What can I do to improve my warehouse WiFi?
Warehouses play a critical role in the supply chain, holding all the products we buy at some point before they are distributed to customers. They might seem simple in their operation – they hold things until they need to be somewhere else – but this is quite far from the truth. Workers require several different technologies when working in a warehouse, needing to access inventory systems, asset management systems, and voice communications, alongside other technologies – Amazon for example use robots in many of their warehouses alongside their workers.
In order to support these technologies, workers need reliable network infrastructure, so they aren’t disrupted by technical issues while on the job. Poorly configured networks result in issues like black spots, slow connection, and devices disconnecting frequently, so avoiding these issues where possible is ideal.
You might be asking yourself – what is so different about a WiFi network in a warehouse? How is WiFi in a warehouse different to a house or office? There are significant differences between how WiFi must be implemented in warehouses and these differences must be considered when implementing a network, or the network will be faulty due to slow connection or intermittent signal. So, what must you consider when implementing a wireless network in a warehouse?
1. What is the height of the warehouse?
This point might seem irrelevant, but it does play an important role in wireless signal strength. Many warehouses have very high ceilings, especially bigger warehouses, and so this will play a key part in access point (AP) placement. If an AP is installed on the ceiling (as they typically are), this will not work well in a warehouse with a tall ceiling, as regardless of where you stand, the distance between any devices and that access point will be wide, and this will cause a poor connection.
If the ceiling of the warehouse is high, it would be a good idea to lower the access point placement so the devices can connect to the AP more easily. Ideally, access points should be placed within 25 feet of the ground, and if the ceiling goes higher than this, AP placement should be reconsidered and moved elsewhere.
2. Where is the connection required?
Although workers might do the majority of their work in a specific location, might your workers need to be able to use their devices elsewhere on-site? Will workers need access to inventory management in an outside area? Do you want to make sure there is a signal in the break room? You must consider where you need connection, and therefore how many access points you will need to place. Some warehouses might even have an office or other building attached to them that also needs internet access, so these must also be considered and have access points placed appropriately within them.
3. Is anything blocking the signal?
Having anything between an access point and the device you’re trying to use the internet on can cause major issues – even just drywall – so this issue can be even worse in packed warehouses.
Warehouses might hold anything, when implementing WiFi in a warehouse it is important to consider what is going to be in the warehouse and how likely this is to interfere with internet access. Water, metals, ceramic, and glass can all block WiFi signals, so if your warehouse is likely to hold lots of these items you should add more access points to allow for appropriate coverage of the warehouse.
4. How many buildings must be covered?
Usually, businesses will only have one warehouse at a certain site, but sometimes it is necessary to expand to another building on top of the pre-existing one. In this circumstance, you will want to share a network across these buildings, but this can be a challenge, especially if the distance between the two is significant.
At TEC-ID we offer point-to-point WiFi, which allows you to create a wireless ‘bridge’ between two buildings, meaning you can expand your network across them both, and attach additional access points to this bridge to let your warehouse have adequate coverage.
In most cases, this isn’t necessary as there is usually only one building, but in the cases of two or more buildings, point-to-point WiFi is an excellent option.
5. What antenna is being used?
There are two types of antennae that can be used to connect to a wireless network – directional and omnidirectional. Directional antennae can only be used when positioned in a way that transmits signal towards where devices will be used, so devices might not be able to connect to these if the antenna is not positioned correctly. Omnidirectional antennae on the other hand transmit signals in all directions around it, meaning antenna positioning will not affect connection but does mean it can interfere with other access points surrounding it.
To decide which is right for you, we recommend a site survey. At TEC-ID we offer site surveys to help our clients with many networks and data solutions and included in this we can help determine which access points should have omnidirectional or directional antennae so you can have the most efficient wireless network possible.
Directional Antenna
OmniDirectional Antenna
There are many factors that go into the quality of any network, but warehouses in particular present a bigger issue due to the scale and complexity of the area you need wireless connection. Although the suggestions we have outlined in the post can help rectify many issues with warehouse WiFi networks, it can be very hard to determine what exactly the issue with a faulty network is, especially to the untrained eye. At TEC-ID, we offer many network services, including wireless site surveys and WiFi services, across many sectors – including warehousing.
Click the contact us button below to get in touch with our team, and we arrange for a site survey, WiFi services, or any of our other network or Auto-ID services you need, so you can get the stability, security, and speed you need in your warehouse network.
