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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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