You’re thinking of getting a WiFi network but can you be sure that where the access points are being placed is correct? How can we be sure that you’ll spend good money on something and it will perform well?
Putting in a Wifi system is a bit of an art and in a lot of properties, it won’t be a necessity to get a heat map done. Our installers have put in WiFi systems for years and have developed a great knowledge about building construction. They will discuss with the client what rooms are being used the most and what areas would benefit. Often they can go to the property and know where to place the kit to get it to work to its best without needing a heat map done.
However in some properties, a Wi-Fi heat mapping service is highly beneficial. This work for clients both residential and commercial as it allows us to ensure that we get great coverage and where we’re placing the kit is correct. So what does a heat map do?
Identifies Coverage Issues
Spotting Dead Zones and weak signal areas: Heat mapping visually shows areas with poor or no Wi-Fi coverage, helping pinpoint “dead zones” where connectivity fails.
You may have places in the property where you have a signal but it’s low or underperforming which can be more irritating than a dead zone. Or it may be fine, eg a garage or a loft but you may not want bedrooms or offices to be affected by this.
Improves Performance
Optimal Access Point Placement: A map ensures that access points (APs) are installed in the best locations to provide strong and consistent coverage throughout the property. This is more cost effective too as it ensures that we only install exactly what we need to.
Reduced Interference: As we work from your building plans, it identifies interference from physical barriers (like walls or furniture) or other devices. This allows for strategic adjustments when required.
Be aware on the day of the install, we may need to make some slight alterations if the building calls for it. For example, getting cables into a space where there is an internal structure which prevents this. Always allow for slight changes if necessary, although we will always run these by you first.
Maximises Efficiency
Avoid over-investing in unnecessary equipment or underestimating the network needs of a space. It also ensures the network is tailored to the specific usage patterns of the property. That me be for streaming, work, or large-scale business operations. As there is no guesswork involved, we can be accurate and have an exact plan of action for the installation. This is much easier if working around a household or staff where getting access to certain areas may need to be planned in advance.
Enhances User Experience
Fewer Connectivity Issues: A well-designed network reduces buffering, dropped connections, and slow internet speeds. If you’ve got people working, it can be frustrating watching them under performing purely due to a slow network. If you’ve got kids trying to game or stream a movie, you won’t hear the end of it!
Smooth Roaming: You should be able to walk or work around your whole property without your signal dropping out or changing. A good WiFi system ensures seamless transitions between access points. This is critical for homes with smart devices or businesses relying on VoIP and video calls.
Supports Business and Smart Home Systems
Home Automation Reliability: Many homes and businesses have CCTV, alarms or a light/heating system which sits on the WiFi so you can control it or view it from your phone/an app/control system. Good WiFi ensures smart devices like cameras, automated lights, and audio maintain strong connectivity across the home. A heat map will allow us to see if you’ll have any issues and how we can resolve them.
Scalability: For businesses, it supports future growth and additional devices without requiring a complete network overhaul. This will allow us to see where you are now and allow for expansion later if necessary. Upgrading and monitoring is simple to do after when required.
Data-Driven Solutions
Customised Recommendations: Heat mapping provides clear data to back up recommendations, ensuring our clients trust the solution. Our heat mapping system uses a tried and tested software which has been consistently accurate for many properties. We know it works and have data to prove it. The visual aspect of heat maps makes it easier to understand network performance and justify changes or upgrades.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Prevents Downtime: Proactively addressing connectivity issues reduces troubleshooting costs and dissatisfaction later. As we know the system will work well straight away, our installations are quick and there is hardly any downtime. This allows us and you to have a much better planned installation.
Minimises Recurring Issues: A well-planned network designed with heat mapping ensures long-term reliability and performance. As we use Cambiums cnMaestro system, we can monitor how the APs are performing and find out any issues remotely reducing any call outs you may have.
So what’s next?
Wi-Fi heat mapping is an essential service for ensuring robust, efficient, and future-proof wireless networks. It provides tangible benefits in terms of performance and user satisfaction. We use Cambium networks for our WiFi heat mapping service as it’s a fantastic and secure WiFi company.
If you’re booking a heat mapping service, we need some basic building plans so we can ensure that we know about the building construction. This helps us work out where we can run cables and how the APs can be placed.
We will do a site visit so we can see for ourselves how the cables can be run as there may be decoration such as cornicing or pillars. This may affect how we’ll place the kit. How easy is loft access? What is the construction of the internal walls? Is there under floor space we can use? All of these factors and more are important to planning a good WiFi installation. We will then send you a heat map for your property and a quote to install everything, the rest is up to you.
If you’re thinking of getting a heat map service, there is a cost of £150. However you will get 50% of the cost of this back from your installation if you go ahead. To book a visit or get more information, just get in touch with us today.