Chicomm Blog

AT&T recently launched a first-of-its-kind trial program that uses fixed wireless broadband networks and millimeter wave technology to bring high-speed internet, cable and wireless services to a set of apartment complexes in Minneapolis.

The trial uses point-to-point millimeter wave wireless technology and a combination of wireless signals and in-building wiring to deliver an “ultra-fast” 100 megabits-per-second connection that is accessible to each apartment unit in the complexes, according to AT&T.

Residents in the trial program also have access to cable television through DIRECTV Advantage -- without having to install satellite dishes on their balconies. DIRECTV Advantage uses a single satellite dish on one building to send a video signal to a central distribution system for the entire property.

As wireless communication solutions are constantly evolving, it’s a challenge to keep up with the latest and greatest devices and functionality. While it would be impossible to keep up with every update or product that’s made available, it is worthwhile to conduct an occasional appraisal of your existing systems -- and your current challenges -- to see if a boost, replacement or new investment makes sense. 

To help with your once-over of your equipment, systems and challenges, here are five core wireless communication solutions to keep in mind that you may need to deploy, upgrade or replace. (Bonus: Check out our latest video, below, to find out how Chicago Communications helps companies and agencies meet their comprehensive communications needs.)

If you're purchasing a new facility and about to do a building condition assessment, you're probably expecting that assessment to cover the facility’s structural and maintenance bases, but what about communications readiness? To make sure your assessment is painting as comprehensive a picture as possible, and to position you to meet your needs now and into the future, there are some key communications considerations to keep in mind.

Your users will be expecting instant and reliable connectivity from day one, whether they’re relying on wireless communications, cell phones or two-way radios. As you’re considering a property for your business, you’ll need a realistic assessment of whether it’ll support your communications needs or will require some help in the form of bi-directional amplifiers or other enhancements.

Here are some questions to keep in mind as you’re carrying out your assessment:

Analytical tools offer a variety of mechanisms for facility managers to improve communications systems, from on-site wireless to mobile communications. Reliable WiFi and dependable devices are business necessities that your internal customers and end users likely don’t think that much about – and you can keep it that way by heading off problems before they start and anticipating their needs.

Analytical tools for facility managers aren’t just about keeping the assets you can see running smoothly, you can also put data to work for you to boost unseen communications channels.

Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities for using analytic tools for facilities managers to improve communications.

In finding the perfect school WiFi and radio solution, schools face many challenges, including funding -- a situation that’s at the heart of the federal E-Rate program to make telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries.

E-Rate, the government’s largest educational technology program, was first mandated by Congress in 1996 and implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1997. Starting in 2014, the FCC launched two major modernization efforts to reallocate funding where it’s needed most to close the WiFi gap, particularly low-income rural and urban schools and libraries. The modernization also shifted money away from voice, paging and non-broadband legacy systems. 

On a scale from one to ten, how would you rate your current WiFi? While that sounds like a generic customer service question, it is actually an important point that companies need to review on a yearly basis. That’s because the workplace is ever changing, with employees now more than ever relying on wireless connections to accomplish their jobs.

When you step back to evaluate your WiFi, consider three key points:

How well does the WiFi work in your school? Chances are that your answer is close to “I guess it is fine. Spotty in some areas, but it works….sometimes.”

Lackluster WiFi in K-12 schools is nothing new, and is actually a fairly common issue. This is typically due to administration’s concerns over upgrading their wireless network, whether due to budgetary restrictions or the belief in some all-too-common WiFi myths. If you (or your school) is considering implementing a new, more effective wireless network, take a look at some of the most common WiFi myths below and what you should believe, instead.

Myth: If we keep our students’ smartphones off the school network, it will run faster

Today, it doesn’t matter if you have a private WiFi network for your business, or, if you host a public network on a school campus or in a shopping center - your network needs to be secure. Hackers are always on the lookout for subpar security in order to quickly get in and get out with the information they came for.

So how can you best keep your network safe and secure? First, we always recommend partnering with an expert solutions provider - this ensures optimal security throughout all of your communications.

Second, it is a great idea for you to become familiar with the most popular wireless networking security terminology so that if an issue comes up, you are well-versed enough to discuss or understand the problem. Here are 10 of the most common wireless networking terms: