9 Things to Check after Installing Wireless Apps

Introduction

Whether you are building a brand new wireless network or upgrading the network equipment, it is essential for the I.T engineers to check the following nine things to make sure connectivity is seamless. Wi-Fi installation needs a lot of steps and proper planning including surveying the site and running cables to the proper locations. Hooking up the wireless access points to provide the airwaves to the users to connect to Wi-Fi signals is the most important task. Wi-Fi security is a complex issue, and you can never be sure what can haunt you if you ignore some basic considerations.

Verify All Individual Apps

Many network professionals simply go ahead and install the wireless access points but overlook the issues with individual APS devices. There exists a possibility always of having a malfunctioning wiring, and it can prevent AP from working correctly. These problems may not be easy to detect after all the Apps reinstalled in the network. Make sure each Aps is powered up when it is provided power and doing its normal operation. It is important to notice the signal level of an AP to test it; make sure signal levels are perfect, and there are no connectivity issues for the users.

Check VLANS

Sometimes there are virtual LANs or VLANs configured on the network, which has SSIDs; you might misconfigure a setting on the router, access point or a switch in the VLAN. VLANs can be misconfigured as well accidentally, which can affect the operation of each AP. Going through checking the VLAN configuration is a step forward towards configuring the Apps correctly. After each AP is installed, connect to each SSID and make sure an IP address is assigned to a particular VLAN. Please check the VLAN routing settings internally and use the ping command to check the connectivity over VLAN.

Double Check SSIDs

To make sure Apps are providing seamless connectivity, double check the SSIDs and other settings which are uniform across the access points. Some administrators like to configure AP manually which increases the chances of mistake. You can double check the SSID which is broadcasted from each access point after plugging them up.

Verify the Wireless Coverage

It is a good thing that you performed a site survey before installing the access points, but you must ensure that the coverage of Wi-Fi is available fully everywhere after it is installed. A free software called Wi-Fi analyzer can help you to check the signal levels of Wi-Fi and provide you with a professional map through which you can visualizations any issues or network problems. It helps you to collect the vital information about the wireless network connectivity and helps to determine the signal to noise ratio.

Check Channel Assignments

Sometimes it is tricky to check Wi-Fi channels when the auto channel is enabled in the access points. It is recommended to double check the auto channels because there could be wifi channels installed in your neighboring houses or offices which can easily interfere with your network signal. Therefore checking the auto channel feature is the priority of a network administrator.

Ensure Apps are Physically Secured

Considering the physical security of access points is necessary to ensure a seamless connectivity across the office area, you cannot provide ultimate security by configuring strong passwords, wifi comes with an encrypted password which is the most complex one for anyone to guess. Make sure the APs, cabling and all other network components are out of reach; no unauthorized personnel or public should be able to see the passwords.

Moreover, do not mount the access points where they are visible to public or employees; always mount them under the ceiling or high on the walls. In addition, switches and routers are sensitive devices that also must be carefully mounted out of reach of unauthorized employees. Switches and routers must be locked and placed in separate rooms.

Running Speed Tests on Network

Always use the web-based software to run the internet speed tests to make sure how each access point is doing. It will help you to verify the bandwidth limits.

8- Note the Exact Locations of Access Points

After access, points have been installed and mounted on proper locations, make sure to label them and mark the locations of Apps on the floor.

Keep Admin Access Secure

Administrators must change their passwords now and then which can ensure no one will be able to log into the network devices installed on the premises. Use the web-based GUI interface to get administrator access to access points and find out the default password online.

Author Bio

Maria Denial is a contributing writer on many tech websites and possesses ten years of experience as the writer at assignment help - Assignment Ninja in London.