Wi-Fi setup for co-working space

IT services - Asked by rclcit on Friday, 19 August, 2016 - 13:38

Hi There, We are a community centre running a co-working space from one of our facilities and we need to sort out our WiFi issues. We've got a system at the moment that drops out so probably not strong enough to handle what we run and we would like to upgrade to a more stable option. At peak time (rarely but still happens), there could be up to 40 devices connected to the WiFi (including laptops, tablets, phones etc). Can anyone here recommend any specific equipment we should get (good router?) or a company that have experience in setting up similar work places? We are located in Richmond, Victoria 3121. Cheers, Oren

Reply by Erhan Boduk from Ensyst on Friday, 19 August, 2016 - 14:08

Hi Oren, Can I get some additional information around the site itself? i.e: square meters of facility, a floor plan and the material the walls are made out of? Also, what model & how many WiFi access points are you currently using? Cheers Erhan

Reply by Jürgen Mertin from Parish IT on Friday, 19 August, 2016 - 14:12

Hi In terms of equipment, it does depend on a few things (they type of internet connection you have, the size of the area, the types of devices, the content being accessed and the type of interference from other wireless networks there is). A site assessment is the best step forward, whereby all of these factors are assessed in order to ensure an adequate system is selected. In many cases, adding more access points or boosting signal strength is not always the best answer. WiFi networks are as bespoke an IT deliverable as there is. Parish IT has implemented a few networks in cafe's, lobbies, warehouses etc, so we've been around the block on these. We're based in Sydney, but are often service Melbourne clients.

Reply by Nick Mullen from Halkin IT on Friday, 19 August, 2016 - 14:20

Hi Oren, have a look at UNIFI access points they are enterprise grade wireless access points for businesses with lots of users like your community centre. I have found UNIFI to be more reliable and to have a stronger wireless signal. You can have multiple AP on the same SSID as well. If you need help configuring one i would be happy to help you. Nick Mullen Halkin IT http://www.ubiquitishop.com.au/112_unifi_indoor_ap.products

Reply by Nick Mullen from Halkin IT on Tuesday, 6 September, 2016 - 10:08

Hi Oren did you end up installing a Unifi AP?

Reply by Kim Sinclair from Enable IT Services on Friday, 9 September, 2016 - 17:34

The best gear is by Cisco, Xirrus, Aruba, Meraki etc. Unify is good bang for buck and suits most applications. I suggest that you have your site assessed by someone local who can design an appropriate solution. Good luck :-)