When deploying a Wi-Fi infrastructure in public locations, one of the key element to ensure a good user experience is the number and the type of access points to use.

Indeed, if the number of access points is too low compared to the number of Wi-Fi users, then problems of internet speed might occur because of the overuse of the wireless devices and the bandwidth overload. Usually, the maximum number of concurrent users is written on the manufacturer spreadsheet, but in practice it can vary according to the use of your network and the internet services you want to offer to your Wi-Fi users.

By using the Tanaza Access Point Selector, you can select the type of location and its size to estimate the maximum number of concurrent users. The number of concurrent users is the number of Wi-Fi users currently connected to the Wi-Fi network. It is calculated according to the type of location, its size, and the average time that a user spends on the internet. Count for example ten concurrent users for a large Café, or 140 for a large hotel.

Last but not least, select the characteristics of the access point such as the installation type, the radiation shape, the vendor and the main technology aspects (indoor, outdoor, AC, dual radio…). The Tanaza Access Point Selector will give you an estimation of the required units number, and the different models that fit the best your project.

/!\ Remember that the Tanaza Access Point Selector estimates the required bandwidth based on documentation and our experience on-site with our customers.

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The 4 best Wi-Fi analyzer apps to boost your network speed

https://www.tanaza.com/classichotspot/blog/top-10-best-cheap-802-11ac-access-points-2017/

How to choose the best access point for your restaurant’s WiFi network (part 1)

After the KRACK attack and the discovery of WPA2 security problem that was putting at hijack risk all WPA2-compatible device like routers, computers and smartphones, Wi-Fi Alliance has announced a new security protocol: WPA3. WPA3 is a substitute for WPA2 (the wireless security standard since 2004) and should be landed later in 2018.

Four new capabilities will be launched in 2018 as part of the Wi-Fi certified WPA3. These features, available for personal and Wi-Fi networks enterprises, consist in delivering more robust protection regarding user’s password to access a Wi-Fi network and simplifying the security configuration for devices with a limited, or no display interface.

For example, a WPA3 key improvement aims to block “dictionary attacks”, or when a hacker tries to gain unauthorised access to a computer system by using a large set of words to generate potential passwords.
The new security protocol should prevent hackers from guessing a list of potential passwords to access a Wi-Fi network. Moreover, the hacker will be blocked after too many failed password thanks to its new handshake system ( WPA2 currently uses a four-way handshake).

Another interesting change touches on the open Wi-Fi networks. Open Wi-Fi networks are all networks in public spaces like café, airport, parks… that are not encrypted and so risky for the user whose data could be intercepted by a hacker.
WPA3 will use individualized data encryption that muddles the connection between each device on a network and the router. By doing so, WPA3 prevents hackers from stealing data or modifying websites. 

Obviously, building a new wireless security standard takes time, and WPA3 won’t substitute WPA2 before few months, but Wi-Fi Alliance underlined the necessity of updating Wi-Fi security in a modern society where the Wi-Fi demand is increasing.

Security breach in WPA2 protocol: what is the KRACK attack?

Useful tips for protecting your Wi-Fi network security

How web content filtering improves public Wi-Fi hotspot security