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Everything you need to know about WiFi
A common misconception is that internet and WiFi are the same thing but, whilst co-dependent, they are very much two separate services. Internet (most commonly broadband) is supplied to your premises by an ISP (internet service provider) whist WiFi, is the internal wireless distribution of your internet service. We have complied a jargon busting guide below, to help you understand the different options available to you.
We are one of the leading WiFi suppliers in the South East of England, particularly in the London area. We have setup and continue to manage WiFi networks for both domestic and business clients throughout Europe. Not only can we deliver secure, reliable and robust WiFi systems to your home or office, we can provide the underlying internet service too.
This is our comprehensive guide to the four most popular WiFi network options. The table below describes four options, the details of which are included in the descriptions below.
WIFI NETWORK OPTIONS
OPTION A
- WIFI ACCESS
- X
- X
- X
- X
- X
- X
- X
OPTION B
- WIFI ACCESS
- AUTOMATIC HANDOVER
- SINGLE SSID NETWORK SUPPORT
- DUAL BAND OVER SINGLE SSID
- PoE SUPPORT
- SURFACE MOUNTABLE
- X
- X
OPTION C
- WIFI ACCESS
- AUTOMATIC HANDOVER
- SINGLE SSID NETWORK SUPPORT
- DUAL BAND OVER SINGLE SSID
- PoE SUPPORT
- SURFACE MOUNTABLE
- FIRMWARE UPDATES
- CLOUD SUPPORT
OPTION D
- WIFI ACCESS
- AUTOMATIC HANDOVER
- SINGLE SSID NETWORK SUPPORT
- DUAL BAND OVER SINGLE SSID
- PoE SUPPORT
- SURFACE MOUNTABLE
- FIRMWARE UPDATES
- CLOUD SUPPORT
OPTION A:
Utilises basic WiFi hardware which is generally available on the high street (brands such as Netgear, DLink, Buffalo etc.) Hardware costs vary from £30 to £80 per access point. We’d describe this as a cheap and cheerful solution providing basic wireless access. This is provided for illustration purposes only; We do not supply nor support this option.
OPTION B
This is our entry level option, providing reliable WiFi throughout your premises and powerful enough to support systems such as multi-room audio wireless (SONOS etc.) and Ring doorbell products. The costs are approx. £150 per access point.
OPTION C:
We’d categorise this an exceptionally reliable solution using cutting-edge WiFi technology delivering guaranteed wireless reliability and performance. The costs are approx. £270 per access point.
OPTION D:
This as good as it gets! If you’re looking for a robust system with guaranteed wireless reliability and performance, this is the way to go – you can honestly set it and forget it! The costs are approx. £340 per access point.
COSTS
The above costs do not include installation/setup costs. We will carry out a site survey at a fixed rate of £125 (the cost for which is deducted from your final project cost should you proceed). The purpose of the survey is to ascertain how many wireless access points are required to drive your entire space and to determine where necessary data cables, if any, should be installed. All required data cables are installed as discreetly as possible utilising external elevations, internal voids and celling spaces. We always aim to provide an installation which is aesthetically pleasing. Following our site survey, we’ll provide a system design which is yours to keep, as well as a fixed price for the entire project. A typical installation cost is between £450-£900.
HOME WIFI NETWORK
How it works
Contrary to popular belief, WiFi networks rely heavily on wires. This diagram of a WiFi network illustrates the internet service being supplied to the premises, either via the phone line (ADSL/VDSL) or via a cable (fibre optic) service. The internet router is configured to bring the internet connection into the property, to which all other devices must connect, in order to use the internet.
In the case of a wireless network, wireless access points are cabled back to the router, so that when wireless devices (iPhones, iPads, laptops etc.) connect to the wireless access points, internet data is passed back to the router and out to the internet.
WIFI TERMINOLOGY
WiFi access quite simply means the ability to connect to the internet using a wireless connection.
This allows wireless devices to automatically connect to the WiFi access point broadcasting strongest signal, negating the need for the user to physically scan for and manually connect to the WiFi network.
A SSID or Service Set Identifier, is quite simply the name of your WiFi network (e.g. MYWIFI). It is important that your wireless access points can all be configured with the same SSID, thus forming one network throughout your premises – basic WiFi equipment doesn’t support this.
Today’s WiFi operates on two bands or frequencies, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz – the latter being the faster. Not all wireless clients/devices support 5GHz meaning, if using sub-standard equipment, you’ll need two SSIDs running on your wireless access points – usually differentiated by “2.4GHz” or “5GHz” on the end of the SSID (popular on Virgin Hubs). All our suggested options support dual band over single SSID so you’ll only see and connect to one.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) means that your device can be powered via the attached data cable using a device called a PoE injector or a PoE switch. This creates complete flexibility when deciding the placement of your wireless access point, as you don’t need to install it near a power outlet.
The device can be physically mounted to a wall or celling for a discrete and aesthetically pleasing installation.
Most, if not all, internet connected devices have software built into them known as firmware. It is the firmware that controls the device and allows it to perform specific functions. The hardware vendor will release periodic firmware updates keeping the hardware secure, free from bugs and feature rich. It’s preferred that your hardware updates itself automatically or manual firmware updates fall to the end user
A term which has got everyone asking, “What on earth is The Cloud?”. The Cloud quite simply means a service which is supplied over the internet. If you’re backing up your computer data to “The Cloud”, you’re backing it up online/over the internet. Cloud support for your WiFi hardware means it too can be connected to an internet-based service where it can be controlled, configured, troubleshot and updated.
Helpful, capable and very knowledgeable. I recommend PCMan to look after your computer
Tim Verity
PC Man provides a great service and amazing support. After years of struggle with poor/intermittent WiFi connection throughout our hotel, we finally do not have any problems. Everything works perfectly, and our guests are happy. No more complaints! We highly recommend this company
London WC1
Michael and his team were great at solving our wi-fi problems, which we had been struggling with for some time. They were very helpful and professional, and were very aware and considerate of hiding as much cabling as possible. We now have a reliable wi-fi signal throughout our house, and with 4 people trying to use the internet at the same time – it has not let us down!
J Hirschl
Delighted with our wifi upgrade – wish we had done it years ago – installed with friendly efficiency and works a treat, like all the work PC Man have done for us over the years.
Thomas Family
Great service and wifi.
Richard Orchard
We have been using PC Man/Michael to look after our household IT set up for almost ten years now. His advice is clear and accurate, and he listens to what it is you want to achieve. He is always punctual, tidy and efficient. He resolves any issues quickly, and is reliable and trustworthy. In short PC Man provides a great service and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
Charlie M
London, SW2
We had terrible wifi signal at our house. Our broadband provider was little to no help and we needed to get it sorted. I found PC Man’s website so I called up and Michael was extremely knowledgable and helpful. He knew exactly what to do to solve the signal problem and since he came and fixed it we haven’t had any problems. Its been over 3 years now. I would 100% recommend this service.
Chris Harris
Michael was very knowledgeable and helped us sort out our issues with the Wi Fi. He really helped us given that my wife and i are lost when it comes to anything to do with Wi Fi set up.
David Philips
Put in robust Wifi very efficiently, despite its requiring some tricky physical feats – eg clambering on to the roof. Now have excellent connection all over the house.
Stephanie Owen
Great professional service – worked fastened competently and everything now works like it should!
Viviane L
The wifi is working faultlessly right across the house, the installation was neat, your technical knowledge was clear and overall you were thorough and did a great job! So thanks!!
Alan K
London SW12
Excellent service, Michael provides a professional and friendly service. He set up our home and work internet service which runs very smoothly. He is always very helpful and I would thoroughly recommend him.
Rachel Jackson
5 star sound system.
5 star service.
5 star people!
Robyn Charteris
Great team, would highly recommend to anyone. Has been a great help over the years.
Sarah Glackin
Phase Electircal
We had been having a lot of problems but they all stopped once PC Man sorted out our system. Really pleased with it.
Sandra Smith
A very professional outfit that are great to work with
Paul S
Great service – got our Wifi working at last! Thank you Michael.
Alexandra Chalton
Reached out to Michael for complete a home network solution for my new house that was being renovated. I work from home, so internet and wireless connectivity throughout the house is a must for me. My Job was completed to my complete satisfaction. It has been a year now since the installation, and I have never had any problems since. I have no hesitation in recommending him / his services!
Ifty Karim
Professional and very helpful and more importantly for someone who is not technical he didn’t try to “up sell” me products or services I didn’t need. Highly recommend
Simon Pyper
Godstone, Surrey
Michael was professional and helpful when fitting a home wifi network. Would highly recommend.
Mark T
Amazing service and the best, highest speed internet even in basement!
Kelly Belldegrun
Fantastic advice and service. My new WiFi network is a joy! Seamlessly fast in every nook and cranny of a large house. Great workmanship and excellent after sales care. Would recommend 100%
Red Travis Hannigan
PC Man set up my home office with WIFI. I was used to working in an office environment, with fast WIFI and the home network provides that for us. Thanks to Michael and his team for making the setup simple and unobtrusive.
Jillian C
Excellent service. Very helpful and efficient.
Sally Newton
Very efficient, on time and friendly. The system they installed has been up and running bug free for over a year. Very happy with result.
Ghassan Alireza
Very professional work my WiFi works perfectly.
Darin Keogh
Bromley, Kent
After many years of dealing with very unreliable WiFi and no helpful solutions from our Internet service provider, finding Michael was a welcome relief. He was incredibly helpful and explained everything very well when he came to survey our property. He installed 3 Ubiquiti access points around our house and we now have fantastic coverage and get the speeds we pay for. It was quite a big job but he had it up and running in just over a day. Can seem like a bit of a hassle to have the work done at first but it’s 100% worth it!
Alex Winter
I only wish I had used PC Man earlier to solve my wifi problems. Excellent service and my problem is solved.
Steve J
Great advice on how to boost my home wifi, very friendly support and timely installation, great service throughout. Highly recommended
Quentin B
Excellent – responsive, neat and we now have unbelievable WiFi in all rooms.
SW
Really impressed with Michael’s services. Very knowledgeable, responsive and with a can do approach – delighted to have reliable home WiFi throughout the house after years of problems!
Tim West
Surrey
Great service from a really friendly team. Since they started to manage our home Wi-Fi we have had no issues and my children have stopped complaining. I will certainly use them for any future technology services I need.
John Whittaker
PC Man was recommended to me when we had repeated problems with my home internet connection. We wanted a decent home network to use Sonos, have WiFi that’s reliable enough for me to work from home, and watch Netflix without it dropping out. We’d been trying to do this on the standard BT equipment, but it wasn’t up to it. I told PC Man what we wanted to do, and they just made it all happen. They set up everything we needed, providing all the equipment (including routers and Sonos), ran the cabling under the floors so it’s completely invisible, gave us a really neat ‘hub’ for all the technology, tested it all – even the TV channels – to check we were happy, and made sure we could work everything before they left. We now have fantastic WiFi, TV and music throughout the flat, with no cables showing, and couldn’t be happier. It was a really great service, and I wholeheartedly recommend them.
Cynthia D
Camberwell, SE5
After many years of unreliable Wi-Fi performance, I asked Michael Holland at PC Man to visit and undertake a full review of our existing kit. He made recommendations which have allowed us to have a robust, strong Wi-Fi signal throughout the house, including some areas which never were able to detect the Wi-Fi signal. The network has been up without a moments interruption for the last 2 years. Highly recommended.
Gordon Hamilton
Swift and accurate diagnosis of the problem. Very efficient delivery of the solution – actually used less equipment at a lower cost than originally expected. Very tidy work. I will use again.
Mike I
Efficient and organised, talked through different solutions. System has worked as expected since installation.
Victoria Balchin
Michael was a pleasure to deal with and the results of his work have transformed my internet experience. Great service, worth every penny.
Clare Fielding
PC Man had a great knowledge of what was needed to set up my home office systems and additional wifi throughout the house. And all done in a timely manner. Thanks guys 🙂
Kelly Garrett
London SE24
My experience with PC man was excellent and our wifi works the best it has ever done. Worth every penny.
Anna Jarvis
Our business relies on networked and hosted systems, which means the quality of those systems and our IT support are probably the most important things we need for the business to function properly. PC Man gives us the quality and reliability we need, but also understands that as we are a small business, we need value for money, and support that we can scale up as the business grows. Highly recommended.
London WC1
Great service from Michael and the team, I thoroughly recommend them.
Mary Lonsdale
I have nothing other than the highest praise for Michael who came in resolved some challenging issues in our house. Practically speaking since he installed the network and new routers we’ve had no issues whatsoever. A really great service and one which is very reliable and over time very reasonable
Tim Medforth
Always excellent service, pleasure to deal with.
Sheila Bryans
The network and Wi-Fi system I had installed have both worked extremely well. I won’t pretend to be a fan of any annual charge – but the amount is not unreasonable for the quality and peace of mind the system gives. I’m very happy to recommend it to others.
Richard Storer
PC Man always provides a solution. They are helpful, professional and provide an outstanding service. I would highly recommend them .
Ann Thomas
I’ve been using PC Man for around 5 years for a variety of smaller jobs and one large installation too. For the larger job they installed a projector, screen and sound system for my TV including in ceiling speakers. The whole system is amazing and I’ve been so pleased with the results as it involved working around builders plus they recommended all of the hardware so I didn’t have to worry about a thing. What I really appreciate though is having support on the smaller things. PC Man are able to come to my house or my office, whichever is best for me and sort stuff like routers, buying new laptops, transferring all the data and taking all the hassle out of it for me. Definitely recommend
Tamara L
Walthamstow, E17
5* service! We were having so many WiFi issues in our home and being self employed and working from home it was important that we had a fast connection throughout the entire house (which we didn’t). We spent a lot of time in Starbucks just to get some work done quickly! Michael spent the day at ours organising everything properly, we haven’t had a single issue since. He ensured we have a strong connection throughout the entire house – it’s been a game changer for working at home! I’d thoroughly recommend Michael, he really knows his stuff!
Sasha Delaney
Great service!!! Michael set our home and work Wi-Fi together with a system that we could work on it even if we not there. Very pleased with the service and impressed with knowledge Michael has. Always helpful. I’ll recommend to anyone.
Thank you very much.
London SW18
Michael installed a robust and trouble-free system which was ideal for my requirements. I use him for all my IT issues. Highly recommended.
Christian M
London SW2
Excellent service – upfront about costs, on time for installation, and everything working perfectly.
Lewis Lukens
Michael did a thoroughly professional job, and it has transformed our data-hungry household of parents and three teenagers all keen to use wifi at the same time. Well worth the money.
Paul W
Excellent service – very efficient and we were left with fantastic wi-fi coverage in all areas of the house and all members of the family happy with the improved coverage.
Caroline Constant