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Consumer Wi-Fi vs. Enterprise Wi-Fi: What SMBs Need to Know

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

Consumer Wi-Fi vs. Enterprise Wi-Fi: What SMBs Need to Know

For many small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), Wi-Fi is the lifeline that keeps daily operations running—whether that’s processing transactions, supporting remote work, or enabling guest access. But when it’s time to upgrade or expand your network, one big question often comes up:

“Do we really need enterprise Wi-Fi, or will consumer-grade gear do the job?”

The answer depends on how your network is used, the number of people relying on it, and how much downtime your business can afford. Let’s break down the differences.

1. Performance & Coverage

  • Consumer Wi-Fi: Designed for homes or very small offices, consumer routers and access points can deliver decent speeds in small spaces—but performance drops quickly when too many devices connect or when the signal has to travel through multiple walls.
  • Enterprise Wi-Fi: Built to handle dozens or even hundreds of simultaneous connections, with strong signal coverage across larger areas. Features like Wi-Fi heat mapping ensure there are no dead spots—critical for warehouses, large retail floors, and multi-room office spaces.

2. Security

  • Consumer Wi-Fi: Typically offers basic WPA2/WPA3 encryption and a single password for all devices. Fine for personal use, but limited for controlling access.

  • Enterprise Wi-Fi: Comes with advanced security features such as 802.1X authentication, VLAN segmentation, and integration with your company’s directory services. This means you can give staff, guests, and IoT devices separate, secure networks—keeping sensitive data safe.

3. Scalability

  • Consumer Wi-Fi: Adding more coverage often means daisy-chaining extra routers or using mesh kits, which can create bottlenecks and unpredictable performance.

  • Enterprise Wi-Fi: Scales effortlessly with centralized controllers or cloud management. Whether you have 5 access points or 50, you can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot them all from a single dashboard.

4. Reliability & Redundancy

  • Consumer Wi-Fi: If the router fails, the whole network goes down. Firmware updates are manual and often neglected, leaving devices vulnerable.

  • Enterprise Wi-Fi: Designed for high availability, with options for failover internet connections (like 4G LTE, 5G, or satellite backup) and proactive monitoring. Many enterprise solutions push automatic security updates without service interruptions.

5. Support & Lifecycle

  • Consumer Wi-Fi: Tech support is often limited to basic troubleshooting scripts, and hardware is typically replaced every 2–3 years.

  • Enterprise Wi-Fi: Backed by manufacturer warranties, factory-trained engineers, and extended lifecycle support—meaning your investment lasts longer and stays secure.

Why SMBs Should Care

If your business depends on stable, secure connectivity for mission-critical operations, enterprise Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Consumer gear might seem like a money-saver upfront, but the costs of downtime, data breaches, and frustrated employees or customers can add up fast.

The bottom line:

  • Under 10 users, low data sensitivity, and minimal growth? A high-end consumer solution might work.

  • More than 10–15 users, need for security, or future expansion? Enterprise Wi-Fi will pay for itself in performance, reliability, and peace of mind.

How Madgig Networks Helps

At Madgig Networks, we design and deploy enterprise-grade Wi-Fi systems tailored to the needs of SMBs—without the oversized price tag you might expect. From initial site surveys and heat mapping to installation, failover internet, and ongoing management, we make sure your network is always fast, secure, and ready for business.

📞 Contact us today to find out how we can upgrade your network and keep your business connected—no matter what.

WiFi Consulting and Engineering: Streamlining Your Network Infrastructure

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

Wifi consulting and engineering is a field that has become increasingly important in recent years. With the rise of remote work and the need for reliable internet access, businesses and individuals alike are turning to experts in the field to ensure that their wifi networks are up to par. Wifi consulting and engineering involves a range of services, from designing and implementing new networks to troubleshooting and optimizing existing ones.

One of the key benefits of wifi consulting and engineering is the ability to ensure that a network is reliable and secure. This can be especially important for businesses that rely on their wifi networks for day-to-day operations. A well-designed and maintained network can help to prevent downtime and ensure that employees are able to work efficiently. Additionally, wifi consulting and engineering can help to identify and address security vulnerabilities, protecting sensitive data from potential threats.

Overall, wifi consulting and engineering is an important field that plays a critical role in ensuring that businesses and individuals have access to reliable and secure wifi networks. With the help of experts in the field, it is possible to design, implement, and maintain networks that meet the needs of any organization or individual.

Fundamentals of WiFi Technology

WiFi is a technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or other networks wirelessly. This section will cover the basics of WiFi technology, including its standards and protocols, frequency bands, signal propagation, and wireless network topologies.

WiFi Standards and Protocols

WiFi technology is based on a set of standards and protocols that define how devices communicate with each other wirelessly. The most common standards are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. Each standard has its own specifications for data transfer rates, frequency bands, and signal modulation.

Frequency Bands and Signal Propagation

WiFi devices operate on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range but is more susceptible to interference from other devices, while the 5 GHz band has a shorter range but offers faster data transfer rates and less interference.

Signal propagation is the way in which WiFi signals travel from the transmitter to the receiver. WiFi signals can be affected by obstacles such as walls, doors, and other materials. The strength of the signal decreases as it travels further from the transmitter.

Wireless Network Topologies

Wireless networks can be configured in different topologies, including point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh networks. In a point-to-point topology, two devices are connected directly to each other. In a point-to-multipoint topology, one device is connected to multiple devices. In a mesh network, multiple devices are connected to each other, creating a self-healing network that can withstand node failures.

In conclusion, understanding the fundamentals of WiFi technology is essential for WiFi consulting and engineering. It is important to consider the WiFi standards and protocols, frequency bands, signal propagation, and wireless network topologies when designing and implementing WiFi networks.

WiFi Consulting Services

Businesses today require fast and reliable WiFi networks to keep up with the demands of modern technology. WiFi consulting services can help organizations design, implement, and manage wireless networks that meet their specific needs. These services can provide expert guidance on network design and architecture, site surveys and analysis, and security and compliance consulting.

Network Design and Architecture

WiFi consulting services can help organizations design and architect wireless networks that meet their unique requirements. They can provide guidance on selecting the right hardware and software components, as well as help with network layout and topology. Consultants can also advise on how to optimize network performance, improve coverage, and ensure scalability.

Site Surveys and Analysis

Site surveys and analysis are critical components of any successful wireless network deployment. WiFi consulting services can help organizations conduct site surveys to identify potential sources of interference and signal degradation. They can also analyze existing network infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions to optimize network performance.

Security and Compliance Consulting

Security and compliance are top priorities for any organization deploying a wireless network. WiFi consulting services can provide guidance on how to secure wireless networks against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other threats. They can also advise on compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

In conclusion, WiFi consulting services can provide expert guidance on network design and architecture, site surveys and analysis, and security and compliance consulting. By leveraging the expertise of WiFi consultants, organizations can deploy wireless networks that meet their specific needs, while ensuring optimal performance, coverage, and security.

WiFi Engineering Solutions

WiFi engineering solutions are designed to provide businesses with a fast, reliable, and secure wireless network. These solutions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a business, whether it’s a small office or a large enterprise.

Custom WiFi Hardware Development

Custom WiFi hardware development is an important aspect of WiFi engineering solutions. This involves the design and development of wireless access points, routers, and other hardware components that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of a business. With custom hardware, businesses can ensure that their wireless network is optimized for their specific requirements.

Software Solutions for WiFi Networks

In addition to custom hardware development, software solutions are also an important part of WiFi engineering solutions. These solutions are designed to provide businesses with the tools they need to manage and monitor their wireless network. This includes software for network management, security, and performance optimization.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

WiFi engineering solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with a business’s existing infrastructure. This includes integrating with existing network infrastructure, such as switches and routers, as well as integrating with other business systems, such as security systems and access control systems.

Overall, WiFi engineering solutions provide businesses with a fast, reliable, and secure wireless network that is tailored to their specific needs. With custom hardware development, software solutions, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure, businesses can ensure that their wireless network is optimized for their specific requirements.

Project Management in WiFi Deployments

Deploying a WiFi network requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing optimization. Project management is essential to ensure that the deployment is successful and meets the client’s requirements. This section will discuss the three main phases of project management in WiFi deployments: planning and strategy, implementation and execution, and monitoring and optimization.

Planning and Strategy

In the planning and strategy phase, the project manager works with the client to identify their requirements and goals for the WiFi deployment. This includes identifying the number of users, devices, and applications that will be using the network, as well as the coverage area and performance requirements. The project manager will also assess the existing network infrastructure and determine if any upgrades or modifications are required.

Once the requirements have been identified, the project manager will develop a detailed project plan that includes timelines, milestones, and deliverables. The project plan will also outline the roles and responsibilities of the project team and the client.

Implementation and Execution

The implementation and execution phase is where the project plan is put into action. The project manager is responsible for coordinating the installation of the WiFi equipment, configuring the network, and testing the network to ensure that it meets the client’s requirements. The project manager will also oversee the training of the client’s staff on how to use the network.

During this phase, the project manager will also manage any issues or challenges that arise. This includes identifying and resolving any technical issues, as well as managing any changes to the project scope or timeline.

Monitoring and Optimization

The monitoring and optimization phase is where the project manager ensures that the WiFi network is performing as expected. The project manager will monitor the network performance and identify any issues that arise. They will also analyze the network usage data to identify areas where the network can be optimized to improve performance or reduce costs.

The project manager will work with the client to implement any changes required to optimize the network. This may include adding or removing access points, adjusting the network configuration, or upgrading the network infrastructure.

In conclusion, project management is essential to the success of a WiFi deployment. By following a structured approach to planning, implementation, and optimization, the project manager can ensure that the client’s requirements are met, and the WiFi network performs as expected.

Emerging Trends in WiFi Technology

WiFi technology has come a long way since its inception, and it continues to evolve rapidly. Here are some emerging trends in WiFi technology that are worth keeping an eye on.

WiFi 6 and Beyond

WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest WiFi standard that promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded areas. It achieves this by using technologies like MU-MIMO (multi-user multiple input and multiple output), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access), and BSS Coloring (basic service set coloring). WiFi 6 is already being adopted by many device manufacturers, and it is expected to become the new norm in the coming years.

Beyond WiFi 6, there are already talks of WiFi 7, which is expected to bring even faster speeds and better performance. WiFi 7 is still in the early stages of development, but it is expected to use technologies like THz (terahertz) frequency bands, MIMO (multiple input multiple output) antennas, and more.

IoT and WiFi Convergence

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing industry that is expected to connect billions of devices to the internet. WiFi is one of the primary technologies that will be used to connect these devices, and there are already efforts to improve the convergence of WiFi and IoT.

One of the emerging trends in this area is WiFi HaLow, which is a low-power, long-range WiFi standard that is designed specifically for IoT devices. WiFi HaLow uses the 900 MHz frequency band, which is less crowded than the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands used by WiFi.

Advancements in WiFi Security

As WiFi becomes more pervasive, the need for better security becomes more important. WiFi security has come a long way since the days of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), and there are now several emerging trends in this area.

One of the most significant advancements in WiFi security is the introduction of WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access 3), which is the latest security protocol for WiFi networks. WPA3 uses stronger encryption algorithms than its predecessor, WPA2, and it also introduces new security features like Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE).

In conclusion, WiFi technology is constantly evolving, and these emerging trends are just a few examples of what we can expect in the coming years. As a WiFi consultant or engineer, it is important to stay up-to-date with these trends to provide the best possible service to clients.

Case Studies and Best Practices.

Troubleshooting Common WiFi Issues

One of the most common issues with WiFi networks is poor signal strength. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including distance from the router, interference from other devices, and obstructions such as walls or furniture. To troubleshoot this issue, WiFi consulting and engineering firms may perform a site survey to identify areas with weak signal strength and recommend solutions such as adding access points or relocating the router.

Another common issue is network congestion, which can slow down the entire network and cause connectivity issues. To address this issue, WiFi consulting and engineering firms may recommend implementing Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as video conferencing or VoIP calls.

Innovative WiFi Applications

WiFi networks are not just for internet access. WiFi consulting and engineering firms have helped businesses and organizations implement innovative WiFi applications, such as using WiFi for asset tracking in warehouses or using WiFi to monitor equipment in manufacturing plants.

In the healthcare industry, WiFi is being used for patient monitoring and tracking, as well as for telemedicine applications.

Overall, WiFi consulting and engineering firms can provide valuable expertise and solutions to businesses and organizations looking to improve their wireless networks. By sharing success stories, troubleshooting common issues, and exploring innovative applications, these firms can help their clients stay connected and competitive in today’s digital world.

7 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Business Wifi

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

It’s not uncommon for small business owners to put off upgrading their wireless network to save money. But, with so many businesses now relying on the internet to do business, having reliable, high-performance business wifi isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential.

Here are seven signs that your business needs new technology.

1. Your Internet Connection Is Slow

Most of the time, businesses are dissatisfied with their ISP because they’re simply not getting enough speed. If your business cannot stream videos or do anything that requires high speed, it might be time for an upgrade.

2. Your Wireless Signal Doesn’t Reach Everywhere in Your Building

Whether you need better coverage in the warehouse or the employees at one remote desk aren’t getting a strong connection, you need to upgrade if your wireless signal can’t reach every corner of your business.

3. You Find Yourself Calling Customer Service Frequently

If you’re calling customer service each week because your business wifi is down, it might be time to invest in technology that will prevent this from happening.

4. You’ve Reached Your Data Cap

If you can’t browse the web, send emails, or download documents without worrying about going over your data plan, consider upgrading to a business-class service with more bandwidth and won’t charge additional fees for usage.

5. The Equipment Looks Old and Outdated

Old routers, modems, and switches not only take up space but also slow down work. They’re also an eyesore that can detract from the decor of your office. If it’s time to upgrade your equipment, here are some things you need to know.

6. You’re Experiencing Frequent Outages

Network downtime is more than just inconvenient — it’s costly. A small business that lacks a reliable network might experience loss in productivity, customers, and sales.

7. You Can’t Accommodate More Devices

If you’re trying to do too much with your current business wifi, it might be time for a more robust system that can support more devices. An upgrade might be a good idea if you’re trying to add employees or office equipment that requires a faster connection.

According to an AV System survey, wifi access is so vital to over half of respondents that they would be prepared to do, share, or trade anything for it. This includes giving permission to one’s personal email (7%), sharing personal information (8%), and watching a 3-minute commercial (34%). It is important to ensure that the wireless internet in a business place is fast and reliable.

How ready is your business for hurricanes?

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

As hurricanes are a common event in many areas of the United States, business owners must take steps to secure their data. In this blog, we provide steps that will help you quickly recover your data and get back to business following a hurricane.

Determine recovery hierarchy

Certain parts of your IT system are more mission-critical than others. Ask yourself which systems and/or data must be recovered in minutes, hours, or days so your business can resume operations quickly

For example, you may find that recovering sensitive customer information and eCommerce systems take priority over recovering your email server. Whatever the case may be, prioritizing your systems ensures that the right ones are recovered quickly after a disaster.

Pay attention to location

First and foremost, your backup site should be in a hurricane-free zone. Ideally, your off-site facility should be located at least 100 miles away from your main location. If this isn’t possible, make sure it is built to withstand wind speeds of 160 miles per hour (as fast as Category 5 storms) and is supported by backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies.

You should also request an upper floor installation or, at the very least, keep critical IT equipment 18 inches off the ground to prevent water damage in case of floods.

Use image-based backups

Unlike fragile tape backups, image-based backups take “snapshots” of your systems, creating a copy of the OS, software, and data stored in them. From there, you can easily boot the virtual image on any device, allowing you to back up and restore critical business systems in seconds.

Take advantage of the cloud

The cloud enables you to host applications and store data in high-availability, geo-redundant servers. This means your backups can be accessed via the internet, allowing authorized users to access critical files from any device. Expert technicians will also watch over and secure your backups, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of enterprise-level backup facilities and IT support.

Back up your data frequently

Back up your data as often as possible, especially during disaster season. If your latest backups were created on September 15th and a storm makes landfall in your area on the 28th, you could lose nearly two weeks of data.

Test your disaster recovery (DR) plan

After setting up your backups, check whether they are restoring your files accurately and on time. Your employees should be drilled on the recovery procedures and their responsibilities during and after a disaster. Your DR team should also be trained on how to failover to the backup site before the storm hits. Finally, providers, contractors, and customers need to be notified about how the hurricane will affect your operations.

As cell towers and internet connections may be affected during a hurricane, make sure your company forums are online and have your employees register with the Red Cross Safe and Well website so you can check their statuses.

It’s nearly impossible to experience disruptions during disasters like Harvey or Irma, but with the right support, you can minimize downtime. If you’re concerned about any natural disasters putting you out of business, call us today. We offer comprehensive business continuity services that every company should have.

 

5 Security issues to look out for

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

Cybersecurity is a constant battle, but there are significant steps you can take to keep your IT defenses strong and effective, one of which is to increase your knowledge of security threats. Here are five common ways your business systems can be infiltrated.

1. You are tricked into installing malicious software

There are countless ways you can be tricked into downloading and installing malware. One is by downloading software from torrent websites. When you visit these sites, you are told to download software in order for the site to load properly. Once downloaded, the malware that came with the software infects your system. In other cases, hackers send emails with a malware-infected attachment.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid accidentally installing malware:

  • Never download files from an untrusted source. If a website is asking you to download something, make sure it’s reputable and reliable. Double check the URL of the website as well, as hackers can spoof legitimate websites and use similar but slightly altered URLs, such as “www.g00gle.com” instead of “www.google.com.” If you are unsure, it’s best to avoid downloading and installing the software.
  • Always look at the name of the file before downloading. A lot of malware is often deliberately given names similar to those of legitimate files, with only a slight spelling mistake or some unusual wording. If you are unsure about the file, then don’t download it. If you know the sender, you may contact them to verify the file’s authenticity.
  • Always scan a file before installing it. Use your antivirus scanner to check downloaded files before opening them.
  • Stay away from sites with torrents, adult content, or those that stream pirated videos. These sites often contain malware, so avoid them altogether.

2. Hackers obtain admin privileges

Many users are logged into their computers as admins. Being an administrator allows you to change settings, install programs, and manage other accounts. The problem with this is that if a hacker manages to access your computer with you as the admin, they will have full access to your computer. This means they can install other malicious software, change settings, or even completely hijack the machine.

Even worse is if a hacker gains access to a computer used to manage the overall IT network. Should this happen, they can control the entire network and do as they please.

To avoid these unfortunate situations, limit the administrator role only to users who need to install applications or change settings on their computers. Installing antivirus software and keeping them up to date, as well as conducting regular scans, will also help reduce the chances of being infected.

3. Someone physically accesses your computer

Your system can also get infected with malware or your data can get stolen because someone physically accessed your systems.

Let’s say you leave your computer unlocked when you go out for lunch. Someone can just walk up to it and plug in a malware-infected USB drive, which can infect your system. They can also manually reset the password, thereby locking you out.

An easy way to defend against this is to secure your computer with a password. You should also lock, turn off, or log off from your computer whenever you step away from it. You can also disable drives like CD/DVD and connections like USB if you don’t use them. Doing so will limit the chances of anyone using these removable media to infect your computer or steal data from it.

4. Someone from within the company infects the system

A disgruntled employee can compromise your IT systems. They can do so much damage such as deleting essential data or introducing highly destructive malware.

The most effective way to prevent this, aside from ensuring your employees are happy, is to limit access to systems. For example, you may find that people in marketing have access to finance files or even admin panels. Revoke unnecessary access rights and ensure that employees only have access to the files they need.

5. Your password is compromised

Passwords are typically the main verification method businesses use to access their accounts and systems. The issue with this is that many people have weak passwords that are easy to crack. To make matters worse, many people even use the same password for multiple accounts, which could lead to a massive breach.

It is therefore important to use strong and different passwords for your accounts. It’s best to also utilize multifactor authentication, which requires users to present more than one way to verify their identity such as a password plus a fingerprint or a one-time code.

If you want to learn more about securing your systems, contact us today.

 

Picking the right office Wi-Fi router

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

Selecting a Wi-Fi router, much like selecting any other piece of equipment for your business, can be a complicated task. The sheer variety of models available can make it difficult to choose the best option. However, if you know what features to look for, it’s much easier to make the right decision.

Network type

Look at any router and you will quickly see that there are a number of different network types available. Also referred to as wireless protocols, the four most common types are 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac. These designations indicate how fast the router can transfer wireless data, with 802.11ac being the fastest.

Newer routers now utilize the latest Wi-Fi protocol dubbed 802.11ax. Also known as Wi-Fi 6 or High-Efficiency Wireless (HEW) , this new protocol improves upon 802.11ac tech in the following ways:

  • Greater throughput speeds (up to 9.6 Gbps)
  • Reduced network congestion and expanded client capacity, thanks to Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
  • Improved range performance
  • Reduced power consumption by network-connected devices, courtesy of Target Wake Time (TWT)

OFDMA enhances network performance by splitting up Wi-Fi channels into sub-channels. Doing so permits up to 30 users to use the same channel simultaneously.

TWT reduces the power consumption of connected devices by allowing them to determine when and how often they will wake up to begin sending and receiving data. This extends the battery life of smartphones and battery-powered internet of things (IoT) home devices such as smart thermostats and security cameras.

Throughput

In communication networks, throughput is the rate at which messages are successfully delivered via a communications channel. A router’s throughput, in particular, is the speed at which the router is supposed to transmit data from your connection to users. To spot the router’s throughput, look for Mbps (or Gbps for its cable ethernet connections). It is usually one of the first things listed on router boxes and specifications.

Keep in mind that if you have a 100 Mbps internet connection, but your router can only deliver up to 80 Mbps, then the total speed of your network will be the lower figure. Therefore, it would be best to get a router with a higher throughput if your internet service provider delivers faster connections.

Bands

On every single router’s box, you will see numbers like 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz. These indicate the wireless radios on the router. A dual- or tri-band router will have both radios so that the connection workload can be split between them.

The 2.4 Ghz radio is sufficient for activities that don’t require much network bandwidth, such as web browsing and replying to emails. Since its band is of a lower frequency, it reaches farther than 5 Ghz but is more easily blocked by concrete walls.

The 5 Ghz band, on the other hand, has greater power, but has a shorter broadcast range. 5 Ghz is what you’ll want to use for video conferencing and playing online games (if permitted by the company after office hours, of course).

Multiple input, multiple output (MIMO)

MIMO is the use of multiple antennas to increase performance and overall throughput. MIMO-enabled routers ensure that more devices can connect to one router with less interference.

When it comes to real-world tests, there is often a slight improvement if the antennae are configured and aimed properly. However, getting a high-end router with six or more antennae may be an unnecessary cost for small businesses.

Beamforming

Beamforming is a feature that’s now standard in mid- to high-end routers. It is a form of signal technology that allows for better throughput in areas with poor or dead signals. In other words, it can help improve the connection quality with devices behind solid walls or in rooms with high amounts of signal interference.

By utilizing this technology, routers can see where connections are weak and act to improve it. While this is available on routers with many network types, it is really only useful with routers running 802.11ac or higher. Those who don’t mind paying a higher price point for an increase in network performance should consider this feature.

Quality of service (QoS)

QoS allows the router administrator to limit certain types of traffic. For example, you can use the QoS feature of a router to completely block all torrent traffic, or limit it so that other users can have equal bandwidth. Not every router has this ability, but it is a highly beneficial feature for office routers.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to picking a router, which is why we recommend you contact us. We can evaluate your networking needs and help you find the best setup for your business.

Guest Wi-Fi 101

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

People today expect Wi-Fi access when they’re visiting your office. However, setting up your Wi-Fi the wrong way can create a stressful experience for them. Additionally, this can also expose your confidential information to malicious hackers. So what’s the right way to do it?

Never give guests access to your primary Wi-Fi

Giving your guests access to your company’s main Wi-Fi connection might seem like a good idea, but you should avoid this at all costs.

Anyone with a little technical know-how can potentially access everything on your company network, including confidential data. In addition, if any of your visitors’ mobile devices have been compromised, it’s possible that they can transmit malware to your entire network.

Ways to create secondary Wi-Fi for guests

If your router comes with built-in guest Wi-Fi support (you can check this feature through a quick web search), you can use it to create a separate “virtual” network. This means guests will have access to the internet without directly connecting to your company’s primary network.

If your router doesn’t support multiple Wi-Fi networks, you can implement a separate wireless access point that bypasses the rest of your network and connects directly to the internet, thus preventing any outsider from accessing your company’s private data.

Keep in mind that guest Wi-Fi still uses your ISP connection, so you should limit bandwidth usage on your guest network. Visitors streaming videos can slow down your internet connection, which can affect the productivity of your employees. With that in mind, you can even have your employees use the guest Wi-Fi on their mobile devices to minimize the chance of them hogging company bandwidth for personal use.

Remember, your guest Wi-Fi should only provide outsiders with internet access, nothing more. While the proper setup isn’t rocket science, it can be a tedious process. Having said that, if you need a team of experts to take care of it, or if you simply have questions about how else to leverage your hardware for better efficiency and security, just give us a call.

What Wi-Fi router features to look for

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

Wireless routers are essential for operating a modern business. Routers allow one network connection to essentially be split into many and then shared by different users and devices — usually over a Wi-Fi connection. If you are looking for a new Wi-Fi router for your office, there are some important features you should be aware of.

Network type

Look at any router and you will quickly see that there are a number of different networks available. The four most commonly found are 802.1b, 802.1g, 802.1n, and 802.11ac. These designations indicate how fast the router can transfer wireless data, with 802.11ac being the fastest of these four. Those who want to connect multiple devices via Wi-Fi or cable may do better with 802.11ac router.

Throughput

This is closely associated with the router’s network type, and is usually one of the first things listed on router boxes and specifications. To spot the router’s throughput, look for Mbps. This indicates the speed at which the router is supposed to transmit data from your connection to users.

Keep in mind that if you have a 100Mbps internet connection, but a router that is only, say, 80 Mbps, then the total speed will be the lower figure. Therefore, it would be a good idea to get a router with a higher throughput to accommodate faster connections.

Range

This is particularly important for users who will be connecting via Wi-Fi as they will likely not be sitting right beside the router. The farther you are from your router, the slower and weaker your connection will be. Typically, 802.11ac will offer the strongest connections and greatest range.

Bands

On every single router’s box, you will see numbers like 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz. These indicate the wireless radios on the router. A dual-band router will have both 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz radios which allow devices to connect to different bands so as not to overload a connection. Those who connect to a 5Ghz band will generally have better performance, but the broadcast range will be much shorter than the 2.4Ghz radio.

Quality of service (QoS)

QoS is a newer feature that allows the router administrator to limit certain types of traffic. For example, you can use the QoS feature of a router to completely block all torrent traffic, or limit it so that other users can have equal bandwidth. Not every router has this ability, but it is a highly beneficial feature for office routers.

Beamforming

Beamforming is a recent feature that’s becoming a standard in mid- to high-end routers. It is a form of signal technology that allows for better throughput in dead areas of a business. In other words, it can help improve the connection quality with devices behind solid walls or in rooms with high amounts of interference.

By utilizing this technology, routers can see where connection is weak and act to improve it. While this is available on routers with many network types, it is really only useful with routers running 802.11ac. Those who don’t mind paying a higher price point for an increase in network performance should consider this feature.

Multiple input, multiple output (MIMO)

MIMO is the use of multiple antennas to increase performance and overall throughput. MIMO-enabled routers ensure that more devices can connect to one router with less interference.

When it comes to real-world tests, there is often a slight improvement if antennas are configured and aimed properly. However, getting a high-end router with six or more antennae may be an unnecessary cost for small businesses.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to picking a router, which is why we recommend you contact us. We can evaluate your networking needs and help you find the best set up for your business.

BYOD tips to improve security

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

Lax bring your own device (BYOD) policies are a growing concern for businesses. If not managed properly, these can pose security risks to your organization. How can you mitigate the risks associated with the BYOD trend?

Whether your employees are using smartphones, tablets, or laptops, you need a BYOD security policy. Additionally, you need to be aware of the key BYOD security risks:

  • Loss or theft of device – Employees often bring their personal devices wherever they go. This means there’s a higher chance of devices being lost or stolen, and a greater risk of the company data that’s stored or accessed on these being compromised.
  • Data loss – In the event that a device is lost, stolen, or damaged, any locally stored data may be lost permanently if it’s not backed up in real time.
  • Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks – Public Wi-Fi spots are convenient for getting some work done, but they’re also popular hunting grounds for cybercriminals who use MITM to intercept data being transmitted over public networks.
  • Jailbroken devices – Jailbreaking is the process of removing the restrictions imposed by the manufacturer of a device, typically to allow the installation of unauthorized or third-party software. This increases the risk of an employee inadvertently installing malicious software on a personal device.
  • Security vulnerabilities – Every operating system (and the software that runs on it) has its own unique set of security flaws and vulnerabilities, which means that allowing staff to use any device and operating system increases the risk of a data breach or malware infection.
  • Malware – A personal device that has been infected with malware can spread that malware to other devices connected to the company network and cause data loss and downtime.

To mitigate risks, it’s important to devise a BYOD security policy that works for the needs of your business as well as the needs of your employees. Here are some tips:

Make passwords compulsory on all BYOD devices

Prevent unauthorized access to company data by enforcing the use of passwords on all BYOD devices. Passwords should be long and unique.

Create a blacklist of prohibited applications

Blacklisting involves prohibiting the installation of certain applications on BYOD devices that are used for work purposes. This includes applications such as file sharing and social networking apps. The simplest way to blacklist applications is through a mobile device management platform that enables IT administrators to secure and enforce policies on enrolled devices.

Restrict data access

Adopt the principle of least privilege on both BYOD and company devices. This means that a user is able to access only the data and software required to do their job. This can reduce the effects of certain types of malware and limit the fallout in the event of a data breach.

Invest in reliable security solutions for devices

Protect BYOD devices with reputable antivirus software to identify and stop threats before they can make changes to the device. This is vital for protecting mission-critical data and avoiding downtime.

Backing up device data

A well-thought-out BYOD policy can go a long way toward minimizing the risk of a security breach, but if something manages to slip past your defenses, you need a process in place for restoring your data to its former state. Have a comprehensive backup strategy to ensure that any data stored locally on a BYOD device can be quickly recovered.

Educate your staff about security

The vast majority of BYOD-related security risks involve human error. Educate your employees about proper mobile safety. This includes how to spot apps that could contain malware, sharing security threat updates, and teaching them how to secure their devices by going beyond default security settings.

It’s also a great idea to work with an IT partner like us. As experts, we keep tabs on the latest trends and innovations related to BYOD and will recommend solutions that work for your company. Contact us today to see how we can help.

Protect your network from watering hole attacks

Posted on by Joseph Voldeck

With evil elements continuously developing novel ways to infiltrate networks and steal user data, it is more crucial than ever to stay one step ahead of the curve. Protect yourself from cybercriminals by learning more about their methods. Here are some tips to deal with the threat of watering hole attacks:

What are watering hole attacks?

Watering hole attacks are used to distribute malware onto victims’ computers in a similar way phishing activities are conducted. Cybercriminals infect popular websites with malware, and anyone who has had the misfortune to visit have their computers automatically loaded with malware.

The malware used in these attacks usually collects the target’s personal information and sends it back to the hacker’s server. In extreme cases, the hacker will actively take control of the infected computer.

But how does a hacker choose which websites to hack? With internet tracking tools, hackers find out which websites companies and individual users visit the most. They then attempt to find vulnerabilities in those websites and embed them with malicious software.

With such highly skilled hackers these days, virtually any website can fall victim to a watering hole attack. In fact, even high-profile websites like Twitter, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple were compromised in 2013.

You can protect yourself by following these tips:

Update your software
Watering hole attacks often exploit holes and vulnerabilities to infiltrate your computer, so by updating your software and browsers regularly, you can significantly reduce the risk of an attack. Make it a habit to check the software developer’s website for any security patches. Or better yet, hire a managed IT services provider to keep your system up to date.

Watch your network closely
Regularly conduct security checks using your network security tools to try and detect watering hole attacks. For example, intrusion prevention systems allow you to detect suspicious and malicious network activities. Meanwhile, bandwidth management software will enable you to observe user behavior and detect abnormalities that could indicate an attack, such as large transfers of information or a high number of downloads.

Hide your online activities
Cybercriminals can create more effective watering hole attacks if they compromise websites only you and your employees frequent. As such, you should hide your online activities with a VPN and your browser’s private browsing feature. Also, block social media sites from your office network, as these are often used as share points of links to infected sites.

At the end of the day, the best protection is staying informed. As cyberthreats continue to evolve, you must always be vigilant and aware of the newest threats. Tune in to our blog to find out about the latest developments in security and to get more tips on how to keep your business safe.

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