Have you ever had an opportunity to take a peek in your corporate server room? You will most probably notice that not all of the cables are in the neatest state. The reason for this is simple: when the network point that you plug your phone or computer cable into goes faulty, your system administrator has to work fast to connect you to an alternative network point. He will then move the cables in the server room around to get you up and running as soon as possible. This process inherently does not allow for neatness to be the priority.
Connecting your network and all the users with copper cabling also means an enormous amount of copper culminating in the server room.
Gail Holt, MD of Flying Voice distributor Hardware Distribution, says: "Implementing a completely wireless network reduces this maintenance by almost 100%. Cables and switches in your server room are reduced by up to 75%!"
The reason for this? The only switches that are required are those needed to connect to your access points installed throughout your building. Most access point network cables are run in the roof and/or conduits scattered throughout your building and connect from the server room directly to each access point, so there is very little tampering of the cables by your users. "Remember, less infrastructure means less faults on your computer and telephone network," continues Holt.
"I've heard many people mention that their wireless network is 'rubbish' and doesn't work properly at the best of times." Voice over WiFi was ratified a number years ago, with Ruckus Wireless making the biggest strides in this area. The challenges one experiences mostly boil down to a few probabilities:
1. The choice of wireless network manufacturer. This is of utmost importance. It is probably better to spend a bit more on specialised equipment. With WiFi, cheap means problems!
2. The network configuration must be correct. Is QOS (quality of service) enabled? Is the access point configured correctly? Hosted controller is the best option.
3. Access point placement throughout the building. Does the signal cover your entire building? We completed some tests at a prominent hotel and found their access points never covered some of the bedside tables where the handsets were placed!
4. Access point configuration
5. Wireless controller implementation
Cost of WiFi has always been a barrier to entry for corporates looking to reduce their overall financial commitments. However, with the advent of cheaper uncapped Internet solutions, WiFi has become a must-have for companies today. Over and above the WiFi, the most obvious expense when putting together a corporate network is cabling and all equipment that comes with it: patch panels, network switches, cross-connect cables, cabinets, etc.
"If you compare the overall cost, for example, of installing a 300-user office with 300 users and 75 access points, utilising WiFi for network terminations, rather than POE/network points, you'll save over 16%!
In addition to savings on upfront costs, ease of installation further reduces the time taken per site. Set up correctly, installations for 300 users can take as little as a single day, allowing for every user to make and receive calls quickly and with little fuss," says Holt.
Flying Voice WiFi desktop handsets should be part of your wireless network! Over and above the obvious overall cost savings, the handset offers 300Mpbs WiFi, can be utilised in AP or repeater mode. Repeater mode extends your WiFi in hard-to-reach areas that don't necessarily warrant the cost of an access point. The handset has a USB charging port, and a default SSID out of the box.
"Wireless desktop handsets are the future. Flying Voice, in particular, has invested a tremendous amount of time and resources to ensure that their product is presented as having unique benefits, putting them at the top of the pile. With reduced installation time, it just makes sense to take the leap of faith and invest in wireless technology today," concludes Holt.
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