Being able to count on WiFi at your business is essential. It gives you and your employees the ease to work from laptops, phones, or tablets, plus customers get convenient wireless internet access while patronizing your business.

The proper WiFi setup at your business can help improve employee productivity and customer experiences, lower costs, and protect critical business data and functions.

So figuring out what you need and addressing connectivity issues you might be experiencing is critical to keeping your business running effectively.

WiFi vs. Internet

Though they work together, WiFi and internet are not the same things. 

WiFi is the wireless network connecting nearby devices and sharing internet via a wireless connection instead of hardwire ethernet connection. Though a wired connection can be faster than WiFi, a wireless connection gives customer flexibility regarding the location of the device with no wiring. The internet is a global network of networks where computers communicate via Internet Protocol. 

Most pointedly, you have to keep in mind that WiFi is hardware-driven. In some instances, your connectivity issues could be WiFi- or hardware-related. 

Routers

Nowadays, the majority of entry-level routers come with built-in Wifi, which addresses the majority of the basic needs of business customers. However, if a customer needs a specific firewall setting to keep their business more secure, then they need a dedicated router device. Choosing what type of router customers need all comes down to customer requirements.

For example, Sparklight Business  Offers two types of WiFi offerings to its customer. Business WiFi and Managed WiFi. Though customers are allowed to provide their own Router/WiFi combo device, Sparklight also offers one's to rent.

“I think of it like a hierarchy, in terms of the types and levels differentiated by features," explains Hassan Rafi, lead product manager at Sparklight Business. 

Business WiFi gives our customers entry-level WiFi products with the ability to open multiple SSID with a guest network. Whereas Managed WiFi offers a lot of controlling factors for your wireless traffic, gives deep dive detail on each device connected to your network and what type of data they are using, and better tools to control your network traffic.

“A great  WiFi product means that you have peace of mind that your entire business has great WiFi coverage and is capable of giving you high-speed at every corner of your business,”  Rafi adds. “That reliability factor can allow you to put your attention elsewhere in your business.”

WiFi Options/Needs

Like internet options, the type of WiFi service best suited for your business depends on several factors, ranging from your speed and feature requirements to how you want to manage the network.

If guest WiFi for customers is a crucial piece for your business, choose a WiFi provider/service that can deliver quality location analytics, revealing visitor capture rate, user visit time, and repeat visits by listening to wireless devices. These are powerful metrics you can use to help your business grow.

In addition to the user data you capture, having free WiFi for customers gives you a chance to direct them to a landing page and promote special events or products and services.

Determining the type of WiFI service and provider you need also depends on other factors, such as your administration or management preference and security requirements. There are options for managed WiFi services, and some providers offer router- or security-focused managed services and technology. 

For example, with Managed WiFi, you get a cloud-based customer portal and user app that enables you to configure, manage and monitor their WiFi network and user activity – from anywhere, at any time. It’s commercial-grade wireless great for large organizations looking for state-of-the-art wireless technology with great features to control the network traffic.

Mesh WiFi

For a more easy-to-install WiFi product where you don't have to run wires to each access point, you may want to get a mesh system, which is a perfect option that also offers some great features, all accessible via the mobile APP.

  With a traditional router system, you may have to run the wires to additional extenders to expand the WiFi coverage. In some buildings running wire is not easy. In a situation like those, Mesh WiFi system comes really handy.
 

We hope this helps define how WiFi versus internet and can make choosing a Business Internet package easier for you!