In-building wireless(IBW) solutions facilitate seamless and high-speed connections within your organization. IBW also offers an effective way to prepare for the future since you can scale to clients’ needs and satisfy customer expectations. However, this is only achieved with the right IBW solution for your enterprise. Read on for four factors to consider when choosing in-building wireless solutions.
1. The In-building wireless solution type
What type of wireless coverage expansion do you want for your organization?
There are various types of in-building wireless systems that you could choose for your company, including;
Microcell /Femtocell
These wireless systems play as mini cell phone towers and are connected to landline internet service. They create a signal from within your business premises, therefore, increasing the signal strength received by your company’s devices.
2. Repeater systems/ Bi-directional amplifiers
The wireless repeater systems work by capturing, amplifying then repeating external signals via antenna within your premises. This helps sustain communication in your building. Since bi-directional amplifiers distribute and boost signals with varying frequencies, they have different power and gain options.
Wi-Fi
This is the most common type of in-build wireless solution. It provides a convenient way where people can connect to the internet at work and home. This in-build wireless system converts the landline internet into a wireless signal which can be used on mobile phones, televisions, and computers, to mention a few. It uses radio signals to transfer data from the internet to your Wi-Fi enabled gadgets; therefore, you receive information from the web in the similar way mobile phones and radios receive sound.
The space
When choosing a suitable system for your company, you should always consider the kind of space the in-build wireless solution needs to serve. The size, physical layout, and occupancy often influence the performance of your IBW solution. When deciding on the best in-build wireless solution, you should consider;
- Local regulations about public safety networks
- The tenant turnover
- Who has access to the in-build wireless solution
- The coverage area. Is it outdoors, indoors, or both?
- How many wireless operator networks you need access to
- Building layout. Is it tall and vertical, or wide and horizontal?
3. In-build wireless solution funding
While considering the affordability of installing the ideal IBW solution to your company is crucial, you should also keep the in-build wireless solution funding in mind. There are distinct funding models for in-building wireless solutions, including;
- Support from a neutral host company
- Mixed-funding model
- Funding through wireless operators
- Internal funding by the enterprise
You should clearly understand the different funding models before choosing an ideal IBW solution plan for your entity.
4. Scalability
When choosing an ideal IBW solution, you should ensure that you consider your business’s future needs. Often, most wireless network models struggle to support four devices. As such, you should strive to find a model that can support various devices connecting, accessing the internet, and transferring data simultaneously within a single location. This prevents you from spending more money to upgrade to another network as your business expands.
Endnote
In-building wireless solutions provide profitability, reliability, and flexibility in your company’s connectivity. As such, you should consider the type of IBW solution, the available space, funding, and scalability when choosing an in-build wireless solution for your entity.
