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There is a growing notion in the world that those who had a hand in the creation of our government would have laughed at, had they understood what it meant.  That is that access to the internet is a basic human right.  President Obama addressed this issue as early as 2015, when he stated that access to high speed internet is a necessity and not a luxury.  The United Nations addressed it for the first time in 2011, and then in 2016, passed a nonbinding resolution condemning countries that intentionally take away citizen’s access to the internet.  

The point here is that with the growing rights to access, and growing reliance on internet for social and employment needs, there is booming opportunity for growth in the WiFi industry.  The year 2017 has certainly seen tremendous growth and that is not likely to stop in the near future.

Public WiFi.  Everyone where you go - a store, a restaurant, a doctor’s office, etc. - you expect to be able to access the internet is need be.  Even the New York subway system is equipped with WiFi in many areas now.  In many places, you do not even have to ask for the WiFi password anymore, it is posted.  Public WiFi may soon cut down the need for cellular network connectivity, as there are high-quality WiFi network connections available almost everywhere that serve the same purpose.

Phone Calls.  As previously stated, WiFi phone calls seem to be the wave of the future.  Because of this, telecom companies are shifting data off their cellular networks to meet rising demands of consumers.  Many cell phone carriers have started offering WiFi calling.

Personalized Web Experience. In the coming years, you can expect a more personalized web experience with a deeper knowledge and understanding of what you are looking for.  This could lead to an anticipated understanding of user needs, learn behaviors and understand agendas.  It can therefore be able to propose recommendations, solutions or applications.

Cloud Management. Cloud-based services are increasing.  These services, including Dropbox, Google Drive and more, offer free or low cost storage of documents, photographs and other properties. WiFi is crucial in this regard as it is required to access the cloud, anywhere at anytime.

In the upcoming years, it is safe to say that WiFi will continue to improve and increase in its user-friendly capabilities.

The internet has become so ingrained in our daily lives, for employment and personal purposes. It is such an important part of our culture that no matter what you go - a coffee shop, the subway, a sports stadium, a bar - there is a very significant chance of access to wifi.  Simply put, WiFi is a means for communication on a network using radio frequency.  The data is passed using antennas and routers.  So, unlike hard-wired networks, anyone within a certain distance can access your wifi, potentially leading to security concerns.

There are several methods in which your wifi could be attacked.  One popular method is referred to as “war driving.” This is a method by which individuals drive around neighborhoods and areas to enumerate what wireless networks exist, what type of encryption (if any) is used, password (if known), and any other pertinent information. This information may chalked or painted to the street or sidewalk or posted to various websites.

In addition, there are many ways in which your password can be decoded and hacked to gain access to your wifi network (and potentially private information about you). Very much like other password attacks, there are the simplistic attacks (brute force) and the complex attacks. While brute force will eventually work, there are methods to minimize the impact if compromised.  It is incredibly important to use complex passwords to minimize the likelihood that this happens to you.

A Denial of Service attack is more of a nuisance than a true technical attack. It is comparable to an extreme brute force attack that overwhelms a Wi-Fi network or assets/nodes on it. However, sometimes the vectors of attack for a Denial or Service are very technical. Many technologies, namely web servers and websites, have Denial of Service protective measures, as the internet can connect to them if they are public facing.

Whether the wifi is open, public or customer wifi, it faces its own security issues; none of them are fully security. Wireless networks in businesses (or customer networks) may contain a password that anyone using that business can obtain. There is no way to ascertain the security of the network or validate that it is in fact the network you wish to be joining. These stores or other businesses have no legal obligation to protect a customer’s device or data. They can also monitor your connections and roam your device for information about you that can be later used for marketing, etc.  As with customer networks, there is no legal obligations to secure your device or data in public wifi networks and there is no way to make sure no one can intercept your data. 

Nothing is absolutely secure. As an individual, it is good to discuss this with your wifi router provider or installer so you may access the level of risk and how to mitigate the risks. As a consumer, it should heed a warning as to when and where to connect to wifi.

Did you ever want to give up big city life, pack up on the belongings you need, and move to the woods, or some other remote locations where peace and quiet reigns? I think everyone has had that thought, even if only for a fleeting second. However, in a busy world so entranced by technology and the internet, making that dream a reality is not possible, right? Wrong. Going off the grid, whether for good or simply for a weekend getaway, does not mean you need to entirely cut ties with society.  

Or, are you a campground owner looking to attract big city residents with the outdoor, rural appeal while providing them access to luxuries involved in daily life? Many New Yorkers have jobs that require them to have internet access all day, every day.  This is why campground wifi is a necessity!  Thanks to technological advances, you can have your remote existence, while completely staying in touch with big city life, which is especially important for those of us who need entire for our employment.  There are several options for accessing wifi from remote places.

For individuals going off of the grid, there are several options.  If you remote location has access to a cellphone tower, and you have a capable cell phone, you can use the phone to surf the web.  Although one of the slowest connections for off-grid internet access, it is definitely beneficial for those on a budget, or those that do not need the internet for employment and/or time sensitive reasons.  If you do not require a lot of bandwidth, this portable option may be right for you. There is also the option of hotspots or satellites, which although more expensive are certainly more reliable.

If you need something quicker, because you rely on it for your business, or perhaps need it for your rural business, a hotspot may be a more practical option. An agricultural wifi hotspot can be designed to reach any area of your land needed to conduct your business and personal affairs. With a professional farm wifi installation company, you will be provided with a strong, reliable connection that will allow you and your employees the ability to use the internet from wifi enabled devices for all of your business needs.  A hotspot allows you to quickly and easily connect via multiple compatible devices with a faster connection than most cell phone plans.  Although it is pricier than cellular costs, it is certainly more prudent for operating a business.

For campgrounds, providing wifi is almost a given in today's world.  The process is similar to that provided for agricultural needs; a campground wifi hotspot package is designed to reach the perimeters of the park to provide your guests with complimentary (or paid, that is up to you) internet access from their campground.  This will allow campers to access the internet from a cell phone, tablet or other compatible device, making the stay both off-grid and connected.  Through the use of a commercial grade router, the security and reliability of your internet access will be enhanced.

So, do not fear. If you are looking to flee the city for a more simple life or are looking to begin an agricultural or camping business, internet access in remote areas is just a call to a wifi installation company away.

It is sometimes hard to business owners to realize that their technology components have a lifespan. Sometimes these tools will wear out before they become obsolete. Given the variables, it is not possible to determine when and if a piece of equipment will fail, but for some components, there are warning signs that failure is imminent.

A leading cause of wireless router failure, for example, is that a business cut corners by purchasing a consumer-grade router, rather than commercial-grade equipment. Specifically, heat stress can destroy WiFi components. Consumer-grade hardware runs too hot and in a commercial setting, its ventilation requirements relative to air circulation will not be met. Even some commercial-grade components will experience premature failure if operated in full sun, in a dusty environment, or in a setting where there is continuous vibration.

How to Avoid Router Failure

Troubleshooting WiFi components, for example, is relatively easy to perform. If your network has experienced outages due to an overheated router, reset the router and modem. If the issue returns after a few hours run-time, then your router is either inadequate for the network it now serves, or it is near the end of its working lifetime.

Over the course of troubleshooting WiFi components, you may have discovered how-to instructions that are in fact, not much more than band aid fixes. The wireless professionals at GNS Wireless recommend that you do not waste time trying to prolong the service life of your router. Your network cannot afford downtime, so at the first sign of issues with your router, contact our team to help determine the best replacement for your network and your business. We’re here to help at (877) 209-5152.

You’ve seen those commercials on TV where everyone in the family wants to use the Internet signal at the same time? Dad is finishing up some office work, mom is checking her emails, their daughter is texting her boyfriend, and their son is playing video games. Or, more likely, everyone is trying to use the internet at the same time, with mixed results. This is often the issue for businesses as well, especially those in office complexes. Their lease may provide WiFi service, however at peak usage periods, with every business in the building accessing the internet at the same time, how effective can it be?

The two major components of any wireless system are its router and modem. These work together to disperse the network’s internet signal to every user. If more users than the system can accommodate attempt to access it at the same time, the wireless router can become overloaded. Here are some simple tests that may be performed to determine if a slow internet is a single event, or a sign that it is time to upgrade to a router that can handle increased bandwidth. Enlist your staffers for a quick test. Turn on every device that uses the internet at the same time, and check load times for an internet search. This will help determine the router’s overall capacity. A slow and sluggish load time response most likely indicates router overload.

If your router passes the ‘everybody into the boat’ test for a general search, try live streaming next. If you encounter choppy images and long buffering times, you guessed it, your wireless router is overloaded. Just in case both of these tests proved inconclusive, the issue could be caused at a different time of day. Try keeping a log of internet outages, slow load times, and chopping streaming experiences for a week or two. You may begin to notice a pattern in your router’s signal, that it is weaker at certain times of the day, for example. Most often these tests and outage logs indicate the need for an upgraded wireless router. To ensure that your business does not encounter these difficulties for the foreseeable future, speak to our knowledgeable staff at GNS Wireless. We’re here to assist you to purchase just the right equipment for your business. Give us a call today at (877) 209-5152.

Congratulations! Your business is on the grow! Perhaps it is time to consider how your additional staff requirements will place new demands on your wireless network’s performance.The question is, how can a business that is experiencing a growth spurt anticipate and meet their enterprise’s current and future network requirements? Also, what is the best, most efficient, and also the most economical way to resolve this issue?

In the past, wired networks expanded by simply stringing together additional lengths of cable to hook up additional desktops, Internet TVs in conference rooms, media players, and other business tools. Today, smartphones, tablets, and laptops are used during business meetings and by staffers on the go. The best way to resolve this network expansion issue for a wired network is by first upgrading to a wireless bridge network. Wireless networks are easily scalable and will continue to grow as your business grows. When the time comes these may be further expanded at relatively low cost.

How to Increase the Range of Your Router

Adding a wireless bridge to your WiFi network increases its range and will accommodate more users. A wireless bridge receives a signal from your wireless router which it sends out to all devices, even wired, to extend your existing wireless network. It does this without the need for a tangle of additional cables, or the inconvenience of having to string them manually. Just select the wireless bridge that will accommodate the current number of workstations, with room to grow. Be sure to place your wireless bridge within the range of your wireless router’s signal, as well as within a cable’s length of your wired devices.

Depending on which wireless bridge has been selected, connection to your company’s device is relatively easy. If your router supports a WiFi protected setup (WPS) just press the WPS button on your bridge and router to link them immediately. If not, you’ll be connecting the bridge to your equipment via the Ethernet. This takes a few simple steps on any desktop, see your manual for instructions.

Once the bridge and router have been connected, you’ll connect your wired devices directly to the bridge via the Ethernet. Then your wireless bridge will automatically connect any attached devices to your primary network  over your WiFi network. Additional devices may be added at any time. Best of all, as your enterprise continues to expand, your business environment will be free from a snarl of additional and unattractive cables. To determine which wireless bridge network will serve your business well, contact the network professionals at GNS Wireless at (877) 209-5152.

One of the most common questions we are asked is: "How do I extend the range of my wireless network?.  Although there are many different ways to get better range from your Wi-Fi router or access point, GNS Wireless will detail below some of the most effecient ways to get better Wi-Fi signal.

Upgrade to a higher gain antenna:  Although this seems like the most common way to get better wireless network range, you want to make sure you use the correct antenna.  By using a higher gain antenna you can extend your wireless signal range, but it depends on what type of transmit power your router/access point has, where you are installing the antenna, and long of a coaxial cable you need to install it correctly. Some things to consider when using a higher gain antenna include potential loss of vertical signal coverage. Typically when you increase the gain on an antenna the RF gain pattern becomes more focused and produces a narrower horizontal beam.   Installing a high gain omni-directional antenna on a hill, and you will certainly have a dead spot underneath.  For campgrounds, marinas, and RV parks, one of the most popular hotspot packages we sell, is the GNS-1485.  This includes a sectorized panel antenna which helps broadcast a strong signal within a 120-180 degree area, and penetrates trees and RV's with ease.  You can point the antenan exactly where you need the signal and with minimal effort your wireless network will gain new life.  Read more about our pre-packaged hotspot setups here.

Install a WiFi amplifier: By adding a Wi-Fi amplifier to your wireless router, or access point you can boost your wireless signal and increase wireless network range. GNS Wireless sells pre-packaged WiFi booster kits that are available for purchase by anyone in the United States or Canada without the need for a special FCC license.   These kits are license free, and operate in the 2.4GHz, or 5GHz range.  They typically include everything you need to extend the range of your network.  The most popular scenerios are campground WiFi, Marina Wireless Networks, and RV Park Hotspot setups.  These kits offer easy set up and strong signal extension and coverage capabilities.   GNS Wireless offers technical support, pre-configuration services, and custom programming to all your equipment.  Additionally we sell individual RF amplifiers for export, military and FCC licensed users supporting frequencies ranging from 900 MHz to 5.8 GHz.

Upgrade to 802.11N or 802.11AC:  To put it simply, if you are still using the older 802.11B (11Mbps), or 802.11G (54Mbps), it is time to upgrade.  The newer 802.11N, and 802.11AC offer both increased range, and reliability for your ongoing wireless network.  If you are currently using older 802.11 standard access points and wireless adapters, consider upgrading to the latest IEEE standards, 802.11n or 802.11ac. These newer standards offer better range and speed than older standards products.

Use a higher power Access Point:  A typical residential Wi-Fi router or Access Point provides about 30mW to 100mW of transmit power.  When upgrading to a higher power access point or router you can boost your wireless signal resulting in extended coverage.  GNS Wireless offers outdoor access points with up to 1000mW of transmit power.  When combined with the correct panel or omni-directional antenna, your wireless network becomes more stable, and can penetrate near by obstructions such as trees in a campground or RV Park.

GNS Wireless can assist in product selection, support and installation as well as any questions you may have regarding increasing the range of your wireless network.  For questions, or for a free consultation, please contact us at (877) 209-5152, or send an email to support@gnswireless.com.

What many business owners do not realize is that most quality WiFi equipment manufacturers do not sell directly to the public. One of the many reasons for this is that consumers are not likely to know how or what their business requires to order a system that is right for their needs today and into the future. Leading manufacturers such as ACTi, Axis, Cisco, Laird, Nomadix, Samsung, Ubiquiti, among many others have put their trust, and their products in the hands of the network professionals at GNS Wireless.

As a wireless reseller, GNS has partnered with the leading manufacturers in our industry, have passed their rigorous certification programs, and have earned the right to resell their WiFi equipment. These manufacturers know that GNS Wireless is recognized to not only recommend the right network components, but to provide the high level of customer service and support, that inspires confidence and develops consumer trust.

Recognition Brings Benefits

Certifications alone do not indicate expertise. That comes from knowing how best to serve businesses of every size and in every industry. GNS is certified in a range of fields such as Wireless LANs, Systems Security and Architecture. These are some of the ways that GNS Wireless has distinguished ourselves in our industry. We demonstrate our expertise by providing superior options for every business facing specific network challenges.

At GNS Wireless, our professionals continue to upgrade our skills to present our clients with the best possible options for their business. We keep up-to-date on our vendor partners’ latest products, strategies, and technical support materials. This way we’ll always be able to assist businesses to build, migrate, or upgrade their networks with the most current, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective WiFi equipment solutions possible. For more information, please contact us at (877) 209-5152.

Some businesses have been slow to migrate their networks to WiFi voicing concern over its security, and the safety of their data. In fact, WiFi networks are sensitive to infiltration, and offer more safeguards than some hardwired networks. While it is probably not possible to make any wireless network impossible to penetrate, GNS Wireless knows that wireless security is paramount in the minds of most business owners. Later in this article we’ll offer tips that will make any wireless network less prone to hackers.

Nobody wants to be the victim of a WiFi security hack. Not many are aware of what this action entails. The heart of any wireless network is the router. This apparatus is the prime target to hackers who variously want to infiltrate your network, or just freeload off your WiFi connection. Here are some tips to make your wireless router and therefore, your network hard to hack:

Simple WiFi Security Tips

1. Enable WiFi Protected Access (WPA2) wireless encryption: older routers may require an upgrade, but this is your network’s first line of defense and should not be overlooked.
2. Create a strong password for your SSID Network: a lengthy and random SSID name coupled with a strong password will deter some hackers who can easily bypass routers with a default setting.
3. Keep your wireless router’s firewall turned on at all times: would you leave your doors unlocked at night? A router firewall can make it less visible to hackers.
4. Use an encrypted personal VPN service at the router level: considered your network’s best line of defense, it creates a proxy IP address coupled with strong encryption to protect your network traffic against hacks.
5. Disable the router’s Admin via Wireless feature: this makes it virtually impossible for someone who is not physically connected to the router to infiltrate it.

GNS Wireless offers advice and information to business owners seeking to migrate or upgrade their networks. To make an appointment, please contact us today at (877) 209-5152.

The best way to save money building an enterprise grade WiFi network is to not buy more than your business needs for the foreseeable future. One way to spend less is to accurately estimate how much bandwidth is required. Bandwidth needs for a WAN pipe can vary widely (especially if you are enforcing bandwidth limits on your SSIDs). GNS Wireless offers this procedure to estimate your backhaul (or WAN needs) and avoid spending more than you need to.

1. Take your download / upload limits per client.
2. Multiply each figure by the number of clients you wish to support.
3. Your end results should represent the rough WAN bandwidth needed to support an ideal situation where everyone is using the maximum pipeline allocated to them.

Here’s an example: Assume that your business provides 500Kbps / 150Kbps per client on a 25-device network. This means you’ll need a pipe the size of:

1. Download: 0.5Mbps x 25 = 12.5Mbps Down
2. Upload: 0.15Mbps x 25 = 3.75Mbps Up

Remember, this formula assumes that every client will be fully using their maximum bandwidth allocation at all times, 24/7/365. This is not realistic, but will capably cover current and estimated future bandwidth needs. Remember, these are general estimates.

How Much Bandwidth Does Your Enterprise Grade WiFi Network Require?

Comparing your business with the example above, your WiFi clients may need less bandwidth at different times throughout the workday. Also, the type of device being used also impacts the amount of required bandwidth, as well as the type of application being processed. These additional considerations should be considered to establish your true bandwidth needs, to avoid over buying, yet still maintain a reliable network for your clients.

A last consideration, know how your office is wired. Do you have dual cable-coax business lines from your service provider or hybrid lines that include metro ethernet or similar options as well? Such units capably perform load balances from two separate pipes to endpoint devices. Know how your network is configured and you’ll avoid overspending on a single fat pipe if more affordable dual pipes will handle your peak bandwidth demands.

To learn more, contact GNS Wireless, an industry leader, at (877) 209-5152 for more information regarding the design and setup of your business’ WiFi network.