How Much Does A Wireless Site Survey Cost And Is It Worth It For My Business?

Companies that use Wi-Fi in their daily activities know the importance of a properly functioning corporate wireless network. If Wi-Fi fails or isn't working properly, productivity can stop dramatically. A bad Wi-Fi connection can be a big deal for a company's profits. More and more companies are relying on wireless detection companies to diagnose and solve their problems. Maybe your company is in this phase and is studying the costs of investigating wireless sites. If so, you are probably responsible for answering 2 key questions for your management team: how much do a survey on the wireless site and a survey on the wireless site cost?

Any company that needs to outsource a technology management service often faces the same problems:

Determine a fair price for the technological service they need.

Find a supplier who will provide the service correctly within your budget.

It is difficult to evaluate your options when you have limited knowledge of what you are looking for and the problems to solve. You can find dozens of wireless site detection companies with a simple Google search. If you dive a little, you will notice that all these companies offer different services at different prices. This can become quite confusing, especially because all of these companies call their service a "wireless site survey".

What is a survey on the wireless site?

The first step in determining how much a wireless site survey costs is to understand what a wireless site survey is. A wireless site survey, also known as a Wi-Fi site survey or an RF site survey is simply the process of planning a wireless network for a given environment to meet its unique coverage, capacity and requirements, roaming, quality of service and other measures that may need to be respected.

It is necessary to prepare a plan of the environment that is expected to be achieved. The more detailed the floor plan, the better. The floor plan should include the dimensions and any structures that could influence the propagation of the wireless signal, such as elevators or stairs. The floor plan will help the wireless site survey firm identify all proposed access point locations. It also allows you to create heat maps that will allow you to understand the wireless signal strength in your environment.

The wireless site survey the report should include the following:

• Mounting positions
• Description of the cable glands
• Scope of work for the installation of a wireless network
• Controller hardware required for management
• Tips for a configuration based on unique needs
• All necessary licenses and support
• The effort required for ongoing management
• Recommended access point models (we prefer Ruckus wireless access points for their performance)

Is it worth a survey on the wireless site?

This answer will vary from one company to another, but for the most part yes. If you're a small business that doesn't rely heavily on Wi-Fi for daily operations, chances are you wouldn't need a survey on the wireless site. If you are a medium or large company with several dozen employees who use Wi-Fi every day, it is probably in your best interest to have your workplace reviewed before purchasing an Average Cost Of  WiFi system. Minor investments in this important service can prove financially beneficial in the long run. This will prevent costly repairs that may be needed in case the Wi-Fi system is configured incorrectly. You will also be more suited to growth and expansion as your business grows.

A survey on the wireless site is definitely worth it if your business is:

• In a place with a very crowded wireless environment like an office building
• It has facilities that can cause wireless signal interference such as a warehouse
• In a place full of many solid structures like concrete pillars
• In any environment where WiFi is an important aspect for basic operations

Are there different types of surveys on wireless sites?

There are several types of surveys on wireless sites and it is important to know which type you are looking for before purchasing the wrong type of service. Some wireless surveys can be performed remotely using floor plans and thermal mapping software, while other on-site surveys require an on-site presence and several hours to complete. There are studies on the site that will produce a bill of materials only for a WiFi distribution, while more advanced site studies will provide a series of cabling and installation works, as well as a level of commitment for ongoing management and maintenance.

Let's compare two of the most common types of surveys on wireless sites: predictive and active.

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Predictive surveys on wireless sites

In a predictive survey on the site, a company will collect the plans of your space. They should also ask you questions about how you plan to use your WiFi and what your general needs are. Using the information provided, the wireless site survey company will suggest an access point model. This model will be used to create a heat map of your location. The heatmap will include the recommended placement of equipment and a visual representation of how the wireless signal will spread in your environment.

A predictive site survey is generally provided for free. It really is more of a sales tool than anything else. Many network equipment distributors will offer a free predictive survey to help you reach an agreement. It can help transform a simple transaction into a more personalized customer experience. Since a predictive survey on the site is generally free, some sacrifices are made in terms of quality and accuracy. In most cases, when deploying more than 3 wireless access points, predictive site detection is not enough. Elements such as positioning of the access point, coverage of the wireless signal and network performance are generally estimated and may require slight, if not drastic, modifications to better align with the environment and needs.

Surveys active on the wireless site

If accuracy is the goal, then an active survey on the site is the way to go. An active survey on the wireless site will require a visit to the site. Usually, it can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the place. An active site survey can be performed in a new environment without wireless equipment installed. An investigation can also be carried out in a place where a WiFi system already exists but must be repaired or configured correctly. The final report will offer an extremely accurate plan for equipment placement, wireless signal coverage, network performance, cabling, and installation.

As in a predictive survey on the site, a floor plan must be shared and the general needs of WiFi must be discussed. Here the similarities end. A wireless engineer downloads the floor plans into his site survey software and places a single access point in space. The engineer then begins to traverse the space and measures the signal strength of the access point. The site detection software will also measure external Wi-Fi interference from nearby wireless networks to allow the wireless technician to provide recommendations for channel selection and other configurations.

The man-hours participating in an active survey on the site is not limited to the time spent on the site. Engineers take several hours after the words to draw the walls of other structures on the floor plans provided to provide an even more accurate representation of the propagation of the wireless signal in space. Stairs, elevator shafts, windows, and walls will all have a negative impact on the wireless signal. Wall building materials will also have its effect. For example, the drywall will not be as bad for wireless radio signals as concrete.

How much does a survey on the wireless site cost?

The value you get from a survey on a Wi-Fi site is clear enough, but when it comes to presenting the need to your company's CFO, the technical requirements must translate into some sort of figure. A predictive survey on the site should always be offered for free. Since it is more of a sales tool than a personalized report, the wireless site survey company should provide it for free. If you are asked to pay for such a relationship, this should be a big red flag for the company you work with and you should start exploring other options.

An active survey on the site is a little more difficult to determine a cost. There are so many different variables that could affect prices. A good range of costs for a survey on a wireless site is between $ 2,000 and $ 10,000 per survey. However, here are some factors that will affect the cost of your survey on the wireless site:

• Square feet area of ​​the study area
• Support requirements for specific WiFi applications
• Ceiling height and lift requirements
• Plan creation requirements
• The physical location of the detection environment
• WiFi hardware requirements
• The time needed to participate in the survey on the site
• Report turnaround requirements
• Customer-specific requirements, such as the need to conduct the survey after hours or to complete it quickly

The Biggest Advantages of Managed NOC Services

Should you manage your network operations or outsource them to third parties? It all depends on your organization's current infrastructure and its unique needs. For most companies, a managed IT department will be able to provide a higher level of service and support while saving significant sums of money to an organization. That's how.

Respond to incidents faster with 24/7 support

The NOC Monitoring Services will be able to monitor the network 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that incidents are resolved and resolved immediately. Today companies simply cannot afford outages - and a network that breaks out overnight could potentially mean fires that need to be put out the next morning. A managed NOC service will work continuously to ensure that your network is always available.

Mitigate advanced security threats

Security threats are constantly increasing. From DDoS attacks to intrusion attempts, an NOC as Service has both the experience and the technology to detect and mitigate security threats. New security threats are emerging every day and it can be extremely difficult and time-consuming for an organization to attempt to manage them alone. A managed NOC service means that it is not necessary.

Optimize your network for better performance

One of the key roles of an IT-managed service is to make the organization sustainable. A managed NOC Service provider will not only be able to optimize your network to improve performance now, but it will also be able to create an IT strategy for your organization. A better network will not only improve your organization now; it will also make your business more efficient and scalable for the future.

Consult experts and specialists

The services managed by the CNO include experts and specialists, able to face the most difficult activities and to understand complex network infrastructures. Companies that work with a NOC IT department can take advantage of this wealth of knowledge at any time, rather than having to rely on generalists or their internal staff. These resources can be invaluable for organizations that want to optimize their network and infrastructure.

Using a managed NOC service not only makes sense for most organizations but is often the most convenient option. If you are interested in learning more about how an NOC service can save you time and money, contact CWPS.

How Much Does a New Wifi Network Cost?

Are you planning a new wireless network for your company and wondering how much your new WiFi network will cost? Or do you have an existing Wi-Fi network that is too slow, too unreliable or insecure?

If you feel a little overwhelmed by the whole process and don't know where to start, you are not alone.

In a digital world, your company's success depends largely on its ability to adapt the technology it needs to be competitive. When so many end-users connect to your WiFi with their smartphones, tablets or laptops, you don't want all your business applications to run on a slow, fragile and clumsy wireless network infrastructure.

But unless you're a professional looking for and buying a wireless network, you may not even know the right questions to ask. And the technology changes so quickly; what you knew a year or two ago may not be relevant.

Also, as corporate wireless has evolved, being a generalist in IT or a computer network won't cut it. Too many stakes.

And of course, no the company can afford to write a blank check for WiFi, initially or continuously.

What is the right answer for your situation? How do you determine WiFi Installation Cost? What should you look for in an economic quote?

In this blog post, you will learn about WiFi planning, how the WiFi design process works and the budget for WiFi as a service for your new WiFi network.

Wifi Planning

Before going too far, find out what's going on in WiFi planning best practices. And just as important, remember that finding and buying a business-class Wi-Fi network is very different from installing an access point in your home.

What should you think to prepare for success with your new wireless network?

Check out each of these seven areas to make sure your WiFi quote is truly complete:

Radio Frequency (RF) Planning and Design - Unlike traditional computer networks that use twisted pairs and fiber optic cables, WiFi networks operate on radio frequencies. Since RF is invisible to the naked eye, make sure that the company you are considering is familiar with predictive RF design, surveys on wireless sites, wireless engineering, performance reviews, performance monitoring and systems management.

Coverage vs. capacity: your WiFi planning should also consider the effectiveness of your 

wireless coverage and how this approach to managed WiFi will meet the end-users' capacity needs, both now and at least in the intermediate future, in the next 24-36 months.

Access Points - Think about a big city with major crossroads and traffic lights and how they keep traffic flowing without too many accidents. With this analogy, you begin to approximate the importance of access points. But how many PAs do you need? What type of related equipment is required? And where should all this be installed to make sure your WiFi is as fast, reliable and secure as it is needed?

Network infrastructure - Yes, the access points are the building blocks of WiFi. But your access points are almost worthless without a solid underlying network infrastructure. Controllers, switches, firewalls and power supplies must be addressed in the same type of conversation.

Scalability: your business can have 50 end-users in one place. And each has two devices. How will your WiFi evolve if you reach 150 end-users in the same place, add 30 guest users per day and each user now carries three devices? Good question, right?

Security: Is the Internet becoming more secure with each passing month? Almost. And there is a good reason why cybersecurity experts demand such high starting salaries. There are not enough of them and the training is long and expensive. If your IT team doesn't have advanced Wi-Fi security skills, it's best to find someone who falls under your managed WiFI agreement.

System Management - Travel. Adds. Changes. Integration of new users. If any of these make you look like a dot between a deer in the headlights and a cold sweat, be sure to consider your system management needs in your overall WiFi budget.

Managed NOC Services

Overview

A network operations center, or NOC (pronounced "knock"), is a centralized location where IT technicians directly support the efforts of remote monitoring and management software (RMM). NOC teams are widely used in the managed IT services space and represent an excellent service delivery engine for many Managed NOC Service providers (MSPs).

These technical teams keep an eye on the endpoints that monitor and manage, independently resolve the problems that arise and take preventive measures to prevent many problems from occurring. The NOC teams are also heavily involved in a high-level security actions and backup and disaster recovery (BDR) activities, ensuring 24x7x365 availability for MSP customers.

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a NOC Technician?

NOC engineers and technicians are responsible for monitoring the health, safety, and capacity of the infrastructure in the customer's environment. They make decisions and adaptations to ensure optimal network performance and organizational productivity.

When an MSP action or intervention is required, NOC technicians can create alarms (or "tickets") that identify and classify the problem based on severity, type of alert and other criteria. Depending on the relationship between NOC and MSP, technical teams can then work together to resolve the problem (and identify its root cause to avoid future problems).

Technicians are classified according to "levels", which indicate the severity and difficulty of the problems they manage. The levels are numbered 1 (easier to solve problems, minor problems) and increase their ability to more complicated computer problems. For example, in the event of a hardware failure, a warning can be assigned to a level 1 technician at first. However, after further inspection, if the problem exceeds the defective hardware, the ticket can be passed to a technician. level 2 or 3.

NOC technicians are constantly looking for anomalous network activities, making technical changes and can mobilize extensive resources - some that would be rarely used by an internal IT service provider - to respond to emergency situations.

Additional NOC features include:

• Application software installations, troubleshooting, and updating
• Mail management services
• Backup and archiving management
• Network survey and evaluations
• Application of the policy
• Monitoring and management of firewalls and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
• Antivirus scan and fix
• Patch management and whitelist
• Analysis of shared threats
• Optimization and reporting on quality of service
• Voice and video traffic management
• Performance reports and recommendations for improvement

The importance of a Wireless LAN survey

With our experience in making wireless LAN installations, an investigation is the most crucial step of implementation.

There are several Wifi Survey techniques used to determine how a wireless network is designed. Most use images of heat maps superimposed on sitemaps that indicate signal strength, with a key indicating what the colors indicate. Wireless surveys can be done in several ways.

1. Passive on-site investigation

A passive survey is one where a physical survey is performed with one or more access points in operation and signal test readings are performed with a special site survey and planning software (Air magnet and Ekahau are industry leaders in this sector). The locations for the access points are positioned to determine the feasibility of that location based on the arrangement of the wireless access points through the coverage plan to meet the end-user requirements. You can generate a survey report that provides details such as access point locations, signal strength graphs in heat map format, photographs of the mounting locations of the access points, detailed interference analysis and description of cable installations.

2. Survey active on site

It is also a Wifi Site Survey that is performed after implementing a wireless network or to check the status of an existing network. This is called "active detection" which measures signal coverage, verifies SSID and VLAN throughput through AP allocation and the behavior of data packets. Usually, this is done after installation to ensure that the wireless network works within the requirements. This type of investigation can also be carried out when consolidated wireless the network finds problems that may arise over time, due to internal changes to the network (for example, configuration changes, other large numbers of simultaneous users) or for external reasons. the network (for example, additional interference from new networks, new non-network devices that emit a signal).

3. Predictive survey

It is here that the plans of the site are inserted in a program that simulates walls and floors. Sometimes a visit to the site is not even necessary. It is NOT recommended as a survey tool. A program cannot take into account thickness, density, type of material, interference, etc. of the internal space of a property, and is therefore of little use for the design of a wireless LAN because it can provide very incorrect information that can lead to a lower network, which can potentially cost more in time, money and resources to be corrected.

For a new installation, the appearance of an installation survey determines the number of access points needed to provide coverage in the most economical configuration. This takes into consideration the internal arrangement of the internal space, which can be divided by partitions for different rooms, the composition of these partitions, the furniture, the aesthetic considerations, the purging of the radio signal through the floors, the interference from other networks, interference from any IP network, etc. etc., the list goes on.

If an investigation is not carried out, all the mentioned negative factors can cause the effect of a poor wireless network, therefore problems such as black spots for coverage, lack of speed due to interference, not enough access points to satisfy users simultaneous and too many access points (causing interference) are problems that come to mind. This, in turn, may require corrective action to resolve these problems after the investigation, which will cost more resources and possibly equipment. If you are doing a job for a client, worse than losing money is damaging the reputation of you and your company.

How to determine if the managed IT services are right for your business

Technology plays a central role in companies, making it a key component of almost all companies. Staying on top of your company's computer game can be a real challenge because the technological environment is constantly changing. Overflowing with choice and lack of expertise, many companies often spend too much on IT without understanding which technology expenses are vital, luxurious or redundant.

This is especially true in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as large companies work on larger budgets and have a greater ability to maintain internal IT roles. But it's the SMEs that can really struggle to stay afloat when it comes to the crisis. It is always worthwhile to reduce costs and maximize efficiency where possible for all companies. The IT department is exactly where outsourcing can give rise to an advantageous scenario in terms of saving time and money, not to mention improving the productivity of the team.

Definition of managed IT services

Managed IT Services consist of outsourcing the coordination of everything related to IT, from the maintenance of office equipment to network security needs and cloud storage and processing services. Examples include outsourced help desks, outsourced CIOs, disaster recovery and backup planning. If you are not a technology expert, something as simple as forgetting to make sure that all your antivirus software is up to date can risk an attack that could disrupt your business services and seriously damage your internal security systems. - as well as your company's reputation. There is no single solution when it comes to IT, as the needs of each company can vary considerably.

It has been estimated that the economic impact of the traditional internal role represents up to 70% of a company's IT budget just to make critical systems work. With the growing importance that IT continues to play in any business transaction, this is certainly not a viable formula to follow, especially when experience has a higher price. In addition to the economics of these Remote Managed Services, they also help you take advantage of the most advanced skills that your team may lack.

Where to start with managed IT services

Some companies may recognize that they must start downloading parts of their IT infrastructure but are not yet ready to seek a complete plan from a third party. In this case, some à la carte services are a good place to start.

A common strategy is to outsource your company's cloud infrastructure management. This way, you have more free time to work on new features that offer better value to your customers. Outsourcing an MSP to manage a single feature that is routine but necessary, such as specific software maintenance or virus protection, may also prove to be your most profitable first step. In this way, it takes less time to remain aware of the technical details involved in managing these standard responsibilities.

What is a router and how does it work?

The router, at least the common home network device that we usually call routers, is the network hardware that allows communication between the local home network, such as personal computers and other connected devices, and the Internet.

The router used in home and small networks is more specifically called a residential gateway, but you will never see it that way.

What is a router used for?

A router is the first line of intrusion security in a network. Enabling the highest level of security on the router activates things like the firewall and is the best way to protect your computer system and information from attacks.

Routers contain software called firmware which must be updated as published by the router manufacturer.

Most routers connect to other network devices only via network cables and do not require running drivers on Windows or other operating systems. However, routers that connect to a computer via a USB or FireWire port typically require that the drivers work properly.

Routers often act as DHCP servers in small networks, issuing unique IP addresses.

Most routers are made by companies like Linksys, 3Com, Belkin, D-Link, Motorola, TRENDnet and Cisco, but there are many more.

How routers work

Routers connect a modem (such as fiber, cable or DSL modem) to other devices to allow communication between these devices and the Internet. Most routers, even wireless routers, usually have multiple network ports to connect multiple devices to the Internet simultaneously.

A router usually connects physically, via a network cable, to the modem via the Internet or to the WAN port, and then physically, always via a network cable, to the network interface the card in all the wired network devices you own. A Wireless Router for Business can connect via various wireless standards to devices that also support the particular standard used.

The IP address assigned to the WAN or Internet connection is a public IP address. The IP address assigned to the LAN or to the connection to the local network is a private IP address. The private IP address assigned to a router is generally the default gateway for various devices on the network.

Wireless routers and wired routers with multiple connections also act as simple network switches that allows devices to communicate with each other. For example, you can configure multiple computers connected to a router to share printers and files with each other.

Routers are like small computers, so there are a processor and memory to handle incoming and outgoing data. Different software, such as DD-WRT, can be loaded on the router just like an operating system on a computer.

A router operates on the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model and uses the routing tables to understand where the traffic is coming from and where it should go.

Manage a router

Most likely there will come a time when you need to change the way the network works. This is done by accessing the software on the router.

You will need to connect to the router, if you want to change the router connection password, encrypt the network, configure port forwarding rules, change the Wi-Fi password, choose a different wireless network name or update the firmware on the router.

Some other common tasks related to managing a router involve restarting the router and fully restoring the router software.

Do You Really Need SMB Router?

 You have probably wondered "Can I use the home router for work"?The answer is yes, it is possible to use a consumer router and provide multiple desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones with Internet connection BUT ... Even in the short term, you will lose a lot in terms of scalability, remote access, and security. If you've read the ITC secure network series on small business networks, you know the importance of network security.

The main difference lies in the safety functions. Consumer routers can offer high Internet speeds, but when it comes to remote access, redundancy and security standards, and most importantly, the benefits of a Commercial Router come to the fore.

So what should you consider when buying a Routers for Business? It all depends on the complicity of your corporate network and the number of users. More complex office networks require routers with multiple ports and wireless access points. Here are the top 10 features to highlight.

Security

Always start with security. The WPA and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption standards are important. WPA2 is the latest security encryption for Wi-Fi signal, adopted in 2006. Having a router encrypted with the password WPA2 closes the door on 90% of hackers. The intrusion, in this case, is possible only at the company level. If you buy a professional router that is a brand new model, starting from 2018, it could support the WPA3 standard, introduced in January 2018.

Also, look for a professional router with an integrated firewall. In this way, the office network will be protected from intrusion by the public Internet network.

Another thing to check is an option to connect to the guest wireless network. The main advantage of the guest wireless network capability is that it controls who can access the office network.

The DMZ door is also one of the security layers you need to consider. Basically, DMZ is a small network between the corporate network and the public Internet. The DMZ (demilitarized zone) port is used to isolate one or more computers (which require direct Internet access, such as an FTP server, a mail server, and a Web server) on a dedicated subnet and thus protects computers in the event that the entire network is compromised or under cyber attack. Some Manage Routers allow computers to be assigned to the DMZ in the settings, without the need for dedicated DMZ ports.

Number of ports (WAN and LAN)The more doors, the better. The LAN (local area network) port allows multiple devices, such as IP phones, to be connected to the router. You can still use a switch and increase the number of devices connected to the router, but try to choose one with at least 4 LAN ports. The Wide Area Network (WAN) the port is required if you want to use the router as a connection between LAN and WAN. The corporate router must have at least one WAN port. 

Wireless protocol = speed

That's all about speed. Regardless of the complexity of the network and the number of users, a professional router that supports at least 802.11n protocol is required. But if you buy a router for years to come, choose 802.11ac. There is an even newer 802.11ac protocol, but many computers don't support it yet, so there's no need to search for this bandwidth.

Strong signal

To ensure complete network coverage with a strong signal, a router capable of transmitting the signal to multiple offices is required. Of course, if you use multiple large rooms, we recommend using two or more Wi-Fi routers. If you need to cover several floors of buildings with signal routers, use 4 antennas and an extended range. The number of users plays an important role here. If you have more than 10 users on the network, don't rely on a single router.

Dual-band support

Or even three tape holders? There are routers that only communicate in 2.4 GHz or in a combination with the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Professional mast band routers support one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands (we are not talking about the 5G data network). For a corporate network with more than 10 users, choose a dual-band router.

Quality of service

This feature will give you the ability to prioritize certain data packets and thus influence network traffic. A typical example is the use of VoIP phones. If multiple users on the network are playing large video files, the service for IP phones may become slow and unstable. QoS will help you balance and prioritize important services within the network. Sometimes it is necessary to configure the router, but in most cases the configuration is predefined.

WAN Backup

It's great to have redundancy on the network. Some commercial routers have backup WAN ports. When you lose your internet connection or your internet provider isn't working, you can simply add a 4G card and avoid downtime.

Content Management

Many entrepreneurs have suffered a loss of productivity in recent years. Employees spend so much time on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Routers with the option to filter content with certain keywords can block traffic to desired sites. This is a very similar function with the parental controls used in home routers.

RADIUS Support

This feature may not be secure. RADIUS is the safest option to access an office network but requires a dedicated server, which means it is complicated to configure. An IT specialist will be required to configure RADIUS for wireless access. Basically, authentication is required between the RADIUS server and the client running on the router to access the network.

Price

Finally and very important. As with many other things, the budget is a determining factor. If you want fast, reliable and secure traffic on your corporate network, try spending as much as possible. A router, a server, and a firewall form the basis of your computer system. Paying around $ 300 for a professional router can be expensive, but it is much cheaper than constant network problems and downtime.

Not all routers are created equal. There are high-end professional models and routers. Make a decision-based on business needs, a number of users shared devices on the office network (printer, fax, file server, etc.) and the complexity of the network.