Network connection is the cornerstone of modern business. Almost all business activities depend on a working network in some way, from cloud-based applications to IP telephony. Achieving a stable and reliable connection can be challenging for companies who are operating in old buildings, however.
It is a problem faced by more than a few companies. In fact, a pre-pandemic survey showed there were more than 140,000 companies occupying listed buildings in the UK. Cities such as Manchester, Nottingham and Leeds, have many Victorian Era constructions. Former industrial spaces in these areas are frequently converted into beautiful offices and flats – but face the same challenge of difficult network installations.
Of course, architects before the 21st century hadn’t factored the likes of wireless network capability into their construction plans. Their focus was on keeping the weather out and the heat inside the building. Therefore, old building-turned-offices often have thick walls made of materials like stone. Great for insulation but disruptive for Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity and contain a lot of out-of-date cabling. Even newer offices use building materials that interrupt mobile phone lines such as energy efficient-glass – all of which makes setting up and maintaining a stable wireless connection more complicated.
Identifying dead spots
It’s not straightforward knowing what system is suitable for the old building your office is in, or what parts of your network need upgrading. It could be that your connection is manageable, but not perfect. Are there any dead spots in the office where you’re unable to get a connection? Speak to your staff – are they encountering any issues that you’ve overlooked?
Using these questions as a basis, you can conduct an effective audit of wireless reach and stability. Understanding the communication challenges you and your team face will give you the answers to fixing them. Customer-facing staff will need better-than-ok connection to ensure they are providing the best service possible. Perhaps, with multiple people on calls at the same time, you need to create more bandwidth.
Wirecutting and network optimisation
Once your issues are identified, you can take the next step – bringing in the hardware. It may seem daunting, but new technology like cloud-based communications don’t need more cables running across skirting boards to work, and you won’t need anyone on-site for installation. Plugging in and setting up the software virtually makes the job of installing or upgrading in-office communications simple.
Solutions like DECT – Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication – mean phones are cordless and can support connection through multiple floors which is especially helpful in larger offices. DECT base stations connect to the network to get all the information they need from the telephony system, whether this is hosted in the cloud or on premise, and pair up with handsets. If you identify your dead spot, you can adjust your base location or extend the reach with an extra base.
Future-proofing
No-one can be sure of where their company will be in five years time. Your business may grow, you may need to consolidate, or to move offices. Alternatively, more staff could be returning to the office and you’ll need more hardware to support them. The tech you use will most likely change too with the arrival of new updates and better software.
Whatever your situation, a good first step is to check the quality of your network connection and ensure you’re incorporating the right tools to make communication stable and reliable, so you no longer need to worry about dead spots. Solutions such as wireless base stations and cordless handsets can help businesses to meet their unique office needs, both now and in the future.