A stable network environment is the heart of your business. When your network is optimally configured, your internet-dependent devices will operate quickly, securely, and completely seamlessly. Plus, a solid foundation makes it incredibly easy for us to quickly assist you if you ever want to expand your system.
Here are our top recommendations for building a strong and reliable network in your office!
1. The Right Network Equipment from the Start
Investing in good infrastructure from the start always pays off in the long run. We recommend using a modern router (manufactured within the last 4–5 years) that supports at least Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Keep it simple: The best approach is to connect your equipment directly to the router. Need more ports? A standard network switch is all you need—just plug it in without any complicated settings.
- For large spaces: If your space is large, we recommend setting up dedicated access points (such as those from Ubiquiti) and turning off the Wi-Fi antennas on the router itself. Tip: Place the next access point right at the edge of the previous one’s range, so that they complement each other instead of competing for the signal.
2. Wired or Wi-Fi?
To ensure all devices can communicate with each other at lightning speed, it’s important that internet-dependent devices have their own dedicated network that’s completely separate from, for example, guest Wi-Fi.
- Wired connection (Cable): For stationary equipment and integrated card terminals, we always recommend a network cable (Ethernet) of Cat 6 standard or higher. This provides the absolute highest stability.
- Wireless connection (Wi-Fi): Mobile devices, order screens, and standalone terminals connect wirelessly. Since the older 2.4 GHz band is often congested (as it’s also used by Bluetooth and other electronics), we strongly recommend connecting all mobile equipment to the faster and cleaner 5 GHz band.
3. Smart router settings
To ensure your network runs completely smoothly, there are a few settings you should configure in your router right from the start:
- Static IP addresses: Log in to your router and assign your devices (such as printers and terminals) fixed, static IP addresses instead of letting the router assign them automatically (DHCP). This ensures that devices always find each other immediately!
- Avoid conflicts: Make sure you have only one active router assigning IP addresses on the network to avoid network conflicts (so-called double-NAT).
4. How to future-proof your internet connection
- Speed: We recommend a stable fiber connection with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps.
- Check coverage: Feel free to download a Wi-Fi measurement app to your phone and walk around the premises. You’ll immediately see if concrete walls or large open areas create “dead zones” where an extra access point would be needed.
- Backup: A smart addition to your fiber network is to have a 4G or 5G router on standby. If your internet service provider experiences an outage on the fiber network, you can quickly switch over and keep your business running. (If you have a physical control unit, the system also has a built-in security feature that allows you to record a certain number of transactions even if the internet connection is down).
- Save the password: Always keep the network password close at hand (it’s often on the back of the router) in case you need to connect new equipment.
5. Seek expert help when needed
Since every location—and therefore every network environment—is completely unique, it’s you as the customer (or your IT partner) who has the best control over the local network.
Are you unsure about how to run cables or set up the router? To create a truly reliable IT environment, we strongly recommend that you seek help from a professional IT technician. Onslip recommends Telia as an IT installer—read more about it here.
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