It’s a day that many founders and small business owners dream of: their organization is ready to branch out in a new city or region in order to continue growing. As exciting as this can be, though, it’s a milestone that can be fraught with difficulties.
Finding the right premises with the right infrastructure can be difficult. A business park might offer good connectivity, but not be the best in terms of access to customers for example. At the other end of the spectrum, the perfect premises for access to customers could become available, but it has outdated networking and electrical infrastructure.
An additional consideration is adequate, secure connectivity. Most customers and visitors expect to have a guest Wi-Fi connection available on site, but for small businesses ticking this box while also keeping corporate data safe can be an expensive minefield.
A solution is at hand, though, and it won’t break the bank for SMBs.
With ASUS ExpertWiFi networking solutions, SMBs can use site-to-site VPN technology to keep her and branch offices connected seamlessly. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) makes it easy to set up networking and security hardware, even in locations with limited power outlets. AiMesh, virtual local area network (VLAN), and self-defined network (SDN), meanwhile, allow the establishing of secure and separate Wi-Fi connections for employees and clients. What’s more, there’s no need to have a large IT department or hire a networking specialist; ExpertWifi is quick to set up, deploy and manage all from a centralized location.
A versatile backbone for a site-spanning network
SMBs looking to build a scalable solution need a versatile, feature-rich network, such as that provided by the ExpertWiFi portfolio. Taking a high-level view of the topology of the ExpertWiFi PoE networking solution, it starts with a wired VPN router. This essential component serves not only as the gateway to the internet, but also controls vital aspects of the network's functionality, including security. PoE access points blanket the site with high-performance wireless connectivity. PoE switches can act as the middlemen, distributing networking resources and power through their PoE+ ports while simplifying cabling requirements.
The backbone of this setup is the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBG19P. With its gigabit WAN port and two gigabit WAN/LAN ports, this gigabit PoE+ VPN wired router offers multi-WAN functionality so users can harness up to three internet connections. Load balancing and failover modes ensure a stable, high-performance connection.
Between the ExpertWiFi EBG19P's eight gigabit Ethernet ports and a small selection of ExpertWiFi EBP15 smart managed PoE+ switches, it's easy to connect a full office's worth of wired devices. Network-attached storage (NAS) boxes or rackmount servers get a hardline to the router. Since the ports on the EBG19P and EBP15 offer PoE, it's easy to connect VoIP phones, PoE smart locks for the entrances, PoE digital signage, a PoE meeting room scheduler, and PoE security cameras. PoE removes the potential additional cost of running power cables and installing power outlets, as it only requires running network cables, which can be done without contracting the services of a certified electrician.
Establishing a wireless network with ExpertWiFi is a breeze. Dual-band ExpertWiFi EBA63 PoE access points create a seamless ASUS AiMesh network that uses congestion-busting tech to ensure a solid connection for a full office of devices. Each access point can connect over 100 user devices like smart phones, laptops, tablets, and they offer up to 223m2 of coverage each.
ExpertWiFi EBA63 access points can work together as a seamless mesh Wi-Fi system with AiMesh, allowing businesses to build one network that reaches across an entire location. It's even possible to reuse an existing AiMesh-compatible router, such as the ASUS RT-BE88U or the ASUS RT-BE58U, as a node in the new mesh Wi-Fi network. Although these routers aren't part of the ExpertWiFi family, they offer AiMesh support, have plenty to offer for SMB networks, and are a common choice for businesses establishing their first wireless networks. Reusing one could reduce initial installation costs while keeping one more piece of hardware from ending up in the local recycling center.
Connecting a branch office with site-to-site VPN
The networking needs of a smaller branch office are likely more modest than those of a headquarters. For branch offices that don't need the full selection of Ethernet ports provided by the ExpertWiFi EBG19P, the ExpertWiFi EBG15 gigabit VPN wired router can be a suitable alternative. Its gigabit WAN port and two gigabit WAN/LAN ports provide sufficient ports for a rock-solid internet connection with load-balancing and failover. ExpertWiFi EBP15 smart managed PoE+ switches will provide a connection for other PoE devices such as cameras and VoIP phones, as well as ExpertWiFi EBA63 access points for providing wireless coverage.
VLAN and self-defined network keep things secure by keeping them separate
While businesses want to offer good quality Wi-Fi to employees, contractors, customers, and others while on site, it can open the door to security issues. Letting all devices and users connect via a single Wi-Fi network is high risk, but establishing two sets of infrastructure would be very costly.
Thankfully for most SMBs, it’s also unnecessary: ExpertWiFi components have VLAN and SDN functionality baked in, meaning all users and devices can stay connected using the same hardware while ensuring the security of business data.
With SDN, businesses can establish up to five SSIDs on their wireless network to separate and prioritize devices for different scenarios. It's easy to make a guest portal for digital marketing and promotional purposes, for example, while also establishing a Wi-Fi network just for employees.
Each of the Ethernet ports on the ExpertWiFi EBG19P, EBG15, and EBP15 support VLAN for added security. These ports can be assigned to one or more VLAN IDs to provide a fast and flexible way to segment wired and wireless networks.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation
While a business may be tech-forward, the premises they’re using can be firmly stuck in the past and retrofitting them with new electrical lines can be prohibitively expensive. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) networking equipment, organizations can limit how many outlets they need to get a new branch office up and running.
POE takes advantage of unused copper wires in standard Ethernet cables to deliver power to compatible devices while simultaneously providing network connectivity. Getting both power and network access through one cable offers many advantages for small to medium-size businesses:
- Reduced expenses. PoE removes the potential additional cost of running power cables and installing power outlets. It only requires running network cables, which can be done without contracting the services of a certified electrician.
- Reliable operation. A network using PoE equipment has fewer points of failure. Power comes from a centralized location that can be backed up by a single uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
- Easy scalability. Extending the network with additional access points is easy with PoE solutions — simply run another Ethernet cable.
- Flexible options. PoE-compatible devices include wireless access points, security cameras, intercom systems, point-of-sale (POS) kiosks, and more.
A network that’s ready to scale
SMB-owners aren’t only concerned with meeting their networking needs today, but establishing a total solution that will be ready for the challenges of tomorrow. When deciding to expand their business with an additional location, or perhaps improve on-site security with a set of CCTV cameras, they would prefer not to tear out their existing network infrastructure and start all over again.
ASUS ExpertWiFi allows SMBs to build a cost-effective network that’s ready to scale alongside their business. Thanks to AiMesh technology, increasing a network’s range is as simple as adding more ExpertWiFi EBA63 PoE access points. These units work together in real-time to form a mesh network in which devices seamlessly connect to the access point that provides the best signal.
Each of these access points offers 2400 square feet of network coverage, they can handle up to 100 end-user devices each, and they're built from the ground up to ease the process of managing a busy network of connected devices. ASUS has offered AiMesh tech on the majority of its routers for many years, so organizations that are already using an AiMesh-compatible router can reuse it as an access point in their new network.
So go ahead and add more offices, additional warehouse space, and new exterior installations: ExpertWiFi makes expanding a business network a breeze.
A tailored network
For too many small business owners today, installing and managing their network can be a headache. Often, their company has grown enough to require a robust and versatile network, but they’re not yet at the point where it makes financial sense to hire a full-time networking specialist.
ASUS ExpertWiFi products stand in the gap with simplified installation, configuration, and management. Whether contracting a networking professional or installing it themselves, the free and easy-to-use ASUS ExpertWiFi smartphone app supports businesses with streamlined installation experience.
Available on the App Store and the Google Play Store, the ExpertWiFi app simplifies the initial setup steps with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. From there, businesses have robust options for setting up the networking options they need. Additionally, they will have remote control over PoE-specific features, including PoE status monitoring, PoE priority, and power budget settings.
Commercial-grade features, all without a subscription
A cyberattack can be devastating for small to medium-size businesses, especially growing businesses just starting to earn the trust of consumers. With ExpertWiFi, SMBs get baked-in commercial-grade security features thanks to AiProtection Pro. This suite leverages powerful cybersecurity solutions and cloud data centers from Trend Micro to shield the business’ network and all connected devices from cyber threats. AiProtection Pro also brings free automatic security updates, a two-way intrusion prevention system, and anti-malware and web content filtering, all without a subscription fee.
Robust VPN support extends that security beyond the physical walls of the business’ location. With comprehensive VPN protocols, users can access their networks with site-to-site VPNs for encrypted office or home network connections, easily and securely.
The business Wi-Fi expert
The flexibility of the complete ExpertWiFi PoE solution makes it a compelling pick for a wide variety of business scenarios. Whether what’s needed is a convenient and secure guest portal, VPN support for a growing hybrid workforce, full-site network coverage for a multi-story building, or a single solution for connecting access points, cameras, and POS machines, the ExpertWiFi portfolio of routers, PoE switches, and PoE access points has everything covered.
ExpertWiFi also helps address the challenges that small and medium-sized businesses face today, while also giving them easy options for scaling tomorrow as their needs change and grow. PoE ensures that wiring everything up hardly requires more than a roll of standard Ethernet cable. What’s more, subscription-free security and VPN features keep total cost of ownership low while granting substantial peace of mind.
The ExpertWiFi portfolio extends beyond PoE solutions to include standalone solutions and mesh Wi-Fi systems, as well. Click here to browse the full lineup.
