Keep your business WiFi for you with security options and restrictions on guest useage.
Keeping a WiFi network free from unauthorised use is very important for a number of reasons. This blog will explain the options available and the measures that you can choose to implement to help secure your network.
Most standard broadband routers will come preconfigured with a single WiFi network and password, usually written on a card that slots into the router. This is perfectly adequate for a domestic installation since you control who comes in and out of your own home, but in a commercial environment or public space, this is difficult to manage and control.
A dedicated WiFi system will not only provide much better coverage and reliability, but it also boasts a lot more security features and can be centrally managed and configured.
Separate your networks
Our WiFi systems can broadcast multiple WiFi networks (called SSIDs). In most scenarios there’s only really a need for two: a “Business” network and a “Guest” network. These can be set up with different passwords so that genuine staff users are separated from anyone else.
“Business” users can be people as well as functions, for example, members of staff and communications devices such as smart displays would have full uninhibited access to the internet.
Devices such as heating and lighting controllers, card payment machines, and live streaming equipment would also fall under “business” users. Guests would be visitors, temporary staff and contractors for example, and can then be subject to an array of restrictions which will protect your business devices and ensure that enough internet bandwidth is left for their use.
This also secures all of the devices on the business network from unauthorised access.
Restrict Bandwidth
Once you have separated the networks you can then decide how much of the available internet you want to allocate to them. For example, if you have an internet connection that offers 80Mpbs download and 20Mpbs upload, you want to make sure that enough of that is reserved for your own use. Anyone signed into the “Business” network will have all 80/20Mbps allocated. We can then set a rule that only gives 20Mbps download and 5Mbps upload to the guest network.
Additionally we can set time schedules that can turn either turn off, or turn on, the each of these networks.
Know who is on your network
You may choose to keep it simple, with a specified password for staff users and a different one for guests. This way only people you give the password to can access the network.
Alternatively you can ask the guests to sign in before using the WiFi. There are a number of options available from a simple web form that asks for their name and email address, to a voucher management system where guests are allocated a block of time and a special code in order to use it, and even a sophisticated text message (SMS) authorisation platform where a code is sent.
There are also social media login options that require authentication via Facebook.
You can even set up terms and conditions of use for guest access and force them to be accepted before continuing.
These all help keep your network secure and free from misuse, and can be set up with your own logo and redirecting guests to your own web page before they go anywhere else.
Central Management
Being cloud managed has huge advantages. For a start it means the WiFi system can be controlled from anywhere. Things such as changing the passwords, setting restrictions and changing logos can all be done through an internet browser from anywhere. It also means that we can support you better by accessing fault information and diagnostics remotely if you have any problems.
The system also allows you to permanently block rogue or malicious users, if it should ever come to it, and can keep a log of who has connected in the past.
Central management makes administering your WiFi system easy. Changes are made through the portal and automatically sent to all of the WiFi access points. Software upgrades and security updates are also applied automatically, making sure the system is bug free and reliable.
Installed by Litenet
We can take care of the installation for you, making sure that access points are in the right places to offer the best coverage. We will also set it up and configure it all for you, so you need no technical ability. We can advise on the best practises and show you how the system works. Simple changes such as passwords, logos and minor adjustments can all be carried out remotely by us, at no cost, just by raising a ticket through the support page on our website.
Our engineers are experienced at working in all sorts of environments and do their very best to protect the buildings during installation.
Fast, reliable and secure WiFi can be had for less than you think. We can usually put together a proposal from pictures and drawings without the need for a site visit, keeping costs and carbon footprint down. If you’d prefer a full survey prior to installation this can be arranged.
Get in touch by emailing info@litenetuk.com, calling 01908 794 794 or through the contact form on our website. Sign up to our subscriber list to receive more helpful blogs!
