If your organisation already has a wireless network, or if you're thinking of setting one up, you'll want to make sure you protect your systems from viruses and other nasties, even when your staff and visitors connect to your network with their personal devices over which you have no control. Malware could be running on their devices without their knowledge; it's more likely than not. So what are your options?
The simplest option is to prohibit connection of devices that your organisation doesn't control. Even the most basic wireless access points can restrict access only to specified devices: your organisation's laptops. But this probably isn't a realistic option: nowadays staff, customers and visitors will expect to access to your wifi, e.g to send or receive email attachments, PDFs, video etc.
Another approach is to install a separate internet line for guest's personal devices with dedicated wireless access points. This may seem like a simple solution to the problem, and sometimes for very small organisations it is the best solution, but the cumulative costs of cabling, maintenance, and duplication of the infrastructure are usually much higher than other solutions.
Instead of creating a separate physical networks we create a logical equivalent: multiple VLANs (Virtual Local Area Network) keep your visitors' devices separate from your accounts, HR and customers' confidential information you hold. With the same cabling and the same number of access points, you can provide different levels of access for different devices: guest/visitors; staff personal devices; your organisation's managed laptops etc.
If upgrading your network for VLANs is uneconomic or has no strategic value then single purpose proprietary solutions such as Cisco's Meraki product line is an option.
There are other aspects to consider such as: bandwidth, coverage etc
Contact us at telanova on 01344 567990 to help you choose the solution that's right for your organisation.