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Hotel WiFi Networks 101: Understanding the Ins and Outs of How to Deliver an Exceptional Online Guest Experience

best wifi solutions for hotels

Ask any guest which is the most important hotel amenity and there’s a high chance that they’ll say it’s access to a property’s WiFi network. In fact, at least 80 percent of Americans now say they can’t live without WiFi while on vacation. 

Yet WiFi connectivity is something that typically represents a love/hate relationship for today’s hotels- they know that it is absolutely crucial for both guest needs and business operations. But at the same time, providing suitable service seemingly continues to be beyond the reach of many properties. Countless guest reviews speak to this ongoing challenge, with issues such as slow internet speed or dropped connections frequently upending an otherwise enjoyable and hassle-free stay.

To avoid taking a hit to their reputations and bringing operations to a grinding halt, hoteliers across the hotel industry understandably continue to search for answers on how they can finally bring an end to their WiFi network issues to increase customer satisfaction. This has only become more crucial as hoteliers encounter more and more guests expecting high network security and fast internet speed for online activities such as in-room entertainment.               

To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled the industry’s best practices and recommendations that have already enabled multiple properties to experience success with updating their hotel WiFi networks to address the latest standards and requirements. Using these guidelines, your hotel business can now also be among those properties able to deliver a fast, reliable, and secure online connection that today’s guests now widely expect.

Don’t Overlook the Importance of Performing a Site Survey  

Before rushing into purchasing the latest and greatest in wireless network technology, hoteliers will serve their interests and those of their guests best by first carrying out a network site survey. Hospitality industry professionals can often make the mistake of believing that the answer to slow speeds and dropped connections is simply to purchase more powerful hardware, but this isn’t always the case. 

Often and in the best case scenario, this may result in simply making costly hardware purchases with little to show in the way of positive results if specific underlying issues aren’t first identified and addressed. Worse still, implementing new and more powerful equipment without considering how it may affect overall network infrastructure can lead to signal disruption and an even less reliable online connection.

To avoid these potentially costly risks, hoteliers should always work with a network solutions provider that makes it a point to first begin any project by performing a no-obligation site survey. A survey can importantly uncover the exact reason why certain hotel areas are experiencing sub-standard internet connectivity, which can include anything from ineffective hotel WiFi access points or a lack of sufficient cabling to WiFi routers that are unable to handle large volumes of online traffic.

Key to identifying and resolving these sorts of issues is working with a solution provider that can offer complete transparency and an accurate assessment of upgrade project needs. Reputable providers can achieve this using a building’s schematics and heat maps that offer an easy-to-understand visual representation of network problem areas requiring adjustment. Using this information, hoteliers together with their providers, can identify the precise equipment needed to ensure fast speeds and service reliability, with the goal being never anything more or less. 

Identifying the Right Network Equipment for Hotel Environments

Regardless of the type of hotel, two commonly shared factors when it comes to guest WiFi are      that property networks often need to support a multitude of devices while providing reliable service for a wide coverage area. This significantly means that hoteliers need to adopt network hardware that is specifically designed for such requirements:

Network Router     

For the less technologically inclined, a network router serves as the lifeline that extends internet connectivity to guest devices and a property’s various systems. It is what ensures the transfer of data which ultimately dictates whether guests and hotel staff experience a fast connection. 

With this in mind, hoteliers should avoid falling into the trap of purchasing routers designed predominately for residential use. Such routers may be able to provide a fast enough connection for consumer homes, but when faced with countless devices seeking internet connectivity, can easily become overwhelmed with the inevitable result of snail-paced speeds and frustrated guests. 

Hoteliers should therefore be on the lookout for routers that are specifically designed for commercial, or hospitality use, and that can offer a sufficient amount of bandwidth to simultaneously accommodate a wide range of guest devices and property systems. While the price tag may be higher than residential router options, a commercial-grade router will ultimately save hoteliers from needless hassle and future expenses while safeguarding reputations from poor WiFi quality reviews.

best wifi solutions for hotels1

Having a high-performance router does little good if a WiFi signal is unable to reach guests or property devices with adequate internet service quality. This is where access point solutions come in. An access point serves to disperse a network’s WiFi signal throughout a building and ensure a sufficiently strong enough signal to provide fast and reliable online connectivity. Hotels typically require several access points spread out over the property in order to provide full onsite service coverage. 

Traditionally, hoteliers would install access points within guestroom hallways as a cost-effective means to provide a WiFi signal for several rooms. But with today’s guests traveling with more and more devices that frequently feature low-powered antennas, this approach now often leads to the slow speeds and dropped connections that guests routinely complain about. 

Hoteliers instead should look to installing access points within guestrooms, preventing obstacles such as thick walls from disrupting signal strength while reducing the number of devices seeking a connection from the same access point. Using advanced access points such as those designed by Ruckus, hoteliers don’t necessarily have to install one for each and every hotel room.      

Alternatively, by working with an experienced network solutions provider, hoteliers can strategically deploy guestroom access points to provide coverage for other rooms within close proximity. This notably brings down the cost of installation while still ensuring that guest devices receive a high-quality WiFi signal. 

Wireless LAN Controller     

These devices are used to manage and monitor a property’s multiple access points that are spread throughout the premises. A wireless LAN controller is a centralized component that connects access points to a hotel’s network. It works to amplify a network’s signal and ensure that it reaches even devices that are at the edge of a property’s coverage area. 

Wireless LAN controllers importantly eliminate challenges that come with trying to manage a multitude of access points. Each access point is individually configured and access points are unable to communicate directly with one another, which can lead to unstable network environment conditions. With a wireless LAN controller, hoteliers can sidestep such issues and continuously maintain both efficient and simplified network management. Ruckus-designed wireless LAN controllers can be ideal for large hotel environments, with the Virtual SmartZone, for example, able to support as many as 6,000 access points.   

Network Switches

Likewise forming a core component of a hotel’s internet infrastructure are network switches which are responsible for transmitting data packets to and from devices and a property’s network. This can include access points, computers, and printers, to name some examples. With a switch typically dedicated to the transferring of data packets only for devices that are directly connected to it, hoteliers can ensure that such devices receive improved online internet connection efficiency and potential network throughput. 

Properties have two options when it comes to installing switches: one is unmanaged switches and the other is managed switches. Unmanaged switches provide the benefit of plug-and-play, with no need to make any configurations beforehand. For hotels, however, managed switches are typically the preferred solution of choice. 

This is because managed switches allow hoteliers to adjust individual ports to different settings. Properties can also gain enhanced control over how data travels across their network and who has access to it, providing opportunities to further increase both network efficiency and security. 

Protecting Your Hotel Network and Guests From Growing Cybersecurity Risks

As businesses that host a wealth of sensitive data such as credit card and bank account information, hotels are unfortunately a prime target for many hackers seeking to make an easy buck. Each year seems to bring more and more instances of cyber-attacks on hotels, which not only costs businesses a significant amount of revenue but can also lead to potential liability and damage to business reputations.  Amongst hotel guests themselves, as many as 90 percent are in fact concerned over a hotel’s ability to protect their data and keep their devices safe from cyber risks. 

Critical to a successful hotel network, therefore, is having the necessary technology and measures in place that can provide full protection against both old and new hacker strategies. Coming back to the deployment of a modern network gateway solution, hoteliers can now adopt a range of enhanced security abilities that stand between property or guest devices and the internet service coming from the outside world. For example, a gateway can come with features such as automatically evaluating the type of internet traffic that comes and goes through a network. Able to reference such traffic against several databases, it can then determine if a specific type of traffic poses a security risk and can block the activity before any damage is done. 

A hotel’s WiFi access points also play a significant role in whether a network is appropriately secured. If left unprotected, an open access point can essentially let virtually anyone gain access to a property’s network, whether they are authorized or not and regardless of what their intentions may be. 

Have a Plan for Ever-increasing Hotel & Guest WiFi Needs

If one thing is certain about hotel wireless networks, it’s that demands for more online resources such as bandwidth are only set to increase as guests bring more devices and as additional hotel systems/devices go online. This trend has only grown with hotels adopting IoT-based solutions such as smart thermostats, lights, or motion sensors- each requiring a fast and stable online connection in order to properly function. If a hotel fails to take such issues into account, they will likely find that their networks soon become outdated and constantly in need of costly hardware replacement.

To sidestep such concerns, hoteliers are strongly advised to adopt scalable network technologies that can adjust and be built upon as online property or guest needs change. Properties should work closely with an experienced hotel network provider that can create a tiered network hierarchy design. 

This notably simplifies the ability to scale network hardware requirements for both current and future needs, as well as implement any additional redundancies in order to continue ensuring a stable and seamless online experience. Crucially, a scalable wireless network allows hoteliers to adjust bandwidth levels or extend coverage to new onsite areas without requiring extensive hardware replacement.      

Gaining an Edge With Managed WiFi

With all of the above sections in mind, it’s clear that successfully designing and managing a high-performance and secure WiFi network can be complicated and can easily consume an excessive amount of hotel staff time. Fortunately, hoteliers can gain some much-needed support by partnering with a WiFi network provider that offers managed WiFi services. 

Managed WiFi significantly takes away the hassle of daily network monitoring and configuration and instead places such tasks on the shoulders of a provider’s expert technicians. Often without even requiring an onsite visit, a provider’s technicians can remotely configure the amount of bandwidth made available or can make setting adjustments to conform with specific needs such as the hosting of an upcoming business meeting or conference. They can assist with creating customized login pages if desired.

Advantages of a Managed WiFi Service

A key advantage of a managed WiFi service is that hoteliers gain constant 24/7 monitoring of their network’s real-time health by industry professionals. Should an issue suddenly arise that impacts performance, managed WiFi technicians can swiftly identify the root cause and implement corrective measures, often without involving onsite staff and before a dip in guest satisfaction rates is experienced. 

Managed WiFi can also prove highly valuable in adding an extra layer of protection against cyber security risks. Ever-vigilant provider technicians while monitoring overall network health, also keep an active lookout for any suspicious activity that may indicate a cyber-attack. Critically and by identifying such threats in a timely manner, managed WiFi service personnel can implement an effective response before hackers have any opportunity to steal information or otherwise cause damage to hotel systems and guest devices.  

Contact Us Today!

Is your hotel business ready to make WiFi network management a breeze and in line with modern guest expectations? Here at Hotel Internet Services, we have the best WiFi solution for hotels. Contact us today and discover what it really means to provide your hotel guests with fast, reliable, and always secure internet access.    

Learn more about:

  • State-of-the-art Ruckus Wi-Fi Equipment
  • ​​24x7Guest Support and Equipment Monitoring
  • Wi-Fi Backend Dashboard & Property Analytics
  • Security Systems
  • Low Voltage Cabling
  • High-speed Bandwidth Lines
  • IoT (Panic Buttons, Leak Sensors, HVAC, Lighting and more…)

7 Things Hoteliers Need to Know About Camera Surveillance Systems

Camera Surveillance Systems

Whether you own a hotel or resort, apartment or condos, restaurants and bars, or anything else in the hospitality industry, there’s a lot on your plate on a daily basis. You have to think about a lot of things – is your staff treating the guests appropriately, are rooms being turned over in a thorough and timely fashion, is the hotel WiFi strong and safe – the list goes on.

In addition to all of these concerns, you also have to consider the safety of your guests as well as your staff and property. Hiring security officers to monitor your building is not enough, especially if the hotel is spread over a large area. Even under the watchful eye of security personnel and other staff members, it’s nearly impossible to monitor every area at once.

This is where security cameras or video surveillance comes in. A security system comprised of indoor and outdoor cameras, motion detectors, and interconnected alarms can protect your business interests, and allow your guests to feel safe and secure while on your property.

How Security Cameras Can Benefit Your Hotel

Placing security cameras strategically in the following areas of your hotel has several benefits:

  • Delivery entrances
  • Parking lots
  • Lobbies
  • Outdoor corridors
  • Kitchens
  • Bar areas
  • Restaurants
  • Meeting areas
  • Gyms
  • Pools  
  • Stockrooms
  • Hallways

First of all, visible video surveillance in public areas, like the hallway and the parking lot, gives your guests peace of mind. It lets them know that you value their security, which goes a long way in enhancing the customer experience. Surveillance of restricted areas – like stockrooms and offices – will also help ensure that unauthorized staff members and guests are kept out.

Secondly, it allows you to keep an eye on your employees to make sure they are providing quality service at all times. You can also look out for any potential employee theft. 

But monitoring your guests and employees is not the only benefit of installing a camera security system. If you’re considering getting video surveillance for your hotel, here are 5 highly-convincing reasons to take the plunge:

Catch Security Threats and Criminals, Both Onsite and Offsite

A security camera records footage inside your hotel building as well as around the premises. Good quality cameras are able to record 24/7. Plus, many cameras today come with built-in motion detection sensors that activate the entire security system at the slightest movement.

Strategically placed cameras – whether Internet Protocol (IP) or Analog (like CCTV) – are instrumental for stakeholders in the hospitality industry to reduce risk and help prevent crime.

One of the many factors that influence tourists’ decisions on which hotel to stay at during their visit, is the extent of criminal activity in and around a particular hotel. And it’s a well-known “secret” that the hotel industry is extremely susceptible to criminal activities against hotel guests.

In the recent past, news broke that more than $100,000 worth of jewelry was stolen when burglars held a few people at gunpoint at a hotel in downtown Los Angeles. There was another instance where multiple guests staying at a luxury hotel in Atlanta had their belongings stolen while they were sound asleep in their rooms.

What do you think these guests might have said about their experiences in their Yelp or Tripadvisor reviews? Nothing good, that’s for sure. 

High-quality surveillance cameras can reduce this risk to a significant degree by defending your property, inside and outside its walls. You will be able to spot intruders, vandals, and thieves easily, as well as any crime committed by your employees or guests. Human ability only goes so far. If you want maximum security, it’s time to install a 24/7 monitoring security camera system rather than rely on security guards alone and/or faith in other people.

Preserve Your Hotel’s Supply Chain

Many hotels and motels have struggled with preserving their business continuity in the post-pandemic world, with supply chain disruptions being the biggest challenge. A disruption in your hotel’s supply chain means your day-to-day operations will suffer; imagine not getting towels, soap dispensers, bed sheets, kitchen supplies, and a thousand other things on time.

But what does your supply chain have to do with security cameras? Video surveillance can help you ensure the supplies and goods that arrive at your hotel are in good condition, detecting damaged or open boxes and providing automated detection of any issues in logistics. Cameras can also alert your staff of incoming shipments and any potential blockages for inbound/outbound vehicles that could delay delivery schedules.

Avoid or Settle Lawsuits Before They Are Even Filed

Footage from surveillance cameras can act as critical evidence in legal situations. For example, in incidents involving employee or guest violence on-premises, witnesses may have multiple accounts. But video evidence will help you disprove false claims and substantiate the truth.

Keep in mind that footage from HD security cameras is a complex matter when it comes to the law, especially when it’s the footage of you surveilling your employees. You have to balance your business interests with your employees’ expectations of privacy. 

Reduce Insurance Payments

Some new hotel entrepreneurs or managers may not know this, but showing your insurance company that your property is under constant video surveillance can help lower your insurance premiums.

Depending on your insurance company, they may offer discounts based on safety upgrades to a building, such as the installation of impact-resistant roofing. And since a professional monitoring system with indoor cameras and outdoor cameras reduces the risk of burglary, some insurance companies may offer a discount on their premiums. (Make sure to double-check with your provider if they offer a discount and what surveillance system is needed) 

Deliver Superior Guest Experience

While guest safety is of paramount importance in a hotel, it need not come at the cost of the guest experience. Both can go hand in hand when discreetly placed security cameras are used on the premises. When reliable and advanced security systems are in place, it gets easier to deliver a more satisfying experience and a thoroughly enjoyable stay to the guests.

Security cameras are undoubtedly far less intrusive than hiring well-equipped security guards. Guests do not get distracted or feel concerned when security cameras are quietly doing the job to assist in their protection. Moreover, surveillance systems are significantly more cost-effective than hiring an elaborate security team.

When guests know that the hotel is committed to their security and protection and has invested in state-of-the-art video security, it demonstrates the hotel management’s dedication to guest safety and high-quality guest experience. Camera surveillance systems using the latest technology and other security measures help strengthen the level of customer trust that some hotels that do not have these systems may not be able to achieve.

Choose the Right CCTV Camera System for Your Hotel Security

CCTV cameras are the most popular type of video surveillance system, but it might be tricky to choose the right one for your building. There is a wide range of IC Realtime CCTV cameras on the market, with varying features and functions. Here are a few:

Forms

Bullet CCTV Cameras

These are the most commonly found cameras in business establishments, identified by their long, cylindrical shape. If you want to record quality pictures and videos, and also send out a clear message to passersby that your hotel premises are under surveillance, bullet cameras are an excellent option.

Dome CCTV Cameras

You may have seen these cameras sit in a dome-shaped casing, which is where they get their name from. This dome shape is resistant to touch and tampering so vandals can’t interfere with the camera easily. They have an unobtrusive design, which means they are easy to fit almost everywhere.

The biggest advantage of dome CCTV design is that passersby can’t determine which direction the camera is facing. Some models are equipped with a speed feature that allows you to move the camera and zoom in, tilt or pan around. Ideal for both outdoor and indoor use, these cameras can be placed in a strategic location on the ceiling to cover all angles of any room.

Turret Cameras

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable camera surveillance system, turret cameras are an excellent option. Thanks to their flexible design, they can be installed in a variety of locations – either indoors or outdoors. And because they’re so compact, they’re less likely to attract attention than larger camera types. These cameras transmit images to a viewing device or recorder, making them ideal for security purposes, and are a great choice for businesses in the hospitality industry.

Technology

Network/IP CCTV Cameras

Internet Protocol (IP) or network CCTV cameras share live footage across the internet so you can easily access the recording from anywhere. To make the online feed reliable, the bandwidth of the video is compressed. Archive recording is stored on secure software or network video recorders (NVRs) for later access.

If you are often away from the hotel or don’t visit the site much, an IP CCTV camera will allow you to still keep an eye on everything from your smartphone or laptop.

High-Definition Advanced Video System CCTV Cameras

If you want stronger surveillance for your hotel, they allow you to zoom in on details and capture crystal-clear pictures, which is why they are commonly used in banks and casinos. Depending on your budget, you can choose models delivering resolutions from 1080p to 12mp. You will never have to worry about distorted or grainy recording in case you need the footage for a legal situation or criminal investigation.

Camera Intelligence

Fire Detection

As a hotelier, keeping your guests safe is a big part of the job. Installing cameras with fire detection can be used to constantly monitor specified areas in real-time. If a fire is detected based on the video footage, an alarm image will be sent to an administrator. They will then be able to confirm if this is a real emergency.

Perimeter Protection

Having an extra layer of security around the perimeters of a hotel will help ensure guest safety and experience. One of the most important aspects of perimeter security is having reliable cameras that can operate under all conditions. This includes being able to see clearly at night and in bad weather, as well as overcoming any visual obstructions.

Need a CCTV Security System For Your Hotel, Motel, or Multi-Dwelling Property? Hotel Internet Services is Here to Help

Camera surveillance systems offer numerous benefits over traditional security measures, along with opportunities to improve the effectiveness of your operations and even save money in the long run.

At Hotel Internet Services, we have over two decades of experience in helping the hospitality industry across the US as well as Canada and Mexico with all their security needs. Our expert professionals can come to your property and help you choose a complete security system to meet your building’s exact needs. We specialize in customized solutions for hotels of every size.

Whether you need a wireless security system, outdoor security camera system, battery-powered security camera system, or the latest surveillance technology with smart features, we have got you covered. Our technicians can install and support a variety of wireless and wired surveillance systems. To learn more, please call us at 855-999-8110 or write to us online.

MDU Wi-Fi 101: What You Need to Know

The term ‘multiple dwelling unit’ refers to a residential building that contains more than one dwelling unit. These types of buildings can include apartments, condos, townhomes, private single-family residential developments, mobile home parks, and more. MDUs may also include senior living facilities, student housing, military housing, and similar structures. They are generally built to provide housing for a large number of people in a relatively small area, and they typically have many common areas that residents can use, like pools, gyms, and laundry facilities.

While MDUs can be found in cities all over the world, they are most commonly found in urban areas where space is limited. This is because MDUs allow for a higher density of housing, which is ideal for cities where land is expensive and space is at a premium. MDUs are also popular because they can provide residents with a sense of community that they may not find in other types of housing.

However, when it comes to Internet access, MDUs can pose some challenges. Because there are multiple homes near each other, installing and maintaining Internet service can be difficult. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced Internet provider that specializes in serving MDUs.

In today’s society, we are all part of the on-demand culture. With so much information available, high-speed internet has never been more needed than it currently stands at this moment! We demand quick access to everything from work emails to social media sites, all while maintaining our daily life obligations without interruption or delay due to slow speeds with old technology.

There’s no surprise why property managers are on their toes for dependable connections for their tenants, given everyday demands for constant connections to live normal lives. Wi-Fi for MDU’s has become a hot topic.

Property Managers want fast, quality, internet to make sure their tenants are satisfied and coming back – but providing this service isn’t always easy without connectivity issues! The demand for a solid internet connection from larger clusters of housing is what has led to the development of Multiple Dwelling Unit Wi-Fi!

There have been numerous attempts to discover the ideal answer, but the finest solution to date remains Managed Service Wi-Fi for Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU Wi-Fi). MDU Wi-Fi fully hands over management of your internet service to professionals rather than building staff and property managers who may do a subpar job at it.

Managed MDU Wi-Fi is a strategy for building owners to earn money through renters who purchase their Internet service directly from the property owner.

How MDU Wi-Fi Works

Wi-Fi networks are utilized by many MDU operators to support business applications and services onsite. The network infrastructure is critical to the business and must be secure, reliable, and always available.

While many operators have implemented wireless networks, they often do not have the in-house expertise to manage and support them effectively. This can lead to service outages and slowdowns, as well as increased costs.

They might, however, expand those networks to provide dependable and high-performance wireless Internet access to all of their MDU dwellers with managed Wi-Fi. They can then provide a highly desired amenity to entice tenants and boost revenues, as well as distinguish their properties from the competition. This is precisely what MDU Wi-Fi aims to accomplish.

With MDU Internet as an amenity, there is only one pre-installed community-wide MDU network that delivers secure, individual access to all residents in the community or MDU. MDU Wi-Fi is a form of Wi-Fi that’s designed for large housing units. It’s similar to Wi-Fi at home in many ways; however, it is on a grand scale.

In theory, they are very comparable to one another. You connect your device to the network and thence to the internet by means of the MDU Wi-Fi network. But this Wi-Fi can also be utilized for household utilities such as smart appliances.

MDU networks are perfect for apartment complexes, condos, Senior Living and other types of MDU properties because they offer great coverage in multiple-unit structures. It’s easy to set up and use, too! Multiple people can join the network with MDU internet. While it may appear difficult, MDU Wi-Fi networks are really simple to use.

When choosing an internet service for your community, it’s important to consider the architectural distinctions between the various MDU Wi-Fi services. For the best resident experience and network security reasons, MDUs should select a Managed Wi-Fi provider that covers all apartment units in their building. It’s both more secure and less expensive in the long run for multi-dwelling units.

Why You Should Set Up Internet for Your Apartment Building?

Internet is a fundamental need for most people in the modern world, and providing Internet access in every unit can be beneficial. Just like water and power, it is now considered a part of standard utilities in most households today.

In addition to being able to provide your tenants with something they crave so much; you might even see an increase in revenue! No doubt offering internet access in every unit and throughout your apartment complex opens up a wealth of opportunities for you as the owner or manager.

Installing Wi-Fi in an apartment complex is an easy task for specialists and, in most cases, can be completed in no time. You know that your residents will want to use the internet, so this upgrade makes sense for you too.

Additional Revenue

You can charge more for your rent if you offer Wi-Fi. You’ll be providing tenants with an amenity they will use daily and need, so it’s not just about offering them something cool like a pool or a gym. This time, it is something useful that they will always need!

Ensuring your complex or property is as modern as desired isn’t limited to keeping up with the newest fads. It also includes making MDU Wi-Fi available. With it, you may charge more rent while still providing a great deal of value to your tenants. Instead of allowing the ISP to recoup its costs through your renters’ internet access, provide managed internet service.

Stand Out

Although Internet and Wi-Fi are important aspects of tenants’ daily routines, there aren’t many apartment complexes or MDUs that provide their tenants with Wi-Fi or Internet service directly. When it comes to apartments, buyers look for value-added features to be a crucial aspect in their selection. A good example of such is Managed internet services.

Imagine the delight of your luxury apartment complex’s tenants when they discover that you offer Wi-Fi in your apartment. They’re used to modern amenities such as these, which makes it all seem like an exclusive club for them – one where their needs come first!

Another set of tenants who will benefit from a stable and robust MDU Wi-Fi connection are those that work from home! With the pandemic, many people have been forced, or now choose, to work from home, and a good Wi-Fi connection is essential for those that want to be productive.

And in most cases, the bandwidth, stability and speed of a Managed Wi-Fi network far exceeds that of your local ISP or cable company.

Benefits of MDU Wi-Fi for Residents

Managed Wi-Fi enables multi-dwelling unit owners and operators to manage and monitor their subscribers’ home Wi-Fi networks. Through a reliable MDU Wi-Fi network provider, operators can remotely configure, update and troubleshoot home Wi-Fi networks from a central location. This not only saves time and money but also reduces the need for on-site technician visits. MDU owners enjoy several advantages as a result of utilizing Wi-Fi, they include:

Reduced Operational Costs

Managed Wi-Fi can help owners and operators save money by reducing the costs of certain building functions, such as HVAC and lighting. By using a single network to connect all devices in a building, managed Wi-Fi can also improve communication and collaboration between employees. With managed Wi-Fi, MDUs that use smart applications to automate their network settings will see an improvement in energy efficiency while also cutting down on expenses!

All MDUs face the same concern: high energy usage. Voice assistant speakers, sensors in smart lighting, leak detectors in water heaters, and smart thermostats can now aid in lowering operational expenses, thanks to managed MDU Wi-Fi network.

It Reduces the Need for Cables

This Wi-Fi offers an easy and cost-effective solution to provide high-speed Internet access in buildings. MDU installations avoid the need for individual tenants or building owners to deal with cable management. As well as eliminate a potential vendor conflict by making it one provider that serves all areas of your home.

It is Safer

Residents who operate their Wi-Fi are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers might also enter your management network and steal sensitive information or cause building systems to malfunction at any time. On the other hand, Reliable MDU Wi-Fi suppliers work with gateways like Fusion, which offers advanced threat protection against a wide range of network assaults with unprecedented speed.

Convenience

When you provide Wi-Fi and internet access to your tenants, it’s one less thing for them to worry about on moving day. It’s also a more predictable monthly cost when you offer internet access as part of the rent. In addition, a stable, predictable price is a pleasant bonus for residents who are frustrated with cable companies’ frequent price hikes.

Apart from a regular bill, providing internet to apartments allows your tenants to have access to streaming, fast downloads, and other services no matter where they are on the premises.

The Implementation Process and Results

To get started with MDU Wi-Fi at your apartment complex, you’ll need hardware, a managed Wi-Fi service provider, and network support. ISPs provide you with the bandwidth you need to meet your community’s streaming demand, and an MDU Wi-Fi provider can give you the equipment and service you need to get up and running. If you know what you need and what to anticipate, getting started and set up will be much easier. Here are a few things you should know before setting up:

Choosing MDU Wi-Fi Services

MDU technical services companies are the best option for installing Wi-Fi at your apartment complex. These professionals can install proper cabling and set up networks throughout an entire property, providing 24/7 monitoring and tenant support along with it! Consider the following factors before selecting an MDU technical firm:

Quick Response

If you’re experiencing any kind of Wi-Fi issue, the last thing that anyone needs is downtime. Whether it be for work or just everyday use, your residents won’t thank YOU if they’re stuck without connectivity. This is because there’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to do anything at all when all their devices have lost internet access!

Your MDU Wi-Fi Service provider should offer 24×7 network monitoring services so you know right away if some piece of equipment has gone down. And having tenant support services available at any time to assist your tenants will reduce down time and relieve the Property Manager of some of their workload.

Dependability

When you choose the right service provider, your network will continue to function smoothly because it will be maintained with regular maintenance if that is provided.

The truth is, even if your network is running smoothly now, there are always things that can go wrong. This is why a good provider stays up-to-date on the most recent software, security patches, and other key assistance to keep your system working smoothly.

Safety

MDU Wi-Fi network will be utilized by residents for various purposes including streaming, downloading, working remotely, and other online transactions. It is of utmost importance to protect their data when using these internet services which can be exploited by hackers to access personal information like social security numbers or financial records.

This is why your managed service provider should be able to assist you in preventing data theft and any potential problems by providing the proper equipment for security. Proactive monitoring of dangerous threats or network security by the property’s gateway, is a necessary service that the firm must provide at all times.

Experience

If you need help with your MDU internet, it would be best to find a company that specializes in managed Wi-Fi services. This is the only way you can be confident that you will benefit from a team of experienced specialists. In addition, it will ensure the job is done right and all of your tenants are satisfied!

MDU internet can reach apartment complexes, senior living facilities, student housing, military housing, and other types of communities. Because of this, you’ll want to deal with a service provider that understands your demands and create personalized internet solutions.

Also, verify that they have the skills to install a network that works for your property. Some service providers may not have the workforce to work on large complexes with hundreds of apartments. In conclusion, make sure you’re getting the best match for your requirements.

Choose MDU Internet Services

MDU Internet Services, a solution provided by Hotel Internet Services, offers a complete suite of high-speed internet solutions for the residential and commercial markets. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current service or install a new internet system in an apartment complex, we can help! We offer Wi-Fi Internet connection for your virtual local area network with customer service, maintenance, and monitoring for apartment complexes, MDUs, Senior Living, Military Housing, Student housing, and more.

Why we are different?

  • We offer the perfect solution for every large commercial application that requires constant Internet connectivity. We make use of a variety of networks and cutting-edge Wi-Fi technology to provide a fast and secure property-wide Wi-Fi solution.
  • Our Network enables you to utilize IOT technology on your property.
  • Tenant and Management Technical and Network Support

Wi-Fi is the future of apartment living, and we’re here for you. Request a free quote by contacting us right away!

Wi-Fi Upgrade blog

Essential Steps to Ensuring a Successful Hotel Wi-Fi Upgrade - image

Whether a high-end luxury resort or an independent boutique property, Wi-Fi service quality continues to be ranked as one of the most important factors that can make or break a guest’s stay. Access to Wi-Fi in fact continues to be regarded as more important than offerings such as complimentary breakfast, housekeeping, and free parking according to industry surveys.

This hardly comes as a surprise as more guests than ever travel with multiple devices and expect to experience nothing less than a fast and reliable hotel internet connection for each. Hoteliers have responded to these growing demands on their Wi-Fi service capabilities by prioritizing the investment of network infrastructure upgrades.

Yet as can often be the case with any overhaul of a property’s technology stack, failure to follow best practices and understand precisely what is required can turn what should have been a straightforward upgrade into a time-consuming and costly endeavor resulting in guest dissatisfaction. With property reputations and revenue more at stake than ever before when it comes to meeting guest online expectations, discover the key steps that should always be front and center in the minds of hoteliers seeking to keep pace with evolving industry standards.

Begin by Performing a Wi-Fi Site Survey

Hoteliers can make the mistake of believing that a Wi-Fi upgrade merely involves the purchasing and installing of new high-performance network hardware. However, sidestepping any sort of pre-installation network analysis more likely than not will result in a failure to adequately address unique property needs and can lead to issues such as Wi-Fi dead spots or online traffic bottlenecks.
Before making any purchasing and installation decisions, a hotelier’s first step should therefore be to work with an experienced and reputable provider in order to perform a full scale, property-wide network site survey. Able to utilize advanced software including heat maps, such providers can equip property leadership with a visual and fully comprehensive representation of current network performance health. This importantly can reveal any specific onsite locations experiencing poor signal penetration or lackluster speeds.

An effective survey also crucially reveals where hardware such as Wi-Fi signal access points and Ethernet cabling should be ideally installed to meet service quality goals throughout a location. Just as vital to hotel budgets, it can also reduce the cost of installation by eliminating any unnecessary hardware purchases which if installed, can potentially cause unintended results such as Wi-Fi signal interruption.

Support Your Network Upgrade with a High-quality Router

With a multitude of expenses vying to be included in a property’s budget, hoteliers can be forgiven for seeking out less costly alternatives. Yet when it comes to ensuring high-performance Wi-Fi, a property’s router quality should always be non-negotiable. As the central network component tasked with managing data and communication between devices and the internet, a router’s capabilities or lack thereof can make all the difference between meeting guest expectations or experiencing an increase in unsatisfactory reviews.
The first thing to consider is that routers designed for consumer homes or small businesses are substantially ill-equipped to handle the multitude of devices seeking an internet connection at hotels or resorts on a daily basis. Such routers are typically more affordable because they are designed using a slower processor and less memory, two critical aspects for ensuring a reliable and high-performance connection for guest devices. Investing in the appropriate router hardware will allow hoteliers to accommodate many more guest devices without experiencing the dropped or slow connections that have become almost synonymous with hotel Wi-Fi services.

Access Points: Your Hotel’s Key to Property-wide Wi-Fi Satisfaction

Wi-Fi access points are what ensure that internet connectivity is able to reach guest devices scattered throughout a property. They are responsible for ensuring a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal within each guestroom and public area. As a result, hoteliers should consider access point selection and installation areas carefully when planning any network upgrade.

Wi-Fi access points are what ensure that internet connectivity is able to reach guest devices scattered throughout a property. They are responsible for ensuring a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal within each guestroom and public area. As a result, hoteliers should consider access point selection and installation areas carefully when planning any network upgrade.

In years long since passed and prior to the advent of smart devices, properties could get away with installing access points within hotel hallways in order to reduce hardware purchase costs. Yet with today’s low-powered Wi-Fi devices and with guests now frequently performing bandwidth-intensive activities such as content streaming, this approach is simply not an option for hotels seeking to provide a high-quality experience.

Instead, hoteliers need to move to an in-room access point deployment strategy that can provide each guest device with the strong and uninterrupted Wi-Fi signal quality now universally required. Placing access points within guestrooms notably eliminates interference caused by signals otherwise having to penetrate obstacles such as walls, ducts, and bathrooms. Access points placed too closely together in hallways can also cause signal interference with each other, leading to the frequent occurrence of latency and data loss, which guests simply call “slow” or “bad” internet. While not having to place an access point in every guestroom, hoteliers should work with a knowledgeable provider in identifying strategic locations where placement guarantees effective property-wide coverage capable of meeting performance expectations. Investments should further be made in adopting advanced access points that can automatically switch Wi-Fi signal frequency channels whenever encountering interference in order to maintain consistent reliability and fast speeds.

Create Separate Networks for Guests and Backend Operations

Guests are far from the only ones seeking to connect to a hotel’s internet. In today’s hyper-connected world, the vast majority of operational systems and services likewise also require a stable and fast online connection in order to function correctly. This means that a hotel’s operations can often be competing with guest devices over receiving a share of network bandwidth, with both often obtaining less than satisfactory performance as a result. To sidestep this issue, any upgrade should include equipment capable of per-network, precise bandwidth management and allocation, as well as sufficient coverage in common areas and utility and back-of-house spaces, minimizing any risk of guest frustration or bringing operations to a sudden grinding halt.
The use of separate guest and operational Wi-Fi networks is also strongly recommended as a measure to heighten a hotel’s cybersecurity abilities. With sensitive information including point-of-sale or PMS data often the target of hackers, a segregated network importantly provides hoteliers with the ability to implement separate policies and security protocols to provide at-risk systems with the highest level of protection without creating inconveniences for guests. In the event of a cyber-attack, separate networks also allow hoteliers to more swiftly identify the source of a breach, quarantine it and implement an effective response before a threat escalates further.
To learn more about services offered by Hotel Internet Services please fill out the form below or call 855-999-8110

Scalability blog

Scalability: Adopting Guest Entertainment Technology that Stays Ahead of the Curve

Historically, hoteliers were widely considered to be early adopters of advanced in-room entertainment solutions. Bringing amenities like satellite and cable television, on-demand movies and internet access to the forefront of the hospitality industry, hotels were the gold standard in entertainment— and frequently provided better experiences than guests had at home.

Hospitality, however, is a constantly-evolving industry. As new technology emerges and guest expectations shift, hoteliers cannot afford to be stagnant, but neither can they afford to regularly deploy new in-room entertainment solutions. Fortunately, improvements in technology mean that many of today’s solutions are designed to evolve alongside new entertainment trends, but identifying which solutions will live up to its future-proof promise may be tricky. When choosing a new solution that can consistently elevate the in-room entertainment experience, here are a few key considerations hoteliers should keep in mind.

Guest Personalization

Personalizing experiences has become an increasingly important trend across all industries, and it’s likely here to stay. Consumers feel frustrated when experiences are impersonal, and creating personalized experiences helps hoteliers increase revenue by up to ten percent. This is evident in consumer entertainment, too; in 2019, more U.S. households subscribed to a streaming service (69 percent) than to a traditional satellite or cable TV provider (65 percent).

With the booming popularity of content streaming services, guests now expect the same dynamic experiences in their hotel room; but with a wider array of viewing options and platforms now available, every guest’s preferences are unique— meaning that the solutions hoteliers provide must be highly personalized to meet their needs. In-room streaming and casting solutions, which can be customized to meet every guest’s device and security preferences, not only meet these needs, but these solutions’ constantly-growing compatibility with thousands of popular apps ensures that they are scalable, long-term solutions.

Future-proof in-room entertainment solutions can add personal touches throughout the guest journey. With entertainment solutions that incorporate digital AI assistants, improving personalization can be as simple as displaying a custom greeting on the in-room television system upon a guest’s check-in, to providing recommendations, and even enabling guests to make requests and remembering their preferences throughout their stay. As AI becomes increasingly powerful, its ability to improve guest personalization is only expected to improve.

Maximized Convenience

Another hallmark of a scalable in-room solution is its ability to provide guests with increased convenience. Consumers expect immediacy, flexibility and instant accessibility; ensuring an in-room entertainment solution can not only meet these needs now but can continue to do so in the future, is vital for hoteliers selecting new entertainment solutions.

Industry-leading in-room entertainment providers accomplish this by offering solutions able to be easily integrated with a hotel’s Property Management System (PMS). By connecting and communicating directly with a hotel PMS, in-room entertainment solutions can allow guests to checkout, adjust temperature and lighting controls, order room service and even make requests for towels directly from their in-room television screen. Not only does it alleviate the need for guests to walk down to the lobby or wait on hold when calling down to the front desk, but the ability of these solutions to seamlessly communicate with other hotel technology gives it limitless future potential.

Reliable Connectivity

Reliable connectivity is arguably one of the most important amenities that a hotel can offer guests today. To ensure positive in-room entertainment experiences, including consistent high-quality video streaming and uninterrupted web surfing, hotels need to regularly evaluate the quality of their connectivity.

When a hotelier selects a new entertainment solution, they must also consider the implications it may have on their existing networks, and identify which rewiring or network equipment upgrades may be necessary to support the increased connectivity demands of an advanced entertainment platform. Fortunately, industry-leading in-room entertainment solution providers can work alongside hoteliers to identify potential challenges and seamlessly integrate new platforms with a hotel’s existing IT in mind. More advanced in-room entertainment systems can even provide hoteliers with intuitive dashboards that don’t just continuously monitor solution performance, but can also offer a real-time analysis of internet connectivity quality throughout an entire property. 

Powered by innovative technology, today’s in-room entertainment solutions are bridging the disconnect between a consumer’s daily life and the hotel amenities available to them. With personalization, convenience, and connectivity top-of-mind, hoteliers can ensure that they select a solution that not only increases guest satisfaction by meeting modern trends, but that also has the proven ability to stay ahead of the curve indefinitely.

To learn more about services offered by Hotel Internet Services please fill out the form below or call 855-999-8110

Should I Utilize IoT, and How?

Though the Internet of Things (IoT) can appear daunting and has often been shrouded in mystery, many hotels and other facilities are seeing the benefits of operating their properties with its help.

IoT is not nearly as complex as many would think. In general, physical objects are embedded with sensors that enable them to send data and receive data from other devices or systems. This is done via the internet or other networks and does not require human intervention. IoT devices then share the sensor data through an IoT gateway. This process allows a system to act on the data it receives, whether by sending out an alert, adjusting a setting on another device, or monitoring and recording the information for reporting and use at a later date.

By connecting various systems with the internet via these embedded sensors, properties have the ability to promote safety, limit interruptions or costly downtime, prevent equipment or property damage, improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and protect guests and employees alike.

Solutions that allow hoteliers to manage and monitor all of their IoT-based systems, immediately prove beneficial by providing seamless communication between multiple systems and centralized control, and by streamlining operational efficiency, resulting in guest service improvement. Let’s review some of the benefits even one property can receive from these types of sensor application solutions.

Convenience

With IoT door locks, guests can change rooms or extend their stays without having to visit the front desk. For inventory management, service requests can be generated to refill stock and then a notification can be sent when the order is completed.

Security

IoT door locks also have the ability to send door ajar alerts to minimize security risks. Through the use of IoT housekeeping panic buttons, properties can protect their staff members by alerting security in the case of an emergency and accurately reporting their location.

Health and Safety

By making sure the property is meeting indoor air quality regulations, it can protect the health of both guests and staff members. Properties can also monitor water temperatures and ensure they are in the correct range to avoid bacteria growth or water contamination. By also monitoring the temperatures for areas like walk-in coolers and freezers, users can maintain proper food safety across the property and ensure health agency compliance. With HVAC system monitoring, they can also provide proper air quality and ventilation.

Predictive Maintenance

Equipment like compressors and pumps can be monitored to prevent failures and reduce downtime. By alerting staff where water may be present near electrical equipment or appliances, costly repairs can be avoided and more extensive damage can be prevented. The maintenance team can also be notified when to replace air filters to maintain air quality.

Cost Savings

By combining IoT door locks with IoT thermostats and motion sensors, properties can implement temperature controls and manage energy use. Additionally, by tracking high-value indoor assets with 24/7 on-demand location reporting, organizations can improve business efficiency and reduce operating costs. Further, with monitoring, the facility can optimize its HVAC system and reduce operating costs.

Why do I Need a Solution to Manage and Monitor IoT-based Systems and Where do I Start?

If you are thinking about upgrading your infrastructure, consider adding IoT-capable access points. The next step is to identify IoT technology that best aligns with your property’s current strategies.
IoT is one of the most influential technologies to affect the hospitality industry in many years. Solutions that provide a property with 24/7 relevant, on-demand reporting can’t help but improve business efficiency and reduce operating costs. Effective remote monitoring allows users to keep track of all aspects of their business from one system, so they can ensure their operations run smoothly and their people and assets are protected.

By using solutions like this, organizations are able to better manage their business, and better understand their guests. They operate more efficiently and accurately, and they are able to make dramatic improvements in guest service and loyalty.

To learn more about IoT Services that hotel Internet Services offer please fill out the form below or call 855-999-8110