5 Reasons Why a Wireless Network Assessment is Essential for Effective BYOD Deployment

BYOD is a popular choice among businesses. Though it was originally a grassroots movement by the workers, businesses eventually jumped on board, won over by lower costs and a desire for happier employees. Now almost standard practice, BYOD does not come without its challenges, particularly in the realm of IT. CIOs are increasingly concerned with the potential for BYOD deployments to negatively affect device compatibility, and network security. What can you do? Well, a wireless network assessment that includes a full audit of your BYOD policy gives you a strong start toward success. Here’s how.

Why Complete a Wireless Network Assessment?

• 1. Identifies Sources of Network Interference

Sources of interference are those things that cause wireless devices to receive poor network connectivity, even in places where connectivity should be good. Sometimes it’s a neighboring WiFi hotspot that’s causing the interference, such as the cafe at the end of the block. Other times, it’s caused by things like wireless security cameras or microwave ovens. An assessment — network audit — pinpoints these interferences so that your network can deliver optimal service to users all over your campus.

• 2. Identifies Areas of Dense Users

Some areas where wireless users are dense might be quite obvious. Others might not be. For instance, you’ve probably identified break areas and conference rooms as high density, but have you considered managers’ offices where workers often congregate for impromptu meetings? Or perhaps outdoor areas where workers tend to gather on breaks and lunches? There are likely some high-density areas that you aren’t aware of. A wireless network assessment clues your IT department in on where these hidden density areas are.

• 3. Identifies Apps That are High Bandwidth Consumers

BYOD also brings shadow IT. There are almost certainly apps being used on your network (whether for business or personal use) that are notorious suckers of bandwidth. For instance, lots of YouTube videos, Facebook or Twitter scrolling, and many popular gaming apps are piggish when it comes to wireless bandwidth. A wireless network assessment helps you identify these apps, and if necessary, IT can begin to deal with any shadow IT issues that are made known.

• 4. Identifies Where Low-Powered Devices are in Use

Low-powered devices like tablets and smartphones cause the opposite problem. These devices can usually receive a signal, but aren’t strong enough to return the signal back to the wireless device. In these areas, it may be necessary to add additional access points and to eliminate some interference. There are many options, but first you have to identify where this is an issue. That’s where a wireless network assessment comes in.

• 5. Can Help Improve Any Network, Regardless of the Network Vendor(s) Used

When you opt to use Turn-key Technologies for your wireless network assessment, you don’t have to worry about which vendor’s networking technology you use or want to use in the future. Our assessments can be done by vendor (we’re certified on all the top manufacturer’s products!) or you can choose a vendor agnostic assessment that doesn’t pin you to a particular manufacturer.

Ready to get started? Get a FREE wireless assessment now!