The Look Creative team recently had an insightful meeting with a potential business client facing significant issues with their internet connectivity, despite having a robust 100mb lease line provided by BT. This scenario underscores the critical importance of proper network configuration in ensuring optimal performance and security.
The client, a well-established company, reported persistent problems with slow internet speeds, dropped VoIP calls, and difficulties in accessing cloud-based services such as Sage. These issues were severely impacting their operational efficiency, particularly for their accounts team and other critical business functions.
Upon thorough investigation, the Look Creative team discovered that the root cause of these problems was not the lease line itself but the configuration of the public WiFi network. The company was using top-tier Ubiquiti products, renowned for their quality and performance. However, these products had not been configured correctly. Specifically, the public WiFi network lacked Quality of Service (QoS) settings and bandwidth limitations. This oversight meant that anyone accessing the public WiFi could consume the entire 100mb bandwidth, leaving little to no resources for essential business operations.
Key Issues Identified:
- No QoS Configuration: Without QoS, the network could not prioritise critical traffic, such as VoIP calls and cloud-based applications, over less important public WiFi usage.
- Unlimited Bandwidth for Public WiFi: Public WiFi users had unrestricted access to the full 100mb lease line, leading to congestion and bandwidth starvation for business-critical applications.
- VoIP Connection Drops: Due to the lack of bandwidth management, VoIP phones were frequently dropping connections, disrupting communication.
- Access Issues for Cloud Services: The accounts team struggled to access Sage in the cloud, severely hampering their productivity.
The Importance of Proper Configuration
This case highlights a crucial lesson: the installation of high-quality networking equipment is only part of the solution. The true value of these products is unlocked through expert configuration. Properly configuring network equipment involves setting QoS to prioritise essential services, limiting bandwidth for non-critical applications, and ensuring robust security measures are in place.
Why Configuration Matters:
- Optimized Performance: Correct configuration ensures that critical business applications receive the bandwidth they need to function smoothly.
- Enhanced Security: Proper settings protect the network from unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
- Reliable Connectivity: Reducing unnecessary load on the network prevents dropped connections and improves overall stability.
- Efficient Resource Management: Allocating bandwidth based on priority helps maintain a balanced and efficient network environment.
Look Creative’s Approach
At Look Creative, we understand that anyone can install an access point, but it takes real professionals to configure it correctly and secure the network. Our team is dedicated to not only providing top-tier products but also ensuring they are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Our thorough configuration processes involve:
- Conducting detailed assessments of current network setups.
- Implementing QoS and bandwidth management to prioritize essential services.
- Securing the network with the latest protocols and settings.
- Providing ongoing support to maintain optimal performance.
By addressing the configuration issues, Look Creative was able to significantly improve the client’s network performance, ensuring that their VoIP phones operated without interruption, cloud services were accessible, and public WiFi usage no longer hindered business operations.
Conclusion
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of proper network configuration. Quality equipment must be complemented by expert setup to truly benefit from its capabilities. For businesses experiencing similar issues, a professional assessment and configuration by experienced IT professionals like Look Creative can make all the difference.
For more information on our services and how we can optimise your network, visit Look Creative or contact us at 01454 308330.
