Networking
Office Wi-Fi and LAN Setup: A Practical Guide for Small Businesses
Short answer
For reliable office networking, run structured Cat6 cabling to wall points and access points, use a managed PoE switch, place several ceiling-mounted access points instead of one router, separate guest and staff Wi-Fi, and keep equipment in a ventilated rack on a UPS. Plan for the number of users and devices, not just the internet speed.
Why one router is not enough
A single home router in a corner gives weak signal through walls and struggles with many users. Offices do better with wired backbone cabling and several access points placed where people work.
The building blocks
- Structured cabling: Cat6 cable from a central rack to wall sockets and access points.
- Patch panel and rack: keeps cabling neat and easy to manage.
- Switch: a managed PoE switch powers access points and cameras over the same cable.
- Access points: ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi units placed for coverage and capacity.
- Router or firewall: connects to your internet service and secures the network.
- UPS: keeps the network up through short power cuts.
Planning steps
- Count users, devices, printers, phones and cameras.
- Decide where wired points are needed, such as desks and printers.
- Survey the building to place access points for coverage.
- Pick the internet connection and consider a backup line.
- Plan the rack location with power, cooling and security.
- Set up separate staff, guest and device networks.
Common mistakes
- Using cheap cable or running it beside power cables.
- Placing the router in a cupboard.
- Sharing one network for staff, guests and cameras.
- Leaving default passwords.
- No labelling or documentation of cables.
Secure it
Use strong Wi-Fi passwords, separate guest access, update device firmware and back up your configuration. See our networking service.
Common questions
Is Cat6 necessary?
Cat6 is a good standard for new offices, supports gigabit speeds and gives room to grow.
How many access points does my office need?
It depends on layout and users. A survey tells you, but offices often need one per few rooms or per zone rather than one for the whole building.
What is PoE?
Power over Ethernet sends power and data over one network cable, so access points and cameras need no separate power point.