Tag Archives: Internet

How to Improve Wi-Fi

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We rely so heavily on Internet connections these days, and we are quick to blame the broadband provider when it does not work. However, the question you should be really asking is How to improve Wi-Fi?

WiFi a wireless radio transmission allowing computers, tablets, smartphones, Printers, Camera’s and other WiFi enabled devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another within a set area.

WHY should I worry about Wi-Fi black spots?

 Wi-Fi is designed for in-building use with a range of about 10 to 30 meters. Its range is such as to not interfere with someone else’s Wi-Fi network in the next building. Wi-Fi is unlikely to pass through water or thick steel but can pass through walls which will reduce the signal strength.

The better the connection you have (signal strength), the more reliable and faster your connection will be.  Remember, though, your internet connection will never be faster than the broadband plan you have subscribed to.  See our guide on Internet Plans and Provision.

WHAT do I need for Wi-Fi?

Everything you need to know about setting up a Wi-Fi router and a computer network can be found in this guide.

HOW to Improve Wi-Fi?

Our sister publication has created a simple guide for improving Wi-Fi performance.

  1. Place your Router in the middle of all the Wi-Fi action
    The best place to position your Wi-Fi router will be in the centre of where the devices (or people) are located in your office.
  2. Connect data guzzlers to your Router by Ethernet cable
    Your Router will have some ethernet plugs on the back of it.  Any device that uses lots of data like a network backup drive or a busy printer may be best directly connected via an ethernet cable.
  3. If your place of business is dual-level or longer than 30m, you need Wi-Fi extenders
    Some Wi-Fi routers are better than others at transmitting; however, the 10m to 30m limit is real, so a product called a Wi-Fi extender placed within the range of the Wi-Fi router will then extend the coverage a further 10 to 30m.
  4. The trick is Ethernet backhaul – not Mesh Wi-Fi
    Referring back to point 3. A long ethernet cable plugged into the Wi-Fi extender (especially if out of Wi-Fi range) will provide you coverage at a greater distance and at a faster speed.

HINTS – How to improve Wi-Fi

A speed test like www.speedtest.net  will give you an indication of what speed your internet is running at.  Do a test with a PC connected by ethernet cable directly to your Router, then do a test over Wi-Fi. This will show you what the best case is and if you have a problem.  The faster speed is better.

Visit Gadget Guy to read the one-page guide on Kill Wi-Fi blackspots in 5 simple steps

SUMMARY – Improve Internet speed

Put simply, if you have poor internet, look for a solution.  We suggest you start by understanding your broadband plan speed. Test its actual speed, then the speeds of your Wi-Fi connected devices in your office.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the effect of fast internet on your and any employee’s productivity.

NBN Technology Choice Program

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Let me start this by saying the NBN website states for the NBN Technology Choice Program “costs can vary substantially depending on the unique circumstances of each premise.”

Very simply this program lets a user upgrade at their own expense their internet connection to a Fibre connection at your business or residential premises.

Initially, when the NBN was planned, every premises was going to be connected by Fibre. There has been lots of debate since as to whether this should have happened. The argument mainly centres around future-proofing versus the cost of the rollout.

Most small businesses in Australia will be connected by a technology called Fibre to the node (FTN). This is code for a copper cable essentially running from you premisses to a point where from there on a fibre connection takes over.

there alternatives?

In Australia, if you live in the middle of nowhere, they will offer you a satellite connection. Semi-rural a fixed wireless broadband (similar to a 4G phone solution that does not move).  Most of suburbia an FTN which will probably use the old Telstra coaxial cable with a bunch of upgrades.  If you are fortunate a fibre connection. This is all based on the cost of connection.

Fibre offers the ability to move lots of data quickly.  The reality is with technology improving your existing FTN connection to your small business is probably going to meet your every need for some time to come.

If your small business needs faster internet, there are some things you should look at first.  For many investing in a new mesh router should solve your problems.  Our guide on a computer network for small offices will explain more about this.

If you do need a speed boost, then most likely you will find your existing internet provider will have a higher speed tier with your current technology.  See our guide on Internet Plan and provision.

If your business is close to a new 5G mobile tower, this may also provide a cheaper alternative.

If you really want Fibre, you can get a free quote for the NBN Technology Choice Program in a couple of minutes. For my individual circumstances that came in at just under $18,000 so I think I am good for the moment.

Internet Plan and Provision

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Just like at home you need to choose an internet provider for your business.  The exception to this is if you run your business from home and can use your existing Internet account. This guide will help you understand the lingo and suggest what to look for in an internet broadband plan.

An Internet or Broadband Plan is a service agreement you have with an internet retailer to provide you with access to the internet. The plan is normally paid by the month.

WHAT are my choices in connecting to the internet?

How can you physically connect to the internet?  Either by a fixed connection (a wire) via the NBN – National Broadband Network – sold to you via a retailer like Telstra, TPG, etc. or via a wireless solution, most likely over mobile phone networks like Optus.  For example, Optus offers mobile data (internet) to a mobile phone or by a wireless broadband modem.

Generally speaking wireless solutions are more expensive but give you more flexibility in access from anywhere there is coverage.

HOW do I choose which internet plan from retailers?

Internet retailers will offer you various connection plans and these will include the following terminology:

How to choose an Internet provider?

  1. Data usage

    This is how much data you may use in a month and is usually expressed in a measure of GB or GigaBytes.  1 GB of download would be equivalent to watching 1 movie on Netflix or about 13,000 emails. How much you need will depend on how many are using your connection and what they are sending and receiving.  The good news is most providers offer an unlimited plan.

  2. Speed

    This may be represented as NBN50 or NBN100.  This refers to how quickly you can send and receive data.  The bigger the number the faster.  Remember in your small business you may be sharing this connection with others so what might be fine at home may not be enough at work.  There is also a difference between download and upload speeds. For example, if the plan is represented as 50/20 it means you will get 50 download speed but only 20 upload speed.  The implication here is if your business sends many large files to clients that 20Mbps (million bits per second) may not be enough.  For those technically minded there are 8 bits in a byte. So to send a 1GB file on a 20Mbps link would take a minimum of almost 7 minutes. Most small offices should be considering a 100/40 plan and even a 250/100 plan if you will use a lot of cloud-based services and video conferencing.

  3. Dynamic vs static IP address

    Think of this like always putting your keys in the same spot (static) versus variable locations (dynamic). You always find your keys but if you always put them in the same spot they are easier to find. It is more cost-effective for internet providers to offer a dynamic address.  However, as a business, if you have an onsite email, web server, or are transferring files out to others a static address is better.

  4. Phone service

    Most providers will either package a phone service or have various options.  In this world of mobiles, you need to consider if that is important to you and at what sort of functionality you require like group hunting (ability to try different numbers till someone answers)

  5. 4G/5G Backup

    This is a service offered by some providers where in the unlikely event the fixed internet goes down you will still have access via the mobile phone network most likely at a slower speed.

  6. Contracts

    Some will offer no lock-in contracts others will offer contracts.  Generally if you lock into a contract you may get a better upfront deal however you cannot change easily if a better deal comes along.  Some providers will also allow you to change plans as your circumstances change.

  7. Customer service

    All is good until something goes wrong.  What hours can you get support?  Is the service prompt (some offer businesses a priority). What country will the call be answered in?

WHEN should you consider a wireless solution? 

If you run a small business out of a truck or small van this would be the obvious choice.  You could do this by either using a hotspot from your phone or have a dedicated mobile broadband device with a separate sim card.  If you run an office that has difficult access for a fixed connection or you move regularly you can also consider a wireless broadband solution. This is a modem that uses either the 4G or 5G mobile phone network but is designed to support more users and has a more cost-effective plan than wireless broadband.

HINT

How do you work out what deals are available?  The good news is there are some great websites like Finder and Whistleout that will allow you to set parameters around what you need and they will present back to you the best deals available from various internet providers. 
https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/business-broadband-plans
https://www.whistleout.com.au/Broadband

There is a lot to consider, but our advice is to evaluate the impact of a slow speed connection, unreliable connection, or time to resolution and what cost/impact that will have on your small business when choosing your provider.  Ask others or check internet forums if they have had bad or good experiences with internet providers especially in the area your business is located. Experience can change by location.

If you already have an internet provider don’t hesitate to shop around for a better intern plan as many businesses are on old uncompetitive plans.

SUMMARY – Reliable Internet plan deal

Reliable internet at a speed and capacity that suits your small business is your goal.  A few minutes comparing deals may save you hundreds of dollars.

Internet Security protects from cyber threat

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What is the most valuable item in your small business?  Is it a piece of machinery or perhaps the data on your computers.  How do you protect that valuable item?  With thick steel bars or a thin sheet of glass?  This guide will discuss Internet Security protecting you from a Cyber Threat.

A Cyber Threat is the possibility of a malicious attempt to steal information, damage or disrupt a computer network or system. This threat will come via the internet , but you can protect yourself via security software and good practise.

 WHY should you care about internet security?

All the benefits of being able to connect with the world via the internet also mean that all the criminals of the world can target you. 

Not only do you want to protect your reputation and secure your private information you also must protect any customer data you have and can be fined for a breach.

WHAT are the types of cyber threats?

Malware

Refers to viruses, spyware, trojans, and worms. Malware can allow someone to take control or spy on an individual’s computer.  Key information stolen includes bank details, credit card numbers, and passwords.

Phishing (pronounced fishing)

This refers to receiving an email from someone pretending to be familiar with you.  They quite often pretend to be a well know Australian brand and encourage you to click on a link.  You will then be asked to provide information like passwords, birth dates or to pay a fake bill. For example, you receive an email from your bank but it is actually a phisher.  They ask you to confirm your banking details including password.  The phisher then uses these details to log into your real account and steal money.

Phishing may occur via email, SMS, instant messaging or social media

Ransomware

This is where your computer is essentially hijacked and you are asked to pay a ransom. Do Not Pay a ransom as they may never give you access even if you pay! It works by you clicking on a link or opening an attachment that installs software which denies you access to your computer or files.  A message is displayed indicating if you pay money they will give you access back.

How do you protect yourself against internet security threats?

To protect your small business from cyber threats you should consider implementing the following:

Antivirus software – Also known as anti-malware software, this is computer software used to detect, prevent, and remove malware.  Bought as a per year subscription you should ensure all PCs are running it and subscriptions are up to date. See Gadget Guy for reviews of the latest antivirus software solutions.

Automatically update your operating system – The likes of Microsoft and Apple are continually providing software updates to counter new threats.  Most modern operating systems are set to automatically update by default but ensure this has not been deactivated.

Automatically update your software applications – Just like your operating system, applications like Microsoft Office need regular security updates. Since the release of Microsoft Office 10, this is automatic by default (from office click file then account to check).

Regularly back up your business’ data – This is a digital copy of your data from your PCs and shared storage devices preferably kept externally to your place of business.  Back up is a critical strategy to restore your business and we cover this in a separate essential guide on Backup.

Multi-Factor Authentication – This is a security measure where two or more proof of identity must be provided to gain access. It would include some combination of password, pin, secret question, physical key (card or token), SMS, and a fingerprint.

Be cautious – If you are asked for money, your password, account details, or login details don’t provide them.

HINT

Implement a password strategy within your business which requires passwords to be strong. The key aspects of a strong password are length (the longer the better); a mix of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols, no ties to your personal information, and no dictionary words.

Make sure you have a strong password set up on your wi-fi

Decide who you will give access to what data

Teach your staff about the importance and predetermine a plan if you are affected.

Consider taking out technology and cyber crime insurance (see our essential guide on insurance)

SUMMARY – Secure your business against a cyber threat

Do not believe it will not happen to you.  TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST A CYBER THREAT TO YOUR COMPUTERS.  Implement simple internet security steps to protect yourself like having virus software, keeping software up to date, ensuring you have secure passwords, and backing up your data will ensure your reputation and continuity of business.

Computer Network for small offices

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Chances are you have a network at home but you don’t understand what you have. In this case we are referring to a computer network.  Let’s chat about the different types and factors you should consider in making your decisions.

A computer network or data network is a set of computer or network devices connected together to share resources. This is how we allow several devices to connect to the internet in our offices or at home. Other shared resources can include a printer or a file server. Devices we may find connected on a network might include PCs, notebooks, tablets, mobile phones, printers, surveillance cameras, smart devices, NAS shared storage, a backup device, POS terminals, and EFTPOS terminals.

WHY do I need a computer network?

It makes a lot of sense to be able to share resources.  Without a network you might need a printer on everyone’s desk. A network will enable everyone to have the internet and collaborate on shared documents or files.

WHAT are the components of a computer network?

Clients – devices we connect to the network that share the resources, for example, a PC or tablet connecting to a shared printer.

Wi-Fi Modem Router – This can be all in one box or separate devices.  If these are separate devices you would connect them to each other by an ethernet cable.

  • Modem – This is the device that connects to the Internet from the street. Most likely it is the box provided by the NBN to connect to the NBN internet network.
  • Router – you must have at least one router.  It is a cross between a traffic cop and a power board.  It takes one internet connection and turns it into many, directing the traffic around your internal network to make all the magic happen.
  • Wi-Fi access point – If you don’t want to run ethernet cables you can connect your devices by wi-fi. This makes everything wireless except for electricity.  A wi-fi point does have a limit on how many devices can connect, how far they can be from the access point, and the speed the data can be transferred.  Thus is convenient but maybe not as reliable.

Ethernet Cable – this is a physical cable that will connect your various devices so they can talk to one another.  An ethernet cable could run to your PC then to the router then the router to a printer thus allowing you to print. An electrician may run cables in ducts or behind walls so your office does not have visible wires running everywhere.  An ethernet cable has the advantage of being a more reliable and faster connection.

Switch – Your router is likely to have a small switch in the back allowing multiple ethernet cables to be attached.  Also, you may have additional switches to give you additional ports to connect more devices via ethernet cables (think of it like how a power board gives you more sockets)

Transfer speed on your network is shown as Mbps (mega bits per second). The bigger the number the better. As with any system the speed is governed by the weakest link which can be your internet plan speed, your method of transfer being wi-fi or ethernet cable, or the devices such as the router which the data transfers through. Most modern products are designed to support up to 1Gbps (1000 Mbps). In summary, speed is how fast you can transfer a file from A to B.

HOW to make your own network – Which Wi-Fi (wireless) Modem Router?

Without a doubt, the easiest, most economical, and fastest way to get up and running is to buy a wireless router. It will enable you to have a connection with both wi-fi and ethernet cable.  Before you go out and buy one you need to understand the options and features:

  • Mesh Network – This is a recent wireless networking architecture that allows you to gain greater coverage by offering the main router and a satellite unit.  The wi-fi network name remains the same and as you walk around your premises with your device connected wirelessly the connection will be seamlessly handed between the satellite and the main unit dependant which has better signal strength.  This is a more reliable way of offering greater coverage in a larger area.  Some units also use a dedicated wi-fi channel to ensure the best possible speed to the satellite.
  • Wireless extender – This is an optional extra device. As the wireless signal has a limited range you can use an extender box to increase the distance away from the original wi-fi router.  Note that an extender will require you to connect to a different wi-fi network name and enter a password.
  • 2.4Ghz vs 5Ghz –Ghz (gigahertz) refers to the radio frequency.  A 2.4Ghz connection will travel further and better through walls but at a slower speed. 5Ghz will be faster but not have a good range (distance between PC and wi-fi router) and cannot support as many connections per channel.  A dual-band router would normally mean 1 x 2.4GHz and 1 x 5Ghz channels available to connect to.
  • Processor and Ram – Remember we talked about a router being like a traffic cop.  Well the stronger and more intelligent the router is the better it will handle moving all the traffic around. You should choose a device with a multi-core processor and a quantity of RAM for example, 128MB
  • Wi-Fi router speed – Be aware the top speed quoted on the carton is theoretical and you are unlikely to duplicate it in real life.  If speed is a primary concern you should use an Ethernet cable to connect to your wireless router.
  • Smartphone App – Networking has traditionally been the domain of experts.  However most modern units are easy to be set up and can easily be monitored and controlled from a smartphone app.
  • USB port – allows direct connection of a hard drive, printer or back up modem
  • VPN – a feature on high-end routers that allow you to set up a secure connection remotely (from home) back into your office environment.
  • Security – common on all routers that by default ensures only those with the appropriate passwords and permissions can connect to your network or devices on your network.  You don’t want your competitor stealing all your ideas by simply parking their car out the front.

HINTS – 3 Tips to help with your setup

  1. Some form of mobile phone modem is a great backup to keep your business running if the fixed service goes down (some internet providers offer this as standard in their package).
  2. Be sure to read our essential guide on Backing up your Data.  Always back up your data and store it at a secure external location.
  3. Be forward-thinking – Buy quality hardware that will last for many years and allow for expansion in your business when you implement your network. For example, if you get an electrician in to do some ethernet cabling, maybe get some extra points installed.

SUMMARY – Visit Gadget Guy for the latest products

A good quality mesh wi-fi router will meet most small business needs and give you a simple and reliable way to share.

If you require something more complicated or you simply need help be sure to read our essential guide on IT Support.

Our sister publication Gadget Guy has reviews of the latest products to suit your small business. They also have more information on the technology https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/mesh-wifi-need-know-tutorial/

Server – do I need one?

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A server sounds a bit like a person who will bring you food at a restaurant but it is sort of right as it is a device that brings information to other devices. In this guide we will discuss why a server versus using the cloud and what you need to consider when buying one.

A server is a computer solution or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called “clients”(Your PC is a client). This architecture is called the client-server model, and a centralised server running special software designed for it will provide data to client PC’s.

WHY do I need a Server?

The most common solutions a server would provide in a small business are to store and share large files that multiple people work on, including video. You may host your email on your server or even your own internal or external website.  If you need a specialist machine to help you run your business to help control and monitor machinery. You may have a database that is like a massive computerised filing cabinet.  You may use it to secure your business including managing secure logins (passwords) and to back up all your PC’s so in the event of a failure, you can restore your information.

WHAT is the benefit of a Server vs the Cloud?

The decision you must make upfront is whether you will use the cloud or an internal server.  We have an essential guide specifically discussing cloud computing. The reality of this is the cloud is only a bunch of servers as well, owned by someone else.  The advantage of the cloud is someone else is buying and maintaining the servers and as long as the internet is working you get access to them.

Reasons I would not use the cloud?
  • Cost. A server may have a large upfront cost but overtime will be cheaper than renting capacity on cloud servers. Note many software solutions (applications) are now only available on the cloud.  You own your server you don’t own the cloud.
  • Speed. If you are working on large files that you need to access constantly the internet may not be fast enough. Internally you might be able to serve files at 10Gbps, via the internet this might be 100Mbps thus 100 x faster. Having some sort of file sharing server internally makes sense if your employees are sharing files.
  • Internet Bandwidth.  If you data allowance is not unlimited moving files to and from the cloud can quickly consume your allowance.
  • Privacy and jurisdiction. While most cloud service providers have excellent security operations that protect your privacy, there is nothing more private than having all of your data located on-premises. The cloud can also be anywhere in the world, meaning your data could be sitting in America or China.
  • Local Applications.  Some server software is not available on the cloud so you must run it locally.
  • Management.  You must maintain your servers which means paying someone to do that, you must power them and give them space.  You do however have control of them and at any time you can add more storage or memory and if there is spare capacity have them do another job without additional hardware investment.

HOW do I make a decision on what hardware I need?

A server is not something you buy off a shelf and it is normally tailored for your needs.

Where would you put a server?  A server needs a spot that is clean, secure, is unlikely to get knocked over, has power, and network access. You may consider a dedicated rack or room.
A server needs someone who can set it up and maintain it.  Great if you have someone on staff but otherwise you will need to hire external help.  See our article on IT support.

 Below are some of the basics in understanding various options involved in a purchase:
  • Brand. We recommend you purchase one from a reputable brand that has years of experience producing a reliable solution and the warranty network to keep parts available. Servers are designed to run 24×7 unlike your PC but moving parts do fail.
  • Redundancy. So if moving parts do fail, servers allow redundancy to be built in.  You can have redundant fans, redundant power supplies, and redundant disk drives.  All components with moving parts and the most likely to fail.
  • Expansion. Servers are normally built with the ability to expand.  You can add more memory, more disk drives, and even additional processors.  Thus you might consider your future needs up to 3-4 years and if you believe you will need to add capacity. After this time you will need to consider buying a new one to ensure reliability.
  • Drives.  Disk drives store your data and come in different sizes and speeds.  Speed relates to how fast you can read and write to the disk.  Size relates to the amount of data/files you can store on the disk.  The physical size will be no different.
  • Rack or tower. Servers come in a tower configuration that looks like a large PC box or rack which is like a big pizza box that can slide into a standard rack enclosure.  A rack enclosure will also host other computing infrastructure like network switches.
  • Operating System. This is like windows but in the case of a server you have the choice of either a windows server operating system or a Linux based one.  If you do not understand this talk to an IT specialist.
  • Application Server. This is a box that is pre-built and configured to do a job and can be switched on and running in minutes. An example would be a file sharing solution that by connecting to your network allows everyone in the office to share the same files.

HINT

Unless you are super confident it is best to discuss your needs with IT specialists who can help you on your journey. Be sure to read our essential guide on IT Support.

SUMMARY – Server effort vs benefit A server is a big undertaking for small businesses and must be managed and maintained well.  It does however give you control over your solution including the security of your data and is the most cost-effective solution in the long run