Tips for Upgrading Your WLAN

Structural Limitations– Having a basement or an underground garage can be a huge asset to a hotel. But it can also be a communications nightmare. A weak WLAN environment can hinder mobile device communication and thus, staff effectiveness. If the valet attendant cannot radio a license plate and valet ticket number to a garage attendant, customers suffer the consequences of longer wait times for their cars.

Have your property analyzed for potential “dead zones” for your staff’s communications network. The solution could be as simple as installing more or stronger access points to increase the range of your network. By doing so, you can ensure seamless communications throughout every square foot of your property.

Outdoor Access– Another important factor is the importance of outdoor network access for both guests and employees. Guest lounging poolside, an outdoor restaurant or staff members who require communications or mobile point of sale (mPOS) solutions for a sales transaction will all require wireless network access. In this case, a traditional, indoor-based WLAN environment may not provide strong enough signals or coverage for guests to sign onto the network, or for employees to use on their mobile devices.

Imagine having pool servers able to use wireless-enabled tablets to instantly place and accept payment for guest food and drink orders. This improves the accuracy and timing of orders, and leads to an improved guest experience…all on your own, secure network. If this type of outdoor access is important to you and your guests, then you’ll need to install weather-resistant access points to extend your indoor network to the outdoors.

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Technology Requirements– If you are planning to engage guests through their Wi-Fi devices, offer more on-line services or upgrade your staff communications and mobile devices, your WLAN network’s capabilities need to be evaluated. The network will need to support the density for guest access and voice communications.

This type of flexibility allows for varied and improved use of your WLAN. This includes greater security and access during meetings and events that require support for thousands of devices in use simultaneously. WLAN can also be used to provide relevant offers via guest analytics, mobile concierge, and mPOS and catering.

By upgrading the WLAN environment, a hotel can bring their staff communications to the next level and improve the guest experience. A dynamic, reliable network can be the key differentiator in a guest’s choice of where to stay and can set up your property to be ready for the next improvements in technology and access.

Tom Moore leads Motorola’s strategy and direction for the hospitality and healthcare industries. This includes voice of the customer, partner strategies, driving revenue-based programs to support marketing, sales, and product management initiatives.

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