More Users, More Devices, and More Demands

How to Prepare for the Future of Wireless Networking

Contributing Writer

It’s impressive when you consider how many new devices and mobility solutions have found their way into the workplace over the past few years – changing the way we work, collaborate, and share information. Only a few short years ago, smartphones, tablets, and ultrabooks weren’t even on our radar. Now they’re vying for bandwidth on wireless networks alongside a host of other wireless-enabled devices – from TVs and digital cameras to projectors and more. What does that mean for the future of your wireless network and how can you prepare? Read on to discover more.

In the past, most organizations were able to deliver acceptable speeds and performance using 802.11a/b/g technology on their wireless networks. But as the number of users on the wireless network has grown, so has the number of devices per user. A traditional wireless network had to support a few notebooks with relatively minor bandwidth demands – mostly light browsing and email. Today, wireless networks have to support two or three devices per person, all sending and receiving bandwidth-intensive traffic such as voice over IP (VoIP), video, and document-heavy emails.

How can you ensure your wireless network delivers the performance you need to stay productive? It all starts with selecting the right wireless access point (AP) for your needs and environment. A big misconception is that an expensive AP will give you greater range than a less expensive model. That’s not necessarily true. Since most APs operate on a 2.4GHz frequency, their range is limited by the technology, not the hardware. Cost doesn’t equal maximum range. Higher end models do, however, usually give you extra features to support more users, simplify management, and increase efficiency.

HP Networking offers wireless APs that help you unleash the productivity benefits of mobile devices. With a variety of AP models to suit every environment – and smarter technologies that increase efficiency – HP lets you build a future-proofed wireless network that’s right-sized for today and ready for tomorrow.

Want to learn more helpful tips on building a modern wireless network? View our Wireless Chalk Talk by visiting www.pcconnection.com/hpnchalktalk

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