Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are the backbone of modern networking, enabling seamless connectivity for devices in homes, offices, and public spaces. Whether you’re managing network infrastructure for a midsized company or setting up a wireless network for your small business, getting your WAP configuration right is vital. Missteps in deploying WAPs can lead to coverage issues, degraded performance, and security vulnerabilities.
To help you build a reliable and optimized wireless network, we’ve identified five common mistakes IT professionals, network administrators, and small business owners make when deploying WAPs—and, most importantly, how you can avoid them.
What Are Wireless Access Points (WAPs) and Why Are They Important?
At their core, WAPs are hardware devices that provide Wi-Fi connectivity to a specific area, enabling devices like laptops, smartphones, and IoT gadgets to connect to a network wirelessly. Unlike standard routers, WAPs don’t manage IP assignments or routing; they function as an intermediary between devices and the local network.
A well-planned WAP deployment ensures seamless connectivity, enhanced productivity, and a secure network experience. However, improper setups can cause a host of problems, from poor connectivity to data breach risks.
Here’s how to sidestep the most common WAP pitfalls.
Mistake #1: Inadequate Coverage Planning
Ever walked into a dead zone at work where the Wi-Fi signal seems to vanish? This is a classic example of poor coverage planning. One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the size or layout of the physical space where the network will operate.
How to Ensure Proper Coverage:
- Conduct a Site Survey: Perform a thorough survey of the area to understand signal strength, obstructions (like walls or furniture), and device density. Use tools to map out potential weak spots.
- Plan Based on Usage Needs: Think about typical traffic. High-density areas like conference rooms may need more robust coverage or even multiple WAPs.
- Consider Interference: Account for potential interference from physical barriers (e.g., concrete walls) and other electronics (e.g., microwaves or neighboring Wi-Fi networks).
Pro Tip: Overlapping your WAP coverage slightly ensures that devices maintain a strong signal as they roam from one zone to another.
Mistake #2: Poor WAP Placement
Where you place your WAPs matters—a lot. Installing them in corners of buildings, hidden cabinets, or next to large metal objects can severely limit their effectiveness. Poor placement can result in poor signal strength and patchy connections.
Best Practices for Optimal Placement:
- Go High: Place WAPs on ceilings or high walls for maximum coverage. Avoid installation near the ground or obstructed areas.
- Centralize Locations: Position WAPs in central locations to ensure even coverage rather than skewing the signal to one side of the building.
- Avoid Signal Blockers: Keep WAPs away from physical barriers like thick walls, glass partitions, or large appliances.
- Use Dual-Band WAPs: If your users rely on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, position WAPs to accommodate differences in range between bands effectively.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Security Measures
Neglecting to implement strong security protocols can open your network to unauthorized access or even cyberattacks. A WAP left unsecured is a treasure trove for hackers.
How to Implement Robust WAP Security:
- Use Strong Passwords: Replace default admin passwords with unique, complex ones, and change them regularly.
- Enable WPA3 Encryption: Always opt for the latest wireless encryption protocols (WPA3) to maximize your network’s security.
- Implement VLAN Segmentation: Use virtual LANs (VLANs) to separate guest users from business-critical devices and data.
- Monitor Network Activity: Employ tools to detect unauthorized access or unusual traffic patterns.
- Disable Unused SSIDs: Turn off unused Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) to reduce attack vectors.
Pro Tip: Regularly educate employees and users about the importance of security, from identifying phishing attempts to using secured networks only.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Firmware Updates
Technology evolves rapidly, and WAPs are no exception. Many fail to recognize the importance of firmware updates, which contain critical bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements.
Importance of Regular Updates:
- Patch Security Vulnerabilities: Updates protect against known exploits and vulnerabilities.
- Enhance Performance: Firmware updates frequently optimize existing features, improving speed and reliability.
- Add New Features: Manufacturers often introduce enhanced functionality or better compatibility through updates.
How to Stay Updated:
- Set a Maintenance Schedule: Allocate regular times to check for and install firmware updates.
- Leverage Automated Updates: Many modern WAPs now offer automatic update capabilities—enable this feature if available.
- Subscribe to Vendor Notifications: Keep informed of new patches or updates directly from the manufacturer via newsletters or product alerts.
Pro Tip: Always back up your WAP configuration settings before performing any major firmware update to avoid losing custom configurations.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Network Congestion
Heavy network traffic can significantly affect performance. Failing to account for the number of connected devices, bandwidth demands, and network congestion is a recipe for slow speeds and frustrated users.
Strategies to Manage Congestion:
- Use Quality of Service (QoS) Settings: Prioritize network traffic for essential applications like video calls or cloud-based software.
- Implement Dual or Tri-Band WAPs: Distribute devices across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) to reduce overload on a single network.
- Monitor Device Connections: Regularly audit connected devices to identify and disconnect unused or unauthorized connections.
- Leverage Load Balancing: If using multiple WAPs, configure load balancing to distribute a high number of device connections more evenly.
- Upgrade Bandwidth: For networks with significant traffic, increasing your internet service’s bandwidth can provide meaningful relief.
A Stable Wireless Network Starts with Smart Deployment
Wireless Access Points are crucial components of any modern network, enabling seamless connectivity across devices. By avoiding these common WAP mistakes—insufficient coverage planning, poor placement, skipped security measures, outdated firmware, and unmanaged network congestion—you can ensure an optimized, secure, and reliable wireless environment.
If you’re uncertain about your current network setup or need assistance with WAP configuration, consider reaching out to ADD Communications. A reliable wireless network offers unmatched benefits such as enhanced productivity, increased user satisfaction, and robust security. Reach out to us today to learn more!
