If you’re rolling out a guest network for the first time, it’s prudent to ensure you do thorough testing in order to ensure it will perform as expected, and to identify potentially problematic areas which might cause hassles as usage of your guest wireless network grows.
The Guest Wireless Network Testing Areas You Need to Consider
1. Signal coverage testing
Signal coverage testing involves the measuring of signals throughout the coverage area, making sure to determine whether or not they are high enough to facilitate the level of performance required by potential guest wireless network users.
2. Performance tests
A guest wireless network needs to be capable of performing well when under pressure, and the only way to ascertain its performance capabilities is through testing. These tests include making certain each type of device that may attempt to use the guest network is supported and can connect with an access point, that the devices may register with the network, and that they can be authenticated.
Load tests are also crucial, during which multiple devices can be used to attempt network usage from throughout the premises at the same time from a stationary position, to determine how the network handles many users simultaneously.
3. In-motion tests
In-motion tests ensure that a guest wireless network has been tested by users on devices while moving about the premises. The results of these tests indicate how well the network performs when in use by roaming users, especially testing areas of connection where access point reach overlaps. The user’s connection should be strong throughout the premises, and transitioning from one AP to another smooth.
4. Vulnerability tests
Security is a primary concern when allowing guest users on a wireless network, and rightly so. Testing the security vulnerability of your guest wireless is vital to verify all the necessary steps have been taken to protect your data, network and users. It starts with verifying and confirming that all the network’s authentication and encryption functions have been correctly configured.
Once that is confirmed, it is this important to test that authorised devices can connect to the wireless network while the security measures are in place, and that unauthorised devices can’t connect.
5. Acceptance/verification tests
If your guest wireless network solution was implemented by a contractor, acceptance and verification testing ensures that the implemented system and all its technical requirements function effectively. It’s important to include this stage in a the agreement with the contractor, and it is through this testing process that certainty can be obtained as to the operational status of the guest network, as well as the legal security that all the agreed upon system elements and promised application support is evident in the implemented solution.
This testing stage is also a good opportunity to make sure maintenance protocols of the guest wireless network is are place, and that staff have been sufficiently equipped to deal with the requirements of maintaining the network.
6. Simulation tests
A final testing step, simulations allow for a good overall testing of the guest network by allowing for the simulation of traffic, network activity and situations that might arise during network usage. As this can be costly to implement oneself, it is often more feasible to make use of the services of a company that owns its own simulation tools.
A testing element that proves invaluable before rolling out your network is the production of a heat map. Crucial to helping the support team maintain the network, a heat map indicates the strength of the wireless signal throughout the premises while in use, taking into account all the office furniture, employee placement and general layout of the office during work.
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