Router Shopping & Office Network Guide

Wi-Fi allows the use of smartphones without incurring wireless data usage, and it can be a convenient and flexible way to connect computers. Performance will depend on where the user is, compared to where the router (or Wi-Fi access point) is located. It’s location should be chosen similarly to how a light or lamp would be placed.

Investing in Ethernet cables to connect each user’s office location to the router or firewall (usually in the phone panel / demarcation point) will provide the best performance and reliability experience, on top of raising the property’s value.

To simplify, network switches can be thought of as splitters for ethernet cables. They help manage cables and the number of connections available by “splitting” one of the cables connected to the router into several ports available on the network switch. This allows many wired devices to connect to the router over just one cable.

Green/Eco-Ethernet switches provide only marginal savings and can cause performance issues with Business Connect. They are not recommended.