Wireless Connectivity

What is wireless connectivity, how can it help you, and what do you need to do to accommodate WiFi? With wireless networking, you are able to access and control various aspects of your facility. This could include systems like HVAC, lighting, or sensors, as well as devices that use WiFi like computers, tablets, and phones. These days, it’s hard to find a workplace or building that does not use wireless networking in some capacity.

WiFi usage is only growing, as portable devices like smartphones gain popularity and building systems’ technology improves. This means your facility needs to plan ahead to accommodate WiFi wherever it can, so you can keep up with industry trends, new technology, and best practices. Your wireless networking needs may need to grow to include various wireless standards like ZigBee, near field communication and Bluetooth, depending on which technologies make the most sense for the applications involved.

How does cellular data usage and WiFi affect your facility? For many people using smartphones and other portable devices, the cellular network is actually faster than wireless networking. Your facility needs to accommodate your users in whatever way makes sense – consider keeping up with improved versions of WiFi, which promise increases in speed and bandwidth. Either way, you will have to have a plan in place to expand your available networking, whether it’s through cellular data usage, or WiFi.

Many companies are moving toward a bring-your-own-device environment, allowing employees and clients to bring in their own tablets, phones, computers, and other devices to work on projects. Wireless networking makes this much easier, so long as it is secure.

What does wireless networking mean for your Ethernet cabling needs? You may be used to a wired environment, using Ethernet cabling to create a network and remain connected. In the world of WiFi, cables are not needed as much – hence the name wireless networking. However, if you want speed and reliability, you will likely still be using Ethernet cabling in some capacity. Many facilities take a hybrid approach to all of these technologies, using various standards for each separate application. It is perfectly normal to use different wireless networking standards, and Ethernet cabling, in the same business or the same building. A cabling expert can help you determine what systems will best suit your needs, so you can work without any technical issues or interruptions.