-Fi?
It requires investment
Business-grade access points, switches, cabling and licences cost more than consumer equipment.
Coverage is affected by buildings
Some locations require more access points or specialist installation.
Devices still influence performance
Older laptops and mobiles may not support newer standards or roam well.
Cloud management may require licences
Ongoing subscriptions may be needed.
Wi-Fi is a shared medium
Performance can change as more devices connect.
It depends on the wired network
Poor cabling and switches can limit the wireless service.
It still needs ongoing management
Firmware, security and capacity should be reviewed regularly.
Common managed Wi-Fi mistakes
Adding access points without a design
More devices can create more interference.
Installing access points where cables already exist
Placement should follow wireless requirements.
Using one network for everyone
Guests and connected devices should not automatically access internal systems.
Using consumer mesh equipment in a large office
Consumer systems may lack security, capacity and management features.
Ignoring capacity
A strong signal does not mean the access point can support every user.
Relying on a shared password forever
Former employees and contractors may retain access.
Blaming broadband for wireless dead zones
The local wireless network may be the actual cause.
Blaming Wi-Fi for provider outages
The broadband service may be unavailable even when the wireless signal remains strong.
Forgetting meeting rooms
High device density can overload a nearby access point.
Ignoring switches and PoE
New access points may require more power and faster network ports.
Failing to monitor licence expiry
Cloud-managed equipment may lose management or functionality.
Keeping unsupported access points
Old hardware may no longer receive security updates.
What should you look for in a managed Wi-Fi provider?
Wireless design knowledge
The provider should assess coverage, capacity and building layout.
Business-grade hardware
The proposed equipment should support the required users, security and management.
Network expertise
The provider should understand switches, cabling, firewalls and broadband.
Security
Employee, guest and device networks should be separated appropriately.
Survey capability
The provider should recommend predictive or on-site surveys where required.
Central management
You should have visibility across all access points and sites.
Monitoring
The service should identify offline devices, capacity and recurring problems.
User authentication options
The provider should explain shared, individual and certificate-based access.
Multi-site experience
They should support consistent policies across several locations.
Ongoing support
You need help with performance, faults, updates and future changes.
Questions to ask before upgrading business Wi-Fi
- How many employees and devices need access?
- Which areas have poor coverage?
- Where do many users gather?
- Are video meetings common?
- Will business phones use Wi-Fi?
- Do guests need access?
- Are personal devices allowed?
- Do connected devices need separate networks?
- What access points are currently installed?
- Are they still supported?
- Can the switches provide enough PoE?
- Is the cabling suitable?
- Does the broadband have enough capacity?
- Do we need individual authentication?
- How will leaver access be removed?
- How are access points monitored?
- Are licences required?
- What happens if the internet fails?
- What happens during a power cut?
- How will future growth be handled?
Our managed Wi-Fi process
1
Discovery
We begin by understanding:
- Number of employees
- Number of devices
- Building layout
- Floors and rooms
- Meeting spaces
- Guest requirements
- Business phones
- Connected devices
- Cloud applications
- Existing problems
- Security
- Multi-site requirements
- Growth plans
- Budget
2
Existing Wi-Fi audit
We review:
- Access point models
- Locations
- Age
- Manufacturer support
- Network names
- Authentication
- Guest access
- Coverage
- Capacity
- Licences
- Firmware
- Monitoring
- Cabling
- Network switches
- PoE
- Broadband
- Known faults
3
Wireless assessment
Depending on the site, we may use:
- Floor-plan review
- Predictive design
- On-site wireless survey
- Interference checks
- Capacity assessment
- Post-installation validation
4
Solution design
We recommend the appropriate:
- Access point models
- Access point locations
- Employee networks
- Guest networks
- Device networks
- Authentication
- Switches
- PoE
- Cabling
- Firewall rules
- Management platform
- Monitoring
- Licensing
We explain what is essential and what supports future growth.
5
Network-readiness review
We confirm:
- Broadband capacity
- Router performance
- Firewall configuration
- Network-switch capacity
- PoE budget
- Cabling
- Fibre links
- Network segmentation
- Power protection
6
Installation
Installation may include:
- Cabling
- Access point mounting
- Switch upgrades
- Patch-panel changes
- Controller or cloud setup
- Network configuration
- Guest portal
- Security settings
- Asset labelling
7
Configuration
We configure:
- Wireless network names
- Authentication
- Encryption
- Guest access
- Network segmentation
- Traffic controls
- Device policies
- Monitoring
- Alerts
- Firmware
- Administrator access
8
Testing
Testing may include:
- Coverage
- Signal quality
- Capacity
- Internet access
- Microsoft Teams
- Video conferencing
- Hosted Voice
- Roaming
- Guest access
- Device networks
- Authentication
- Network separation
- Failover
- Management alerts
9
User communication
We can provide guidance covering:
- Which network to use
- How to connect
- Guest access
- Approved devices
- Troubleshooting
- Support contacts
- Security expectations
10
Ongoing support and optimisation
Stratiis can continue to support:
- Wi-Fi faults
- Access points
- Authentication
- Guest access
- Performance
- Coverage changes
- Firmware
- Licences
- New employees
- New devices
- New rooms
- New sites
- Hardware replacement
- Security reviews
- Capacity planning
Frequently asked questions
What is managed Wi-Fi?
Managed Wi-Fi is a centrally configured, monitored and supported wireless network using business-grade equipment.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and broadband?
Broadband connects the business to the internet.
Wi-Fi connects local wireless devices to the network.
A fault may affect one or both.
Why is our Wi-Fi slow?
Possible causes include:
- Weak signal
- Too many devices
- Interference
- Poor access point placement
- Old hardware
- Slow broadband
- Network congestion
- Device problems
A full assessment is usually required.
Why is the Wi-Fi signal strong but performance poor?
The access point may be overloaded, the broadband may be slow or the network may be congested.
Signal strength is only one part of performance.
How many access points does an office need?
It depends on:
- Building size
- Walls
- Floors
- User numbers
- Device density
- Meeting rooms
- Applications
A survey or design should be completed before deciding.
Can we just add another access point?
Possibly, but adding one without planning can create interference or roaming problems.
What is a Wi-Fi survey?
A Wi-Fi survey assesses coverage, interference, capacity and suitable access point placement.
Do access points need network cabling?
Business access points normally need Ethernet cabling and often receive power through that cable.
What is Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet allows the network switch to provide data and power to an access point through one cable.
Do we need a separate guest network?
Yes, where visitors need wireless access.
Guest traffic should normally be separated from internal business systems.
Can guests access our internal network?
They should not when the guest network is configured and segmented correctly.
Should employees share one Wi-Fi password?
A shared password may be adequate for a small organisation.
Individual or certificate-based access can improve control for larger or more security-conscious businesses.
What happens when an employee leaves?
With individual authentication, the user's access can be removed.
With a shared password, the organisation may need to change the password across all devices.
Can we use the same Wi-Fi network at several offices?
Yes.
A managed platform can provide consistent network names and authentication across several sites.
Can Wi-Fi support Microsoft Teams?
Yes, when it has suitable coverage, capacity, stability and internet connectivity.
Can Wi-Fi support business phone calls?
Yes.
Voice over Wi-Fi requires good coverage, roaming and network quality.
Should meeting-room systems use Wi-Fi?
A wired connection is often preferable for fixed room equipment.
User laptops and guest devices may still use Wi-Fi.
Can you provide Wi-Fi for a warehouse?
Yes.
Warehouse design may require specialist surveys, access point placement and rugged equipment.
Can you provide outdoor Wi-Fi?
Yes.
Outdoor-rated access points, cabling and mounting may be required.
Can Wi-Fi continue during a broadband outage?
The wireless network may remain visible, but users will normally lose internet access unless backup connectivity is available.
Will Wi-Fi work during a power cut?
Not unless access points, switches, routers and other equipment have backup power.
Do managed access points require licences?
Some cloud-managed platforms require ongoing licences.
The cost and expiry implications should be explained before purchase.
How long should wireless access points last?
The useful life depends on manufacturer support, security updates, capacity and business requirements.
They should be reviewed regularly rather than replaced only after failure.
How much does managed business Wi-Fi cost?
The cost depends on:
- Building size
- Number of access points
- Surveys
- Cabling
- Switches
- PoE
- Firewalls
- Licences
- Guest access
- Multi-site management
- Installation
- Support
A site assessment is normally required before accurate pricing can be provided.
Can Stratiis support the broadband and network as well?
Yes.
Stratiis can support the Wi-Fi, business broadband, leased lines, routers, firewalls, switches, structured cabling and wider IT environment.
Give employees wireless connectivity they do not have to think about
Good Wi-Fi should fade into the background.
Employees should not need to move desks to find a signal, reconnect during meetings or use personal hotspots when the office becomes busy.
Visitors should be able to get online without reaching internal systems.
IT teams should be able to see what is happening rather than guessing which part of the network is at fault.
Stratiis can help you assess your existing wireless environment, identify the real causes of poor performance and design a more secure and manageable service.
Let's create Wi-Fi that supports the way your employees, guests and devices actually work.
Call: 0141 348 7960
Email: sales@stratiis.com
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