How to choose a router for your business?

 

Most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) usually give you a free router when you buy a subscription. However, these routers are not the best for your usage. You will definitely have to purchase one and here’s what you should consider before choosing a router:

 

• Number of devices on your network

 

Counting the number of devices connected to your network is not always simple. Desktops, laptops, and mobile devices aren’t the only devices on your network. Here’s what you need to include in your calculation:

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• Desktops

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Smartphones

• Network Printers

• VoIP phone system

• Conference room equipment

• POS systems

• IP Cameras

• Guest Devices

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If the total number of devices connected to your network is 20 or more, you should invest in commercial or business-grade Wi-Fi equipment because consumer-grade or home routers can handle only a limited number of devices. You can also hardwire some of your devices to free up the speed on wireless devices. Even then, investing in a commercial router will ease your network immensely.
 

• Interference from neighbor’s Wi-Fi

 

If your office is located in a densely populated area such as downtown San Francisco, it is very likely that your Wi-Fi will face interference from your neighbor’s Wi-Fi. That’s right, it happens all the time. You can use a dual-band router to mitigate the interference.

 

You can use the 2.4 GHz band for IoT devices while reserving the 5 GHz band for mobile devices such as laptops. This helps keep the 5 GHz band free of congestion. In addition, since the 5 GHz band has a shorter range, it allows you to use additional access points without the risk of interference in the high congestion airspaces. Most enterprise-grade Wi-Fi equipment simultaneously uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and automatically steers your devices to the best option available.

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• Guest Wi-Fi Requirement

 

If you intend to have guest users on your network, you should create a separate SSID (service set identifier) for guests. This gives you significant flexibility as well as security as you can give your guests internet access without giving them access to your internal network. The SSIDs can also be assigned different policies, encryption, authentication, etc. in order to ensure an added level of security. Business-grade equipment supports multiple SSIDs.

 

Choosing the right router is critical in building a reliable wireless network. Therefore, you should pay special attention to the above requirements.

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