Wireless Networks

Your Wireless Network Should be Dependable and Strong

Serving ID, OR, NV, CA, UT, CO, & WA Since 1991

WI–FI Systems

Wireless internet is a must in today’s business world. Desktops, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and even VoIP desk phones utilize Wi-Fi networking technology. A Wi-Fi system should offer a consistently strong signal to all users and offer seamless service throughout the areas requiring Wi-Fi in your building. Speeds for Wi-Fi can reach up to 10 Gbps depending on which wireless access point is used and which Wi-Fi standard is being utilized. It is always recommended to have your wireless system set up by a professional installer to ensure the appropriate equipment is installed with desired placement and configuration.

Wi–Fi Standards:
The Wi-Fi standard used is dependent on which piece of equipment and determines the speed available to your wireless devices. The standard that Wi-Fi uses is referred to historically as the 802.11 standards (now more commonly called Wi-Fi 1 through 6), with each new standard offering better speeds than its predecessor.

Wi-Fi Networks image 2

Wi Fi Historical Standards

old naming convention
new naming convention
year Released
Frequency
max. data rate
802.11 B
Wi-Fi 1
1999
2.4 Ghz
11 Mbps
802.11 A
Wi-Fi 2
1999
5 Ghz
54 Mbps
802.11 G
Wi-Fi 3
2003
2.4 Ghz
54 Mbps
802.11 N
Wi-Fi 4
2009
2.4 Ghz & 5 Ghz
600 Mbps
802.11 AC
Wi-Fi 5
2014
2.4 Ghz & 5 Ghz
3.5 Gbps
802.11 AX
Wi-Fi 6
2019
2.4 Ghz & 5 Ghz
10 Gbps

2.4 Ghz Band and 5 Ghz Band
Wi-Fi APs (access points) offer dual-band wireless service, 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz, which band used depends on the devices in use and the environment where the APs are installed. 2.4 Ghz offers a longer range, (up to 150ft indoors and 300ft outdoors for 2.4 Ghz vs. 50ft for 5 Ghz), but does not offer the speed of 5 Ghz and cannot handle the number of devices that 5 Ghz can handle. 5 Ghz offers faster speeds and can handle more devices, but has less range and is more susceptible to interference.

Wireless Access Points

For certain small office and home office applications, an internet router with Wi-Fi built in can be enough to offer wireless service, but for most professional environments, a series of wireless access points (APs) are strategically placed throughout the facility, typicallymounted to the ceiling. These APs are to be installed and configured in such asway as to not interfere with each other while still offering a seamlessconnection as you walk through your building.

Wi-Fi Security

Wi-Fi operates through a Service Set Identifier (SSID), which is your wireless network name, along with a password. Anybody within range of your network who has that information can in theory access your wireless network. There are a few different ways to ensure your network is protected, a secure password for the staff network that is only given out to staff along with a guest network SSID and password for visitors (allowing them to access the internet but not anything on your local network) are a couple of simple measures. There are some more advanced security precautions that can be put into place depending on the capabilities of the specific Wi-Fi equipment installed. It is recommended to consult a professional IT company to put proper security measures in place.

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Talk to one of our experts about how Orion's Wi-Fi Network Systems may be a better fit or an enhancement to your network infrastructure.