In today’s business world, technology is crucial for various operational aspects. A fast and reliable internet connection is essential for seamless functionality. While choosing the right internet service provider is important, internal measures can also significantly contribute to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential connectivity for employees.
Thankfully, several strategies, ranging from technological interventions to seemingly straightforward approaches, can help companies guarantee dependable in-office internet service with optimal upload and download speeds.
Being Aware of “Shadow IT”
The existence of “shadow IT,” which includes unauthorized devices or applications used by employees without the knowledge of the IT department, can secretly impede internet speed within the office. Employees often incorporate these tools for convenience, albeit at the cost of bandwidth strain and security vulnerabilities. Regular IT audits aimed at managing shadow IT not only bolster speed but also fortify security measures.
Emphasize Wired Connections for Critical Devices
Prioritizing a wired Ethernet connection for critical devices is paramount. While Wi-Fi offers convenience and flexibility, wired connections generally deliver superior and more stable speeds. By minimizing interference and enhancing internet performance for essential operations, wired Ethernet connections play a pivotal role in connecting high-bandwidth devices such as servers, workstations, and video conferencing systems.
Regular Equipment Updates and Optimization
Regularly updating and optimizing network equipment stands as a crucial tip for maximizing the quality and speed of in-office internet service. Ensuring that hardware remains current and compatible with the latest networking standards, in addition to optimizing network settings such as channel selection and bandwidth allocation, serves to mitigate interference and congestion.
Reviewing Cybersecurity Protocols
It is crucial to comprehensively reevaluate the company’s network protection measures. This involves examining existing cybersecurity solutions and exploring alternative approaches. Instead of adding more physical equipment on-site, establishing a network protection solution capable of filtering user requests while maintaining high speed presents a viable alternative.
Using Two Internet Service Providers
The adoption of dual internet service providers is essential. The primary internet provider should offer optimal speed and be supplemented by a secondary provider serving as a contingency. This approach ensures seamless business continuity. Additionally, the prudent use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) helps safeguard internet modems against power disruptions.
Utilization of a Multiple WAN Router
Employing a multiple wide area network (WAN) router, integrating two to three providers, which can be configured into an unbreakable virtual private network or an immediate failover, represents a critical strategy for ensuring internet continuity. For instance, pairing land-based, high-speed gigabit fiber with a fully redundant solar or backup generator, and/or a UPS battery-powered satellite connection with a failover to a cell-based connection, comprehensively covers all bases.
Emphasis on Fiber Service
An unwavering focus on fiber-based service for the office is crucial. Symmetrical connections deliver not only faster downloads but also enhanced upload speeds and reduced latency. A vendor with modern infrastructure typically exhibits lower latency, which is the true source of speed, rather than bandwidth alone.
Adherence to Network Management Fundamentals
Achieving optimal internet service necessitates a steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of network management. This includes robust security measures, ensuring adequate access control, and bandwidth management through quality of service models that establish separate channels for video messaging, unified communications, and Wi-Fi. In terms of Wi-Fi management, leveraging whole-mesh network designs contributes to device optimization.
Implementation of Network Segmentation
The strategic implementation of network segmentation, coupled with the placement of access points, optimizes the wireless network. This approach guarantees efficient bandwidth utilization, reduces congestion, and enhances overall internet speed and quality, thereby facilitating seamless business operations.
Establishment of Redundancy and Contingency Plans
As is customary for any network configuration, optimizing with redundancy and establishing a contingency plan is essential. For instance, a backup connection from a provider such as Vivant can serve as a failsafe in the event of a primary internet service provider outage, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
Employee Survey on In-Office Internet Quality
Survey employees who predominantly work in the office to gauge their perception of in-office internet speed. Inquire about the adequacy of speed and the frequency of outages. This initiative aims to establish a foundational understanding of the system’s capabilities and areas necessitating improvement, thereby avoiding unnecessary expenditure on fast speeds.
Deployment of Cloud-Based Web Security and Malware Prevention
Prioritize the deployment of cloud-based web security and malware prevention to mitigate the risk of ransomware incidents stemming from web browsing or innocuous URL links in emails. This approach ensures optimal user experience and cost efficiency while upholding robust security measures.
Contemplation of a Dedicated Internet Line
Consider procuring a dedicated internet line tailored specifically for business operations to ensure both speed and reliability, particularly in office buildings housing multiple businesses. While this may entail initial investment, the resultant improvements in speed and performance due to reduced internet usage intensity across a single line often justify the expenditure.
Strategic Arrangement of Office Furniture for Wi-Fi Optimization
Strategically arrange office furniture, plants, and decor to optimize Wi-Fi signal propagation, aligning with the principles of “feng shui.” This approach enhances Wi-Fi signal efficiency by minimizing obstacles and leveraging reflective surfaces.
Implementation of a Bandwidth Management System
Explore the implementation of a bandwidth management system designed to distribute a proportionate share of bandwidth to each device, ensuring consistent performance, efficient capacity utilization, and equitable internet distribution based on individual user needs.
Acquisition of a Multi-Lane Router
Acquire a router offering multiple “lanes,” such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and distribute devices across these lanes. Prioritize the faster 5 GHz lane for critical tasks to minimize interruptions and slowdowns.
Determination of Business Continuity Without Internet Service
Assess the critical duration your business can endure without internet access. For businesses where internet loss is catastrophic, redirecting funds from incremental speed enhancements to acquiring a secondary backup provider may prove more beneficial. This redundancy facilitates seamless transitions when necessary, ensuring uninterrupted essential services.
Regular Conduct of Network Audits
Regularly conduct network audits and fine-tune network settings to optimize in-office internet connectivity. This involves analyzing bandwidth utilization, updating network hardware, optimizing DNS settings, implementing network segmentation, reviewing Wi-Fi networks, considering load balancing, managing network cables, and monitoring network performance.
Implementation of Content Filtering and Traffic Shaping
Implement content filtering and traffic shaping to prioritize critical network traffic and restrict access to non-business-related websites and applications. These measures effectively prevent bandwidth congestion resulting from excessive personal internet usage while prioritizing essential business applications.
Utilization of SD-WAN for Enhanced Network Performance
Leverage a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) to achieve superior network performance, centralized control, increased flexibility, and efficient branch-to-cloud connections. As businesses transition to the cloud, SD-WAN emerges as a leading solution for WAN optimization.
