Wireless Networks

Wireless computer networks have become standard where mobility or short-term connectivity is required. The significant challenges with wireless networks are security and scalability. Atomik.biz can configure wireless networks using the latest security features and encryption technology.

Where large areas have to be covered meshed wireless networks simplify management and allow monitoring to ensure everything is working as designed. Meshed networks have a controller which configures and monitors all the access points to ensure consistent configuration and deals with any faults.

Legacy wireless networks worked on 2.4GHz, which is still in everyday use. More modern wireless equipment also supports 5GHz technology, which gives better performance. 5GHz currently benefits from less wireless congestion, so makes a noticeable difference in built-up areas. Most modern equipment is compatible with 5GHz, so we recommend installing dual-band wireless devices.

Captive portals are becoming common, especially in retail installations, which redirect the user to a website or capture information like phone numbers or email addresses.

Any use of this data must comply with the General Data Protection Regulations.

Outdoor wireless networks

For users who need reliable wireless outdoor, high-quality wireless access points are available. Installation requires running a cable from the router which will power the access point using Power Over Ethernet POE.

Wireless Bridges

We provide wireless bridge solutions which allow a high-speed wireless connection beyond the range of standard wireless routers. It is possible to bridge considerable distances, but most requirements are less than 200m. A typical wireless bridge solution is a company in a business park taking on another unit with a line of sight to the central unit. A suitable pole-mounted antenna mounted on each building then forms the bridge. Each antenna will require a cable run to the two networks.

Caravan, Mobile home and boat wireless

Many campsites and marinas offer wireless. Some of these don’t give good coverage or speed. Using devices inside of a metal box like a caravan or motorhome will shield the signal resulting in poor performance. Atomik.biz offers solutions to these problems by installing external Antennas on vehicles and boats. Our solutions run from 12-volt supplies and are compatible with 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band access points and hot spots.

Wireless troubleshooting

We often get asked to “Install a wireless booster” to fix slow wireless. Wireless problems can have many causes and usually a combination of reasons. When investigating slow wireless, a logical approach is required.

There are many adverts and claims on the internet about ISP’s throttling your wireless and buying a particular product will miraculously fix all your problems. Take these with a giant pinch of salt. They are playing on people’s needs for instant satisfaction to sell their high-profit margin gadget. One giveaway in these adverts is the claim that “everybody is talking about” their product.

Firstly find out if it is the wireless that is the problem or the Internet connection. To test this, do a speed test over wireless and from a wired connection plugging the same computer directly into the router with a cable. If the speeds are similar and slow, then the problem is the Internet connection and not the wireless. When the wireless is substantially slower than the wired connection, test the Wifi from near the router and from the workspace. If the two results are widely different, the wireless coverage is the problem.

Fixing your Wifi

Check if the wireless channel in use is congested or has interference. Quality routers will have the tools to investigate this. When interference is the problem, change to a different channel.

If changing channels does not fix the issue, the best solution is to add a wireless access point near the work area. Where possible, connect the access point to the router with a cable. Often people don’t want the hassle of running cables and want to use “boosters”. Boosters are usually dumb devices which receive other wireless signals and retransmit them with more power. The problem with these is that you have no way of monitoring what, if anything they are doing, and they don’t discriminate between your wireless and your neighbours. A better option is to add an access point which will be part of your network and connects to your router and only retransmits your wireless. These devices need to be programmed. In the case of boosters and wireless joined access points if the source router wireless fails, then all wireless fails.

With complex wireless environments with multiple wired access points, always add additional access points rather than boosters.

Intermittent hardware faults and low-quality equipment are also possible causes of problems.

No two wireless environments are the same, so there is no “one size fits all” solution.”