Business connectivity depends on more than having an internet connection. Employees, customers, cloud applications, point-of-sale systems, cameras, phones, computers, printers, connected equipment, and other devices may all depend on the network operating reliably.
Spacelink helps businesses plan and install Wi-Fi and networking solutions based on the property, number and type of connected devices, coverage requirements, internet connection, and how the network will actually be used.
Solutions can range from improving Wi-Fi in a small office to building a more capable network for commercial properties, warehouses, shops, multi-building locations, and other environments with more complicated connectivity requirements.
Business Wi-Fi Is Different From Typical Home Wi-Fi
A residential network may primarily support personal computers, televisions, phones, and smart-home devices. A business network can support many different operational systems at the same time.
Employees may need dependable access to cloud applications and communications. Customers may need guest Wi-Fi. Cameras and other connected equipment may depend on the network continuously. Point-of-sale and other business systems may also rely on connectivity.
Those requirements can make network design, equipment selection, coverage, security, and reliability more important than simply choosing a powerful wireless router.
Wi-Fi Coverage Throughout a Business
Commercial buildings can create difficult wireless environments.
Offices, warehouses, retail spaces, shops, restaurants, waiting areas, outdoor spaces, metal construction, interior walls, shelving, equipment, and multiple floors can all affect wireless coverage.
Depending on the property, the network may use multiple wireless access points positioned around the building rather than depending on one central Wi-Fi device.
Wireless Access Points
Wireless access points can provide Wi-Fi coverage in different areas of a business while connecting back to the property’s network infrastructure.
The number and placement of access points should be based on the building, coverage requirements, connected devices, network design, and equipment rather than a universal square-footage formula.
Too little coverage can create dead zones, while simply installing more access points than necessary does not automatically improve network performance.
Wired Business Networking
Wi-Fi is important, but many business networks also benefit from wired Ethernet connections.
Compatible computers, network equipment, cameras, access points, printers, point-of-sale equipment, and other devices may use wired connections where appropriate.
A well-designed business network can combine wired and wireless connectivity according to the requirements of each device and area.
Network Switches and Infrastructure
Businesses with multiple wired devices or access points may require network switches and other infrastructure to connect equipment throughout the property.
Some network environments also use Power over Ethernet, commonly called PoE, to provide both network connectivity and electrical power to compatible devices such as access points and cameras over supported Ethernet cabling.
The equipment should be selected according to the devices, network design, capacity requirements, and future expansion needs.
Guest Wi-Fi
Businesses that provide internet access to customers or visitors may benefit from separating guest connectivity from internal business systems.
A properly designed network can provide guest access while maintaining appropriate separation from other parts of the business network.
The exact design depends on the networking equipment, business requirements, and security policies.
Network Segmentation
Not every device in a business necessarily needs to communicate freely with every other device.
Depending on the equipment and business requirements, network segmentation can help separate different types of traffic or devices, such as employee systems, guest access, cameras, connected equipment, and other network resources.
The appropriate configuration depends on the network and should be planned around the actual business environment.
Ubiquiti UniFi for Business Networks
Ubiquiti UniFi can support business networks involving wireless access points, gateways, switches, cameras, and other compatible network infrastructure.
The platform can be appropriate for businesses that need multiple access points, wired networking, centralized network management, or a system capable of expanding as connectivity requirements grow.
Spacelink can help customers evaluate and professionally install supported UniFi networking solutions.
eero for Business Connectivity
eero is best known for simplified Wi-Fi and mesh networking, and supported eero solutions can fit certain business and commercial environments depending on the application.
Spacelink can help evaluate current eero equipment based on the size of the property, number of connected devices, internet connection, networking requirements, and available features.
Networks for Security Cameras
Modern IP security cameras can depend heavily on network infrastructure.
Camera locations, recording equipment, available bandwidth, PoE requirements, wired connections, wireless coverage, and remote access can all affect the network design.
Businesses planning camera systems should therefore consider the network supporting those cameras rather than treating the surveillance system as completely separate infrastructure.
Explore Security Camera Solutions
Connecting Warehouses and Large Commercial Properties
Larger commercial properties can create connectivity requirements that extend beyond a typical office.
Warehouses, shops, storage areas, outdoor spaces, separate offices, and other parts of the property may all need network access.
The appropriate solution can involve wired networking, multiple access points, wireless links, fiber or other infrastructure where appropriate, depending on the distances, buildings, equipment, and project requirements.
Connecting Multiple Buildings
A business with multiple buildings may need connectivity between offices, warehouses, workshops, storage buildings, or other structures.
The appropriate design depends on distance, line of sight, existing infrastructure, available pathways, power, property layout, and the amount and type of network traffic that needs to move between buildings.
Spacelink can help evaluate supported options instead of assuming that ordinary indoor Wi-Fi equipment will provide dependable building-to-building connectivity.
Internet Backup and Cellular Connectivity
Some businesses may benefit from having more than one connectivity path.
Depending on the location and requirements, cellular connectivity can potentially serve as a backup or alternative internet connection alongside another primary service.
Backup connectivity does not eliminate every possible outage, but it can provide another connection path when properly designed for the application.
Professional Business Wi-Fi & Network Installation
Commercial networking projects can involve access-point placement, Ethernet cabling, switches, gateways, PoE equipment, network configuration, cameras, wireless links, and other infrastructure.
Spacelink provides professional Wi-Fi and network installation for supported systems within our local service area and may be able to arrange installation in other U.S. markets where qualified installation resources are available.
Learn About Professional Wi-Fi & Network Installation
Business Network Security
Business networks should be designed and maintained with security in mind. Practices can include using strong credentials, keeping supported equipment updated, protecting administrative access, using appropriate network separation, and controlling access to business systems.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provides cybersecurity resources for small and midsize businesses, including guidance for improving organizational cybersecurity practices.
View CISA Cyber Guidance for Small Businesses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between business Wi-Fi and home Wi-Fi?
Business networks can have different requirements for device capacity, coverage, guest access, wired equipment, cameras, network segmentation, management, reliability, and expansion. The appropriate design depends on the business rather than simply the size of the building.
How many Wi-Fi access points does my business need?
There is no universal number. Access-point requirements depend on building size, construction, layout, connected devices, equipment capabilities, interference, coverage needs, and network design.
Can Spacelink install Ubiquiti UniFi for a business?
Spacelink can help evaluate and professionally install supported UniFi networking solutions for appropriate business applications.
Can a business have separate guest Wi-Fi?
Yes. Supported network equipment can provide separate guest access. The appropriate configuration depends on the networking platform, security requirements, and how the business wants visitors to access the network.
Can Spacelink connect multiple business buildings?
Potentially. The appropriate method depends on distance, property layout, line of sight, existing cabling or pathways, available power, and the networking requirements of each building.
Can cellular internet provide backup connectivity for a business?
Potentially. Cellular connectivity can provide an additional internet path where suitable service and equipment are available. Whether it is appropriate depends on carrier coverage, network conditions, equipment, and the business’s requirements.
Does Spacelink professionally install business networks?
Yes. Spacelink provides professional Wi-Fi and network installation for supported commercial systems within its local service area and may be able to arrange installation in other U.S. markets where qualified resources are available.
Need Better Connectivity for Your Business?
Tell us about your business, property, internet connection, connected equipment, coverage problems, and what the network needs to support.
Spacelink can help determine whether the appropriate solution involves better Wi-Fi, additional access points, wired networking, UniFi, supported eero equipment, cellular backup, professional installation, or a broader network design.