5 Problems Solved by Guest WiFi

5 PROBLEMS SOLVED BY
GUEST WiFi
A PUBLICATION OF ACB SOLUTIONS

HINTS:
Post the wireless logo in your waiting room.
Make the SSID (identifier): CompanyGUEST.
Change the passcode frequently.
“Although public WiFi hotspots are an invaluable
services, there is a strong need for businesses to
stay on top of the potential threats and security
risks.”
― Tom Gaffney
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is Guest WiFi?
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1
2
3
4
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Problem Solved: The Waiting Area
Problem Solved: The Conference Room
Problem Solved: Vendors
Problem Solved: Family and Friends
Problem Solved: Brand Reinforcement
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7
9
11
13
Is Guest WiFi Safe?
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How do you provide Guest WiFi?
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Introduction
What is Guest WiFi?
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What is Guest WiFi?
For Customers and …. More
Guest WiFi is free access to the Internet that you provide,
mainly for customers, but there’s more.
Not just in restaurants, car dealers, and medical offices,
anymore, Guest WiFi customers come in more frequently,
stay longer, and spend more.*
Does it cost extra?
Guest WiFi is produced by the same wireless equipment that
renders WiFi to your business network, and most modern
routers include a built-in Guest WiFi service. If the signal can
reach your guest users, you need no additional equipment.
Most Guest WiFi users consume so little data that your
Internet use increase are normally insignificant and won’t
increase your bill.
* 2014 Study by Devisecape at http://www.devicescape.com/in-the-news/study-yes-thereare-benefits-of-offering-free-wifi-4/
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Problem 1 Solved:
THE CUSTOMER
WAITING AREA
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THE CUSTOMER WAITING AREA
Not just old worn-out magazines
It wasn’t that long ago that you’d see a sign in your
doctor’s waiting area telling you to turn your cell
phone off. Those days are over.
The smart phone and tablet are everyday, all day
parts of most people’s lives and they want to
maintain their contacts, do business, or just chat
with their friends anywhere at any time, including
your waiting area.
When you provide Guest WiFi, you are making your
facility friendlier and more welcoming.
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Problem 2 Solved:
THE CONFERENCE
ROOM
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THE CONFERENCE ROOM
When will the meeting begin?
In a conference room, participants want to use their
time effectively. That includes having access to
Internet data for presentations, or access to
collaborators.
It can be risky to provide access to the Internet using
your internal business network to participants from
other organizations. It’s best to isolate them from
shared files and servers.
Guest WiFi provides access that is separate from
your business network and lets people attend
meetings and stay connected without risk or wasting
time. You are making them more efficient, and that
promotes good business.
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Problem 3 Solved:
VENDORS
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VENDORS
An easier way to get you what you need
When your vendor comes to discuss your needs for
inventory or equipment or supplies, it’s expedient to
have the vendor quickly check stock levels, delivery
times, and prices over the Internet.
Guest WiFi access lets your vendors provide better
service, and that can mean a better deal.
Instead of your vendor “borrowing your computer, ”
you provide a secure, encrypted Guest WiFi
connection that will protect both the vendor’s
confidential data, but yours as well.
Your vendors will appreciate how well you look after
them.
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Problem 4 Solved:
FAMILY and FRIENDS
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FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Taking care of priorities along with caring
Let’s say it’s “Bring Your Child to Work Day” and your
kids come to work, … or your brother-in-law drops
in, … or some members of your local charity club
come to visit. …. But, you are doing something
important and must ask them to wait for a bit.
When you have a Guest WiFi available to them, they
can find things on the Internet to entertain or
enlighten or educate themselves in the meantime.
This is not only a smart way for you to handle the
situation, but gives your guests, family, or friends
the freedom to benefit when you are otherwise
engaged.
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Problem 5 Solved:
BRAND
REINFORCEMENT
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BRAND REINFORCEMENT
Keeping your image in focus
When you go, for example, to a fast food restaurant,
and select their Guest WiFi service, frequently you
will see on your device, a page of “terms of use,”
with a prominent logo, and an “Accept” button.
When you accept the terms, you to the Internet.
The logo’s brand image reminds you that the
company’s Guest WiFi is saving you the use of your
expensive cell data, and that builds good will.
You might even get a coupon or notice for a special
event, promotion, or discount.
With the some additional equipment and
configuration, any Guest WiFi can provide similar
brand image reinforcement and promotions.
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IS GUEST WiFi SAFE?
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IS GUEST WiFi SAFE?
Don’t risk an “open” Guest WiFi
It depends on the kind of WiFi device
Some older, low-end “consumer”-grade wireless routers lack
features to provide good security to guest users. A modern
“business”-grade device will provide security safety features.
Is it safe for guests?
All computers using the Internet are subject to attack by
hackers. An “open” Guest WiFi, with no encryption or
password, is more vulnerable to attack. But, an encryptionprotected
Guest WiFi provides vigorous security, and your
guests are actually millions of times safer.
Is it safe for me?
The secure WiFi router keeps Guest communication and
business communication separated by a firewall.
The public expects reasonable precautions for their safety
and from unnecessary exposure. Guest WiFi provides that.
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HOW DO YOU
PROVIDE GUEST WiFi?
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HOW DO YOU PROVIDE GUEST WiFi?
DIY or a professional job
For people who have some experience with
computer networks, it is fairly easy to setup a Guest
WiFi on even a “business”-grade device. Many
devices have “quick setup” guides for Guest WiFi
and some have built-in “wizards”—software that
steps through configuration.
For most others, a professionally done installation is
not only faster and easier, but provides assurance
that security details will cared for properly.
If you already have WiFi in your business, but not
Guest WiFi, you may just need someone to turn on
the service and set up the Guest network. And, if
your equipment lacks that feature, it is a fairly
inexpensive upgrade.
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ACB Solutions
Providing technology solutions since 1986, ACB Solutions
specializes in serving the small- to medium-sized business.
Our management and technical teams are highly experienced
in helping business owners get the most from their technology
investments.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.ACBSolutions.net
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