Is your WiFi Ready for Microsoft Lync?

Microsoft Lync is enterprise software that provides organizations with a unified communications platform. The infrastructure brings together real time presence information with instant messaging, voice over IP and HD video conferencing. Lync also integrates well with Exchange email as well as Microsoft Office applications for seamless file transfer. Each of the communication services offered in the program can be used within a single organization, multiple organizations and also with external individuals, making it a great choice for businesses in a wide variety of industries.

Many businesses currently use Lync as their main vehicle of communication, and this number only continues to grow with each passing year. If your organization is considering adding to this list by installing Microsoft Lync for communication purposes, it is important that you prepare your WiFi network by working with a cabling installation expert.

Companies using other communication platforms tend to use WiFi as an addition to their primary wired network. For companies using Lync, however, WiFi is the primary network used.  In order to properly prepare your WiFi network for the shift, consider the following:

• Increase Span of Coverage. Due to the large number of mobile devices used in business operations today, communications are no longer tied to a desk or conference room. This means that signals must be strong throughout the entire building, including non-traditional workspaces, such as lobbies, stairwells and hallways. For this reason, you should work with a cabling installation expert to install a distributed antenna system that provides strong and expansive wireless coverage for Lync communications.
• Increase Number of Access Points. To ensure that all brands of devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, have a strong radio signal, it is important to increase the number of access points throughout the building. Wireless and small cell experts recommend one access point for every 50 feet of space.
• Create Redundant Access Points. WiFi networks must have redundancy to ensure that employees always have a strong signal. Backhaul all access points to two or three switches as opposed to backhauling access points into the same switch. This is a great tip as it helps to avoid complete failure of network coverage in the event that a switch requires maintenance.

Taking the above into consideration prior to switching to Microsoft Lync will help you to most enjoy the services the communication platform has to offer.

If you are interested in updating your WiFi network to prepare for Microsoft Lync, trust in the cabling installation experts at CTS Cabling. Our knowledgeable team, which has a strong reputation among customers and industry professionals alike, will work with your business or organization to create a customized distributed antenna system with a powerful, expansive WiFi signal. To learn more about any of our corporate technology solutions, call CTS Cabling at 877-685-2626or contact us online.