Key Factors to Consider
Choosing and customizing your WLAN environment is based on a number of factors specific to each hotel property. Here are a few to keep in mind when making your decision:
Current Infrastructure– Your property’s current network wiring and infrastructure will influence what type of WLAN solution you can use to upgrade your current environment. For example, some older buildings may currently use their existing telephone wiring to provide in-room internet and network connectivity for staff. That means you might continue to leverage this infrastructure and potentially minimize the cost to re-wire your property to offer guest high-speed, Wi-Fi internet access. Technology to improve the speed, reliability and reach of this option is rapidly evolving, and property owners should stay on top of these developments when upgrading their network.
If your property has Ethernet (CAT5) wiring in place, your best option is to leverage this wiring where possible for guest rooms and meeting spaces to reduce wiring costs. This will be highly dependent on a WLAN site survey which maps out the best placement of wireless access points for the coverage requirements. Consider Wi-Fi access points designed and built for guest rooms to address coverage issues.
