Tag Archives: Internet

Guide to better mobile broadband

Posted on by
Reply

Having fast and reliable internet is a utility we all now expect in Australia, just as we expect water to come out of a tap. In 2009 Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) was announced to provide better internet speeds for all Australians. Ten plus years on, the debate continues around delivery technologies and competition. This guide will look at how mobile broadband competes with the NBN and how you can improve your mobile broadband whether you live in a big city in a poor coverage area or use mobile data on the road.

NBN vs 5G mobile broadband

NBN versus 5G mobile data is about price, competition, speed and reliability. An internet provider such as Telstra can sell you a fixed line or wireless NBN solution or offer a service of their own. There are rules around this, but for simplicity, let’s compare an NBN fixed line connection versus a Telstra 5G home broadband solution. Equally, we could substitute Telstra for Optus, Vodafone or any of their service providers.

If Telstra sells you an NBN service, a portion of the monthly subscription goes back to the NBN. If Telstra sells you 5G home internet, then Telstra keeps all the money. So, which is better?

A 5G mobile broadband solution is cheaper and faster than an equivalent NBN fixed line solution. An NBN fixed line solution should be more reliable. Like your home network, an ethernet cable-connected computer will be more reliable than Wi-Fi. If too many devices try to use a wireless signal or something blocks or interferes with a wireless signal, this leads to reliability issues. However, wireless technology is going forward leaps and bounds, and there are ways for you to improve reliability.

How does mobile broadband work?

We expect mobile phones to work everywhere, but unfortunately, they don’t. If we are in a city elevator, which is a steel box, that will interfere with the phone reception. Mobile Broadband is data carried over the mobile phone network. In theory, you will have mobile broadband anywhere you have mobile phone coverage.

This diagram shows the basic principle behind mobile broadband. A mobile base station is connected to the internet. This cell tower then shares that internet via a wireless mobile data connection to a smartphone or mobile router. The speed and reliability of this solution are only as good as its weakest link (NBN also has weak links).

Factors affecting the speed and quality of mobile broadband:
  • Internet speed to tower – A 5G tower in Sydney CBD may have 2Gbps, whilst a remote town in central Australia may only have access to 25Mbps.
  • 4G or 5G tower – Assuming your device can receive 5G, and you are connected to a 5G tower, this will offer the fastest speed. A 4G tower is quite capable of speeds of 300Mbps or more.
  • Reception to a tower – The further away you are, or if you have obstacles like trees, walls, windows etc., will affect the speed and quality of connection. Note the number of bars you have on your phone is a measure of signal quality. The bars are not a direct indicator of mobile data speeds, which will vary.
  • Interference- Wireless signals from other cellular devices, microwave ovens, hair dryers, storms and even radiation from the sun can cause interference, reducing speeds.
  • Sharing of bandwidth – If the tower you are connected to has lots of other people connected either on a call or using data, you have to share the available resources
  • Plan – The monthly plan you are subscribed to may include limitations around connection technologies or speed limitations. Mobile plans normally have download limits vs unlimited.
  • 5G/4G Modem technology – Various technologies are employed in a modem to determine its maximum speed (see below). All smartphones have a built-in modem. If you subscribe to a 5G or 4G Home internet package, the service provider will provide you with a modem. You may also buy dedicated modems, sometimes called hotspots.
  • Wi-Fi quality- If your PC, tablet, TV etc., is hot spotting from your phone or modem, its speed will be affected by the quality of the Wi-Fi connection.

The outtake of this is you could have the best modem available but still get slow speed.

How to improve 5G mobile broadband

How much speed do you need should be your first question? A download speed of 25Mbps will meet the needs of the average individual 50Mbps for a family. (Netflix or a video call needs 5-15Mbps). Most NBN users have 50MBps, but both NBN and 5G are capable of more than 1000Mbps in the right conditions.

As we saw above, several factors will affect the speed and quality of your data connection. Most of these are out of your control, but there are two things you can do to improve your quality of service. The type of phone or router/hotspot you use and the addition of a high gain antenna.

Which mobile broadband router is best?

This is going to get a bit technical. The simple answer is a 5G modem will give you the best speed.

A cellular network can increase the speed of a mobile data connection by combining channels and having more antennas. This is done using the following technologies:

SISO vs MIMO

Only one antenna is used to transmit and receive in a Single Input Single Output (SISO) system. Multiple antennas are used in the Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) case. MIMO is faster. MIMO combines the signal from two antennas to provide substantially increased data speeds. Furthermore, modems will be rated as 2×2 or 4×4, meaning they have 2 or 4 antennas. Four is better than two. Note that these antennas are normally internal. Attach an external antenna to a 4×4, and you will downgrade to  2×2. You still increase your speed due to signal gain depending on your distance from the tower. (I did say this would be technical) GadgetGuy tested a D-Link 2×2, and we are currently testing a Netgear M6pro 4×4.

CATxx

As our demand for data speed increases, mobile phone technology must also increase to meet this need. The Dlink mentioned above is CAT4with a maximum download speed of 150Mbps, and the Netgear is Cat20, capable of 2000Mbps. See the table below for different supported speeds.

This technology works by combining available slots between the tower and the modem. If the tower is congested, you will not see this speed benefit as the slots are being used by others.

High Gain antennas to improve mobile broadband

Ian Ferrett of RFI” Good reception is about antenna height and line of sight”. Ian also corrects one of our previous articles on connecting to the internet anywhere. He indicated that a mobile base station can communicate with a phone or modem further than 35km and provide a substantially greater range, especially if using a directional antenna.

External antennas improve coverage, whether you’re close to a tower, have poor mobile coverage, or are driving down the highway. Indeed in recent testing with the D-Link G415 router in a Sydney Suburb with a base station less than 1km away. We saw significant speed improvement using a high gain external antennas.

An external antenna can be run outside a house or vehicle and elevated to maximise the communication back to the tower. Check to see if your model will support external antennas. Both models mentioned in this article support a 2×2 antenna solution (they have 2 antenna sockets).

An antenna will have a dB rating which indicates the level of gain an antenna can provide. The higher the dB, the further the antenna will reach.

There are two types of antennas. A Directional antenna must be pointed directly at the mobile tower, and an Omni direction can point in any direction. A Directional antenna will deal with less interference caused by multiple phone towers.

Three common antenna solutions are:

Note that if you use a Cel-Fi signal repeater to help boost mobile signals, they are currently only capable of a 4G SIMO transmission. This means they will help improve coverage but not lightning-fast speeds. A Cel-Fi can be used instead of attaching an external antenna. We will look at this further in a future article.

In researching this guide, RFI technology solutions have provided products and expertise. RFI has been an Australian-owned manufacturer specialising in wireless coverage and solar power for the last 40 years.

Should I buy 5G mobile broadband?

Each of the carriers continues to expand its 5G coverage. A 5G modem is backwards compatible with 4G for those areas not yet covered. If you have no mobile coverage, see our GadgetGuy guide on caravan internet. A 5G home broadband plan will be cheaper than the NBN equivalent. Be careful when locking yourself into a contract, as it may not perform better in your location. Try to find what others are doing in your vicinity.

Remember, more speed is great but do you really need it? 50Mbps will be fine for most, which is more than enough for Netflix or Kayo.

A mobile broadband router is portable and can be moved easily between locations. Some even fit in your pocket. Don’t forget your smartphone is also a hotspot.

Those in remote areas, travelling the highways or even in the city can improve their reception, leading to more reliable coverage and faster internet speeds with an external antenna. Smartphones supporting Wi-Fi calling can also use the Wi-Fi output from a mobile router to receive and make mobile calls.

The principles discussed in this guide will help a Home mobile broadband user in the city improve speeds through to a regional user with very poor coverage.

Can a Chromebook be used for business?

Posted on by
Reply

Setting up or even maintaining computers in a business can be a very expensive and complicated process. So is there a better way? Can a Chromebook be used for business? This guide will look at why you might consider a Chromebook, what you need to understand, and how you decide which one to buy.

A Chromebook refers to a laptop or 2in1 that runs Google’s Chrome Operating system. The experience is a pure web browser interface and will not run windows applications.

WHY should you consider a Chromebook over a PC for business?

We live in a connected world. If you visit Officeworks, it isn’t easy to buy a piece of standalone software that you load onto a computer. Everything is now cloud-based solutions, and you use your browser to access your application via the internet. A business will most likely use an accounting package like Xero, a CRM database, a POS system or even a spreadsheet, all accessed via the internet.

Why would you not use a Chromebook?

Suppose your business needs a standalone software application with many dedicated computer resources (e.g. memory, fast processor etc.). In that case, a chrome book is not for you.
If you need to work mostly independent of the internet or there is simply no internet, then a chrome book is not for you.

Why should you consider a Chromebook?
  • Prices of Chromebooks are considerably cheaper than a PC, and this is because the hardware requirements are significantly lower.
  • A Chromebook’s reliability is likely higher as it is a simpler Operating system with no extra software that is loaded, whether for applications or hardware drivers. Thus everything is simpler, and it is unlikely you will need the services of an IT Guy.
  • Light and compact. A Chromebook is likely to be far less power-hungry so that batteries can be smaller and last all day. Thus delivering you a small package, especially if you are on the road.
  • Instant On. A Chromebook does not need to load lots of code to start and will open at the press of a button, ready for you to access information.
  • Cloud-based storage means you never run out of capacity, and the information is backed up automatically.
  • Android Apps designed to run on smartphones and tablets will run on a Chromebook

WHAT should I know about Chromebooks?

The Chromebook itself does not need to be very powerful. Almost everything you do is done online or, more correctly, in the cloud. Thus although the hardware is not as powerful, the user will not experience any disadvantage over a much more powerful PC. However, one caveat is that if your internet connection is not reliable, this will affect performance.

A Chromebook was designed with security in mind and will be safer than a Windows or macOS computer. Security updates happen automatically, and no viruses or malware are known to target Chromebooks. Indeed, you do not have to buy antivirus software.

Unlike a PC, a Chromebook comes standard with productivity software for word processing, spreadsheet, email, presentations etc. The Google productivity suite is the core software; however, Microsoft applications can be installed just like downloading an app on your smartphone.

You will never lose your work because everything is in the cloud and saved when you type it. Thus, assuming you have an internet connection, you will never regret ever not saving a document or forgetting to back up your computer.

If you are without the internet, you can still use your Chromebook to read email, take notes, create and edit documents, spreadsheets and slides, view and edit photos, listen to music, watch downloaded videos and play games offline.

Collaboration is key for sharing information with your workmates, so everyone is updated. As everything is stored in the cloud, sharing the latest information is a simple one-off permission click to allow others to share real-time data.

No extra software is needed, but if you need something, additional Android apps can be installed.

A Chromebook will connect to printers, keyboards, a wireless mouse and most importantly, an external monitor to give you the flexibility to work off a large screen.

HOW do you decide which Chromebook to buy?

Unlike our guide on which PC I should buy, your choice is determined by how you will use the Chromebook. A basic Chromebook can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, and more expensive models can have touchscreens and be used as a tablet, giving more flexibility on the road.

Options you will consider when choosing a Chromebook:

Screen size will determine the size of the unit, which may be important if you require to take the Chromebook on the road. Sizes vary from 10 to 15 inches.

A chrome book can come in the following form: laptop, convertible or detachable tablet. We like the fact you can use it as a tablet. To support this, the screen may be detachable from the keyboard, or the keyboard may swing behind on 360-degree hinges.

A touchscreen improves your ability to interact quickly with your Chromebook, especially when it is hard to use a keyboard. A stylus may also be useful, especially if you want to make handwritten notes or draw.

Consider the battery life, and will it last you the time you expect to be away from mains?

Colour is the case, not the screen, if fashion is important to you. A protective cover is also a good idea and may help position the unit.

Ram will be in the 4 to 8GB range. With 4GB is adequate for most users.

All Chromebooks use solid-state storage rather than spinning hard drives. As storage is online, you would only consider a larger capacity if you want offline access.

Some Chromebooks now have expanded keyboards with a number pad to the right of the letter keys for those working with lots of numbers.

Processor variants are available but are not as important as a PC specification as all the tough computing work will be done in the cloud.

Connectivity is a consideration if you require an onboard 4G/5G connection and also if you need Wi-Fi 6 over Wi-Fi 5.

Other options to consider include the quality of the camera, availability of extra USB ports and support for wireless charging.

The following brands sell Chromebooks in Australia:  Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo.

HINTS

Suppose you still need to run a standalone PC program. In that case, you can use Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop app on your Chromebook to access traditional desktop software via another computer. This app allows you to access a running PC from any location and emulate the screen on your Chromebook.

To research this topic, Small Business Answers trialled an ASUS CM3000DV Chromebook. Our findings were quite the opposite of what we expected. We thought a Chromebook would not suit business, but we completely changed our minds. The Chromebook could handle everything I had done on a 13-inch i5 Intel notebook. TheCM3000 has a detachable cover that acts as an adjustable stand in either horizontal or vertical orientations. The detachable keyboard allows 1.5mm of movement on each key, giving a realistic typing experience while keeping the package compact. Two features I loved were the included stylus and a 15-second charge providing 45minutes of use. (yes, you did read that correctly)
The CM3 is 8mm thick with a 10-inch display and up to 12 hours of use. It is a touch screen device and weighs only 0.51kg. A front 2M camera, rear 8M camera, microphone, and stereo speakers enhance multimedia capability. It only has 1 x USB-C socket so you may need a USB hub, but it supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth connectivity. For those familiar with the Google ecosystem, it helps Google Assistant and comes with one year of 100GB of Google cloud storage. Our test unit had 4GB of RAM, a 2Ghz processor and a 64GB SSD drive but we would have had no idea about this as the Chromebook just worked.

SUMMARY – Can a Chromebook be used for business?

Can a Chromebook be used for business? Yes!

When deciding to use a Chromebook, you must ask, is chrome OS the right choice for you? It will change your current mindset but remember the kids are doing it fine at school as their first computer, and they don’t know any better.

A Chromebook is a browser and app-based device that uses the internet and the cloud to do all the work. Almost every type of application today is on the cloud, so an expensive notebook computer may indeed be overkill versus a Chromebook.

A Chromebook can still be bought in different configurations, and carefully consider which options best suit your needs.

EFTPOS accepting credit cards

Posted on by
8

Depending on the type of business you are running or planning to start, it is important to make it as easy as possible to receive payment in a face to face scenario.  You have two main options today, which are cash or credit card.  In the future, we will see other money transfer options driven by smartphones, but today we will focus on credit cards. You will need an EFTPOS solution (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale) to facilitate this. This guide looks at what is involved in offering EFTPOS in your business.

An EFTPOS terminal or machine is an electronic device that assists in transferring funds from a customer’s bank account to your business bank account. To pay at an EFTPOS terminal, your customers must have an EFTPOS card, Debit Card, or Credit Card. You can also load the identity of your credit card onto your mobile phone and use that as a tap solution with an EFTPOS terminal. The EFTPOS solution does need the internet to function. The transaction settlement into your account normally occurs the same day or overnight.

WHY is EFTPOS easier?

EFTPOS is a convenient form of paying for the consumer as they do not need to carry cash. Indeed modern solutions don’t even need a card to be carried with payment able to be done from a watch, phone, or even a ring.

The merchant (you) reduces your need to have cash, less change, fewer security concerns, fewer visits to the bank, less counting, etc.  Instead, money is quickly transferred, and the time taken to tap & go a card is significantly quicker than other methods allowing you to move on to your next customer faster.

One might also argue that using EFTPOS makes a customer less concerned about cost as a tap is more vanilla than counting out notes.

WHAT EFTPOS fees are there?

EFTPOS Solutions are available from different providers, including banks and independent software developers. Some providers offer a flat fee, with other fees applied to each payment option, so it is worth shopping around. Any of the following fees may apply:

  • Price per month. A set fee that will be charged per month up to a certain dollar value of card transactions, after which you will be charged a fee as a percentage of every purchase over that dollar value.
  • Credit card authorisation fees. These are fees charged when an inquiry is made to ensure funds are available on a card before a transaction is processed.
  • Credit card service merchant fee. This fee may be charged by the bank when you process a credit card and is generally expressed as a percentage. Some cards have higher fees than others, like American Express.  It is your decision about which cards you will accept. Some retailers choose to pass this fee onto their customers, but there is government restriction as to how much you can pass on. https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/prices-surcharges-receipts/credit-debit-prepaid-card-surcharges.
  • Payment terminal and account fees. You may be charged fees for administering your account, installing your payment terminal, or establishing your account. Establishment fees, cancellation fees, and equipment fees may also apply.
  • Chargeback fees. If the cardholder disputes a credit card transaction, you will be charged a fee.
  • Terminal access fee. This is a rental fee for providing and maintaining your EFTPOS terminal.
  • Debit card fees. You may be charged fees for processing debit purchase transactions or for a customer getting cash out at an EFTPOS terminal.
  • Sign up offers. Rental fees or others may be waived for the first x months of operation.

HOW do I pick which EFTPOS terminal is right for me?

EFTPOS terminals can come with several different features to consider when deciding which provider to choose:

  • Portable payment terminals. Not all terminals need to be plugged into a power point, and a portable unit has a battery and uses the mobile phone data network to transact.
  • Connect to a smartphone. This is a device that will connect to your smartphone physically or wirelessly. It allows the credit card to be tapped or inserted to complete the transaction via an app on your smartphone.
  • Payment options. Refers to what payment methods can/will accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Union Pay, Diners Club, Apple pay, Google pay, JCB, or Alipay.
  • Insights and analysis. Results and analysis of sales can be done via the terminal.
  • Settlement time. This is how quickly you will see the money in your bank account.
  • Email receipts. The option to email customer receipts rather than giving printed receipts to customers.
  • Receipt printer.  The option to physically print a receipt. It is normally done on heat-sensitive receipt rolls.
  • Terminal location.  The ability to store the GPS location (address) of where the transaction took place.
  • Accounting package.  The ability of the EFTPOS solution to be integrated into your accounting package.  This simplifies backend accounting procedures.
  • Customer Service. This can be telephone support through to a replacement of a terminal.  Make sure you also check the operating hours.

HINT

Beyond the major banks, we also recommend you compare a company called Square which sells a solution you can pick up at Officeworks and have running in minutes via your mobile.

It is also possible to make EFTPOS payments via most accounting packages without needing additional hardware. Note this will require all card details to be entered manually.

SUMMARY – Show me the money!

EFTPOS does not require you to go to the bank or keep cash secure, and the money will be available the next day.  Tap and Go facilities and mobile solutions mean you can collect payment quickly anywhere you can get mobile or internet coverage.

Build an Internet Store

Posted on by
3

In 2019 online shopping represented around 10% of total sales and this figure is continuing to explode.  Watch your local suburban street and see the stream of delivery vans parading past.  In this guide, we will look at your various options and what you should consider to build an internet store.

Selling and buying online is known as e-commerce, online trading or online shopping. As a small business, you could offer e-commerce on your own website, someone else’s website, or social media. The good news is to build an internet store has never been easier with various internet providers providing templates and tools for novices to be up and running quickly.

WHY should I build an internet store?

Setting up a brick and mortar store in a good location to attract customers is expensive and has a lot of risks, however, to sell online is the opposite.  Alternatively, to expand the sales of your existing business, online can bring many advantages.  These include:

  • Allows you to sell to a much wider audience than those who could visit your place of business
  • Your business is always open and information is available to hopefully help customers make a buying decision
  • Fewer sales staff should be needed
  • Helps promote your brand and your products and service
  • Increases customer engagement

WHAT are the online store options?

Most of us have bought or sold something personally on eBay and that is e-commerce.  As a business you have three potential e-commerce channels which could be used individually or together:

  1. Online marketplace (eBay, Amazon, Gumtree)
    • Easy to set up and process payment but at the cost of paying commissions
  2. Website (e-commerce on your own website)
    • Can use a template/store builder through to building from scratch
    • More flexibility and no commissions to 3rd party
  3. Social media (Facebook marketplace)
    • Similar to the online marketplace but not as advanced

Before you select an e-commerce option be sure you can answer the following questions:

  • What products and services do you want to sell online and is there a market?
  • What is your competitive advantage?
  • By what methods will you accept payment? (credit card, PayPal, etc)
  • Do you need to collect personal data? What steps will you take to protect consumers’ privacy? (see our guide on Privacy and Protecting Personal Data)
  • What level of customer service will you offer and how can you be contacted?

HOW to choose the right e-commerce platform?

Your choice can make or break your business. So take the time to compare your options.

From our three e-commerce options you need to decide if you will sell simultaneously on a website and marketplaces.  If you decide to go down the route of having your own website, it is far easier, faster, and cheaper to use a template/web site builder than to custom design/build.  For a small business starting off we recommend the website builder option available from various hosting and specialist companies (Google search – online store).  When comparing, consider these factors against your needs:

  • Cost- How much per month compared to the features you get? (bundled with hosting can be less than $20 a month)
  • Templates/store builder options?  Do the available themes and structures suit?  Consider how you will integrate graphics, colour schemes, and content (words).
  • If a template is not suitable can you afford a custom build? (a custom build can easily exceed $10,000)
  • Shipping – How does the shipping/delivery process make both your life and the customers’ life as easy as possible. Also see our essential guide on freight solutions.
  • Security? – It is unlikely a hosted e-commerce store will not be secured properly by a vendor but always keep it in mind.
  • Uptime and service guarantees – This refers to the unexpected downtime of the provider.  Do they provide any guarantees and what compensation if any will they provide if you lose a days trading?
  • Marketing your store – Does your hosting vendor offer marketing tools and services to assist you?
  • Discounts and promotions – If you plan to offer these how does the solution align with your plans?
  • Smartphone management of site – Can you administer the site if required from the football game on a Saturday?
  • Market place integration – Is there an automated option to sell across online marketplaces as well, like eBay?
  • Do they offer a payment gateway? How much do they charge as a percentage to accept payment of a credit card?
  • Seamless integration – Can other software applications like CRM or your Accounting Package seamlessly connect to your e-commerce store.

Be sure to take the solution for a test drive by:

  • Trialing the platform – most offer free trials and demos which will enable you to understand what you would need to do to make it happen but more importantly see the experience from a customer perspective. You should upload a few products and see what themes are available then buy something as if you were a customer.
  • Consider calling the company’s sales and support desks and ask them a few questions as this will give you a good indication of the experience you will have if you proceed.
  • Check out any online reviews and if possible talk to someone who is already using the solution.

HINTS on running your e-commerce store

  • If you sell to other stores or end customers today will the way you sell in this new e-commerce store upset your existing customers?
  • Ensure you manage your inventory well.  You cannot sell something out of stock.
  • Offer specials on the slow-moving stock to reduce or clear inventory.
  • Some products may not make sense to sell online, for example, heavy or very large items as the shipping cost may be too high.
  • Make sure your freight partner is reliable otherwise you wear the blame.
  • Existing customers are your most valuable. New customers are the hardest to get.
  • Carefully consider how your website looks.  Is it professional, is it easy for customers to find what they want?
  • Ensure you don’t have anything on your site that might be seen as controversial, such as a seductive man or lady (unless you are in that business).
  • Set up your products or services in categories and have descriptions that are easy to read and appealing.
  • Ensure pages are not too cluttered and distracting.
  • Consider including customer reviews.
  • Technical
    • Fast page load speed keeps customers on your site.
    • Comparisons of products are useful to customers.
    • Enlarged view option lets a customer see your product better.
    • Responsive design enables the site to presents well on a smartphone.

Your internet store is now built and published on the internet but do not expect people to swamp it on its first day.  It will take some time before search engines like Google find it and as nobody knows your new domain name they will not yet find it organically.  In a separate guide, we will cover SEO Search Engine Optimisation and SEM Search Engine Marketing. Put simply these are ways to make your business found more easily on the web and tactics you can use to promote your business on the internet.

SUMMARY – build an internet store to grow sales

To build an internet store can put you in business faster and cheaper than a traditional bricks and mortar store.  If you are already in business, it can grow your sales making your offering available to a much larger audience.

In conclusion keep the customer experience at top of mind — from the ease of use to how it looks —set yourself up to succeed from the start.

Wired security camera for 24/7 surveillance

Posted on by
1

Wired security cameras have been around for a very long time. Once, they were only for those with deep pockets and lots of technical know-how. Consumerism has changed everything, and an indoor wireless camera can be purchased at your tech retailer from $50. This guide will look at why you would use video surveillance, what you need to know and how to make your purchase decision.

A wired security camera system is one that not only has a physical cable connection but also a recording devise onsite. There will be one or more cameras and the system can be connected to the internet to review remotely.

WHY should you consider a security camera?

 To secure your business or home business where once you may have installed a burglar alarm, security cameras will do this and more.

Benefits of a wired security camera
  1. Deterring crime- A thief does not want to be caught on video
  2. Video proof – If an incident does occur, footage can be reviewed, and police can use images
  3. Check up on the business remotely – Is the store busy at the moment
  4. Employee safety- Watch and review staff member behaviour to ensure safety procedures are being followed.
  5. Insurance claims – Camera footage can validate a claim, or the camera may lead to a discount
  6. 24/7 recording – A mains power supply and onsite large storage device means all cameras can record all the time, providing you with a complete record.
  7. Realtime large-screen viewing of camera footage. Onsite you can have a large monitor versus a small smartphone screen.

WHAT security camera technology do I need to understand?

There are wireless and wired camera solutions. A wireless camera solution uses a wireless network solution such as your Wi-Fi network to transport the video. A wireless camera may also have a battery enabling it to be completely wireless.

Advantages of a wired camera over wireless
  • No batteries to keep charged
  • No monthly fees for cloud storage are required as you have your own onsite storage
  • Higher quality and  more reliable video versus using Wi-Fi to transport
  • Cables are less likely to be hacked versus a Wi-Fi signal
  • A cable length can reach far further than a wireless (Wi-Fi) signal

Disadvantages include installing the cable and power outages (blackouts).

There are two types of modern wired security camera systems. A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) requires an analogue coaxial video cable and a power cable. The newer NVR (Networked Video Recorder) systems use a single ethernet cable to power the camera and carry a digital video signal. Both DVRs and NVRs can connect to the internet via an ethernet cable. NVRs have the latest technology and are capable of recording at a higher video quality. NVRs also incorporate features found in wireless camera solutions, such as two-way talk and smart detection. An NVR with its extra features will be more expensive than a DVR.

HOW do I use and choose a wired security camera?

NVR/DVR setup

The setup of a wired surveillance system is very simple, except for running cables.

  1. Select a location for the video recorder box (DVR/NVR) that has power and can accommodate a TV or monitor with an HDMI cable. For remote monitoring, you will also need internet access.
  2. Select suitable locations for your camera, considering whether the camera can capture what you want to record.
  3. Run the cables between the cameras and the video recorder. You may need longer cables or extensions and the assistance of an electrician. Consider the aesthetics and the vulnerability of an exposed cable being cut.
  4. Connect your monitor via HDMI cable and the mouse to the DVR/NVR.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to customise settings (such as alerts) and enable remote viewing from a smartphone app.
  6. Familiarise yourself with recording settings and how you can playback live video as well as recorded video.
Features you should consider when buying a wired security camera:

Outdoor or indoor– If the camera is located outside, it will need to be weatherproof
Camera types – There are two common types of cameras – Dome and Bullet. Both can be mounted in most locations. Bullet are normally better for long-range video, whilst dome tends to have a wider viewing angle and are suited to shorter distances.  Optical zoom and pan and tilt functionality which is more expensive, will give you better live viewing options.
Resolution of the camera – The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the picture and the greater ability to zoom in digitally to see details such as faces and number plates. You can choose between Standard Definition (SD), High definition (Full HD) or Ultra High Definition (UHD or 4K). Each resolution jump is 4 x the number of pixels or dots.
Viewing angle of the camera – This refers to the field of vision of a camera. The larger the number represented in degrees means the camera will record a wider view in tight locations. A camera with a 90-degree viewing angle would see everything 45 degrees left and right from the centre.
Low light – Also referred to as night vision, is the cameras ability to see in the dark.  Most modern cameras will support this but look for the distance from the camera it will see. E.g. 10m
Wireless camera’s – Some fixed camera solutions will also allow wireless cameras to be included and recorded. This has some disadvantages, as discussed above but has a massive installation advantage.
Technology to stop false alerts – Normally based on measuring a heat source in the camera view, this technology is critical in reducing false alerts, especially on a windy night with moving vegetation. Alerts can also be programmed only to occur at certain times, like outside business hours.
Other –  various other features may be attractive to you like Siren, strobe, 2-way audio or a spotlight
DVR or NVR – As discussed above
Channels – This expressed as 4 channel DVR means you can connect a maximum of 4 cameras. Ensure you buy a DVR/NVR with enough channels for the cameras you require and also consider any future expansion requirements
Hard drive – The DVR/NVR has an internal hard drive where all the video is stored. The larger the hard drive, the more video can be recorded, often also references as hours or days of recording. Note a higher resolution camera will require more hard drive space to record the same time frame of footage
User interface of recorder (DVR/NVR) – A brochure or the marketing on a box can make a product sound very attractive. However, nothing beats doing some research to see how the user interface works and is it simple to use and will it meet your needs? Research on YouTube may prove to be useful. Display options can include rotating single images, multiple cameras at once, and 4 or 9 camera views. More advanced will be a larger image with small pictures to one side.
Remote functionality of an App – A smartphone app will allow you to receive security alerts as well as provide live views from anywhere with internet coverage.  This can potentially remove the need for expensive security monitoring with you having the ability to review and call the police if necessary. Multiple people can be given access to share the responsibility.
Solution price and bundle options – Once you choose a brand, you will have to stay with that brand unless you start again.  Price will increase with functionality, and we do recommend you go with a known brand.  Once you know the number of cameras you need, you may buy a bundle to suit. Different compatible camera types can be purchased and added separately, assuming you have available channels.

HINTS

Some wired cameras will operate independently with an internet ethernet cable and no NVR. An SD card installed in the camera will capture images, as can a cloud-based backup.

As a point of comparison, we have reviewed a DVR and NVR from two well-known brands:

Swann Enforcer Security System 4 channel DVR. This Ful HD analogue recorder comes with 4 cameras and a 1TB hard drive. That 1TB drive is quoted as being able to store up to 6 months of surveillance videos giving you plenty of time to go back to review footage. The weatherproof cameras have a 90-degree viewing angle and can see 10m into the dark. By using the Swann Security app, users can access live and recorded footage from multiple Swann cameras (from wired systems to Wi-Fi standalone cameras to doorbell) and receive alerts when activity is detected. We really like the feature that the cameras have a built-in spotlight and police like red and blue flashing lights that can be activated. This is a great all in one package for a simple surveillance setup.  https://www.swann.com/au/swdvk-446804sl $599.95. Swann has a range of other models including NVR capable of supporting 8 cameras.

Guardian App Cam 4KNVR8 8 channel NVR. This is a 4K digital recorder with a 2TB hard drive. It does not come with any cameras; instead, you can add up to 8 fixed or wireless cameras. When used with the App Cam solo smartphone/tablet app, you can do two-way audio and receive alerts if a vehicle or person enters the field of view.  https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-4knvr8/  $499.95
The recommended cameras are available in both a bullet or dome and have 87-degree viewing angles and up to 30m night vision. They are weatherproof and include both a speaker and microphone, allowing you to communicate with someone at the camera. https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-4k-bullet/ $249.95 https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-4k-dome/ $249.95

Alternative cameras must be mains connected and include the Guardian App Cam Home, which is wireless for the video signal. This indoors camera can pan and tilt as well as supporting a real-time conversation with two-way audio. https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-home/ $129.95.  The Guardian App Cam Spotlight + is also wireless for the video signal. This outdoor camera includes a spotlight that will illuminate when triggered, being a great deterrent to intruders. https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-spotlight-plus/#1493714178990-db34738f-658e $179.95

We like this NVR solution as you have the flexibility to pick the right camera, including wireless or fixed as well as supporting audio.

SUMMARY – Wired security systems

A wired security camera allows you to have movement alerts high-quality video recordings of activity at your business 24/7. The system can act as a burglar alarm, evidence of an event or even safety monitoring. Some solutions allow integration with a wireless camera. Still, fixed are likely to be of higher quality video and more reliable.  Via a smartphone app you can receive movement alerts and also view cameras in real-time.  This access can be shared with others.

An out of the box solution does not require professional installation, although you may need help running cables.  A configurable solution allows you to mix and match different cameras to suit your exact requirements. 

Wired security cameras can be purchased directly or from office supply and electrical retailers.

Customer Wi-Fi network

Posted on by
Reply

If you own a restaurant or café or have suppliers or customers visiting your premises, you have probably considered offering a customer Wi-Fi network.  Is it expensive? How hard is it to do?  This guide will explore why you should have a guest Wi-Fi network and how easy it is to offer and ensure you secure all your data from your guests.

A customer or guest Wi-Fi network is a separately named network (or SSID) from your Wi-Fi router. This guest network will provide access to the internet but not to allow connection to any other devises on your network.

WHY should you offer a guest network?

As the price of Mobile data (internet from your mobile phone carrier) continues to fall, you could conclude that your customers could just as easily use their own data.

Reasons to offer a guest network:

Limited smartphone coverage. Customers can still access the internet if there is poor mobile phone reception.
Encourage people to use their laptops.  It is potentially easier to connect to a permanent Wi-Fi network than to switch on a Wi-Fi hotspot from their phone. Thus, mobile workers may come to your café to work and spend money on a coffee or lunch.
Customer service. Having a supplier or customer regularly visit you is an advantage. Thus, making it easy for them to work from your premises will facilitate this.
More reliable internet connection. Many factors are at play when using a mobile data connection to the internet. Wi-Fi from a high speed fixed NBN connection can be more reliable.
Means to gather customer data. When logging onto a Guest Wi-Fi network, you can request customer contact data and ask permission to communicate with them.  This allows you to build a database of customers to which you can market too.
Customised splash page – When a customer connects to your network, it is possible to display a customised page. Here you can promote your brand, make offers and reassure customers they are on a secure network.
“Free Wi-Fi”. People still feel they are getting something for free.

WHAT do I need to understand about a customer Wi-Fi network?

Each Wi-Fi base station (or effectively an antenna) has a range of between 20 to 40m line of sight. This range will dimmish with each solid item the signal must pass through, like a wall, window, chair, table etc. There is a limit to how many devices Wi-Fi can connect at once based on the number of channels and antenna’s the base station offers. A standard router will support around 30 devices. A device is anything that connects, whether a customer’s smartphone, laptop or your POS cash register.

To add more coverage and more devices, you can add a 2nd or more base stations. Your first base station must be a Wi-Fi router that acts as a policeman. Each subsequent base station offers a new Wi-Fi signal extending the range and the number of devices supported.

These additional base stations are known as Wi-Fi Extenders. Suppose your guest network extends over more than one base station. In that case, you will have different network names for your customers to connect to the network. This can be overcome with a mesh network that seamlessly roams between base stations using the same network name (SSID). A mesh network will provide a more stable and faster internet speed for users.

A Guest Wi-Fi network is a way to offer your customers easy access to the internet without also giving them access to your LAN, computers, printers, cameras etc. You do not want anyone gaining access to your accounts or using your printer for free. This means your customers will be securely partitioned from your business or home network.

Let us assume you are running a restaurant and 30 of under 16 netball competition turn up for dinner. Your guest network suddenly becomes very popular.  Let us also believe that you have a POS ordering system running off Wi-Fi tablets, Wi-Fi printers in the kitchen, A Wi-Fi cloud-based cash register and your children out the back being entertained by a Netflix movie. If everyone can access bandwidth, chances are your staff will have trouble getting internet access to take the food orders.

This can be overcome by restricting the bandwidth on the guest network.  Better still, if you could set up different networks (SSID) such as one for customers (guests), one for the staff POS tablets, one for the back office and one for staff’s personal use, this would be ideal.  Then having the ability to adjust bandwidth between each network allows you to ensure your business is always running as it should.  A home-based Wi-Fi router is unlikely to have more than two SSID’s that you can set up.  A business-based router solution will enable you to have multiple SSID’s.

HOW do I choose and set up the right Wi-Fi router?

A simple guide on purchasing and setting up a router can be found here.

Your customers will want free, fast and easy-to-access Wi-Fi, so you should consider this when making your purchase decision and setting up.

Choosing a business Wi-Fi router solution:

When making your decision, you should take the following into account.

Look for an internet Wi-Fi router that is specifically designed for small businesses. This will generally mean it will have the capability to handle more devices than home and offer security features to protect your business.

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest version of the Wi-Fi standard that is available.  Although most devices do no support it yet, they will moving forward, so this helps to future proof your network.  Wi-Fi 6 brings several new smarts, including speed, stability and security enhancements.

Triband mesh is a technology that allows a third Wi-Fi channel to provide a dedicated backhaul for a router base station and its satellite base station to communicate.  This ensures there will be no interferes with the satellite extender getting the internet bandwidth it needs.  Mesh technology allows you to have a single network name across your base stations delivering Wi-Fi attached devices a more reliable and quicker connection.

The number of antennas will determine the maximum number of devices that can connect to your Wi-Fi router.  The more employees and the larger the number of devices you attach to a router starts to compete for resources.

Most routers will have an App for your smartphone that will allow some control. Most of you will want set and forget functionality. Still, it is useful to have an App that offers a user-friendly interface to assess current conditions. It is also handy to deny access to a device like an ex-employee’s smartphone from your network without resetting passwords.  Some routers also allow you to prioritise some devices and restrict others, which is especially useful when you prioritise your POS system for ordering or sales.

Having enough internet bandwidth is important for any business. Although not really a buying decision for your router, you should take it into account.  For those businesses with very high-speed requirements such as the transfer of video. You should also ensure your Wi-Fi router can support your internet connection speeds (speeds greater than 1Gbps).

On the rear of a router, you will find several Ethernet ports.  These allow cable connection to your modem (internet into your business) and devices only supporting a wired ethernet connection. Devises such a streaming TV, a fixed connection will deliver better results. Consider how many ethernet ports your router has.  An ethernet switch can always be purchased to add additional ethernet ports to your setup.

Look for a router that will allow a printer or hard drive to be directly plugged into a USB port.  This will give you the option to share a non-network printer and or turn a hard drive into a shared storage devise.

A Wi-Fi router designed for business is normally quite a complicated solution requiring professional setup and selection of components. However, some out-of-the-box solutions are available (we discuss one below) that are easy to set up administer and will meet most small business needs.

Ideally, you want a set and forget network that will not detract from you running your business. Look for a solution that does not require an IT expert to set it up, maintain it, and will send you alerts only when something has gone wrong. Thus you are already fixing an issue before your staff start complaining. E.g. notification that your router has lost internet connection or has been turned off.

The cost of a Wi-Fi router solution will be determined by the quality and the features. Remember that a few extra dollars spent on getting the right product the first time will save you many headaches down the track. A home network Wi-Fi router that supports a guest network can be bought for as little as $200. However, if you expect to professionally support an office or hospitality venue, you should spend $500 to $1500 the first time around.

How to set up a Guest/ customer Wi-Fi network?

Each router will have its specific setup instructions. Once you have connected the Wi-Fi router to the modem and powered up, it will set up a default network. We suggest you make the following adjustments for a business environment that can be completed through a smartphone app or an internet browser on the same network.

Separate employee and customer network names or SSID’s. This allows the quarantining of devices on different networks in your business so customers can never access your business devices, and priority can be given to network and internet resources. E.g. you might want your POS tablets to have unlimited resources but limit your customers to 1 Mbps download speeds.
An ideal situation would be to have a separate network for staff, business and customers.

Passwords. Set up unique passwords for each SSID, ensuring that your customer-facing ones are easy to remember and related to your business

Limit data or time. There is a fine balance between encouraging people into your café with free Wi-Fi and what is called Wi-Fi or Internet squatters.  If a customer orders a coffee, that’s great. Still, if that same customer occupies a table for 3 hours with no further purchases, that is not great. A good router should limit guests to a set time (e.g. 1hr) for free Wi-Fi and put a cap on how much data they can download.

Security. To protect your business and your customers, you should ensure that only secure logins are possible.  A minimum level of encryption called WPA-2 should be enabled. This will ensure customers will not be able to see other customers network traffic.

HINTS

To improve your internet, see this guide in our sister publication GadgetGuy.

A good quality router will allow you to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN), enabling you to access resources on your network from a remote location.  E.g. access files saved on network-attached storage devise at your business from your home.

If everything discussed above is becoming a bit complicated and you feel that this is beyond you? There is a purpose-built out of the box solution that Small Business Answers has tested.  The orbi PRO AX6000 from Netgear RRP $1,499 is a simple business solution that will cover up to 550 square metre premises. This latest generation Wi-Fi 6 Mesh triband router can also be expanded with additional base station satellites, all with a dedicated Wi-Fi backhaul channel. The orbi Pro will support 90 concurrent devices across four SSID’s. This means you have four business-grade secure networks for the back office, staff, IoT devices (e.gPOS) and guests. The router and the satellite each have a 1 x 2.5Gbps internet port and 4 GbE ports allowing up to 8 devices connected by ethernet cable.  The Orbi Pro supports the latest security protocols, including WPA3, which means people will be safe on your network. As seen in this image, we especially like the ability to control the guest network with a splash entry page, guest SSID bandwidth control, and time limit.

The Orbi PRO uses the NETGEAR insight app to allow easy setup and management of your router. This app will alert you if the router goes offline or the internet is lost. If you are more technical and want further control and management. The orbi PRO comes with a 1-year insight subscription, which will help you manage other network devices if your network goes beyond the orbi.

Also, see our guide on IT support getting help with technology.

SUMMARY – Customer Wi-Fi network

A customer or guest Wi-Fi network is a great way to improve customer or supplier relations. If set up correctly, it will be an easy-to-use and secure internet access solution without impacting your business key network-attached business devices.

Networking a business can be a daunting proposition. Still, out of the box solutions mean the whole process can be painless. Understanding what is involved and how to make minor setting changes will ensure your business gets the most out of this technology.

Wi-Fi Extender to improve your Wi-Fi coverage

Posted on by
4

A Wi-Fi extender, just maybe the magic back box that fixes your Wi-Fi blackspots in your office, but it certainly is not a miracle cure.  This guide will explain what a Wi-Fi extender is and how it can be used to improve productivity in the office by increasing internet speed and coverage.

A Wi-Fi (range) extender, booster or repeater is used to increase the coverage area of your Wi-Fi network. It works by receiving your existing Wi-Fi signal or internet connection, and then transmitting a new signal to extend your coverage.

WHY should I consider a Wi-Fi Extender?

 We should really call this devise a Wi-Fi router extender.  A Wi-Fi router is a box that takes the internet connection you receive in your business or home and enables multiple devices to be connected to that internet. In addition, it creates a wireless broadcast so devices like a smartphone can connect to the internet.

Now picture an antenna sitting on your Wi-Fi router. This antenna can transmit a signal in a circle for up to 30 metres.  Unfortunately, every wall, desk, person, photocopier etc., in the path of that signal reduces its range.  Thus, the need for a range or Wi-Fi extender.

When using a Wi-Fi extender, the end result is to give you additional Wi-Fi coverage in an area you did not have coverage before and potentially increase the speed of connectivity to your wireless device.

More information can be found on our guide to set up a Wi-Fi network and how to improve Wi-Fi

WHAT Wi-Fi extender technologies are there?

A Wi-Fi network is identified by its network name or (SSID). This will be unique to each router out of the box but can be changed manually.

Router and extenders operate on 2 frequencies, either 2.4GHz or 5GHz.  2.4Gz is good for long-range but have lower speeds. 5Ghz is known for faster speeds but lower range.  Most devices these days will offer both.  A dual-band will have 1 x 2.4GHz and 1 x 5GHz channels. A tri-band will have 1 x 2.4GHz and 2 x 5GHz channels.

All extenders will offer one or more of the following:

Wi-Fi Mesh (single SSID) – Allows both the router and the extender to use the same network name. The communication between the two is via wireless. Extender must be in range of the router.

 Ethernet Mesh (single SSID) – Allows both the router and the extender to use the same network name. The communication between the two is an ethernet cable. The extender can be anywhere the ethernet cable reaches.

Access Point (different SSID) – Both the router and the extender will have a separate network name.  Access point could be attached by ethernet or wireless.  It is not as transparent as a Mesh solution and will not maximise speed necessarily.

HOW do I choose and install the right Wi-Fi extender

Beyond the three ways to extend your network mentioned above, there are many other features/technologies that you should consider. Our key recommendation is to consider your future needs vs what you need today. Early Wi-Fi technology has its limitations. These include speed, efficiency and the number of devices that can be properly supported. A simple explanation is older technology supported a few wireless devices. Now some networks may support 60 or more wireless devices.  Thus plan for the future both with your router and extender and the devices you attach to the network.

Look for these features:

Wi-Fi standards – The latest standard is Wi-Fi 6 or ax. Previously there was a,b,g,n,ac,ad,ah. All you need to know is a newer unit is backwards compatible, and if you buy Wi-Fi 6, your smartphone or PC must also support it to take full advantage. Wi-Fi6 is the most expensive but will futureproof you.  As a minimum, you should buy a unit supporting Wi-Fi 5, also known as ac.

LED lights – all units will have at least one light to indicate it is on and working, often changing colour to indicate its status.  If you will be connecting wirelessly, a handy feature is to buy a unit that displays signal strength from the router.  This makes placement in your premises easy as you know there is enough coverage to work properly.

Security – All models will have security and switched on as default.  Best not to turn this off as it will allow anyone to access your network.  The more modern the Wi-Fi standard, e.g. Wi-Fi6, the better the security.

Outdoors – Some vendors sell units that can be mounted outdoors and thus survive the elements.  An extender placed near a window may have the same effect.

Ethernet ports – Some models have one or more ethernet ports.  This will allow you to have an ethernet connection back to your router and /or link to a device close by that may not have Wi-Fi, like a printer.

How do I install a Wi-Fi extender?

Most banded extenders are pretty easy to set up, especially if connecting wirelessly.  You will need a power point and potentially an ethernet cable if you are connecting that way.  For a wireless connection set up, start by powering the extender up near the router. You should find a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on your router and your extender. WPS makes it very easy to set up a secure connection between the two without much IT knowledge. Simply press the WPS button on the router and the extender, and they will connect.  Once this is complete, most likely indicated by a green light, disconnect your extender and look for a power point half to two thirds towards your blackspot. Suppose you have the signal indicator lights mentioned above. In that case, you will soon see if the extender is in a suitable position to still receive a good signal from the router. Finally, check your client device (PC, smartphone, camera etc.) for connection in your previous black spot.  If the connection is good, you are done; otherwise, try moving your extender to another position.

HINTS

GadgetGuy has recently reviewed the D-Link DAP-X1860 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh range extender finding it simple to set up, reliable and reasonable cost.

A mesh router and extender will allow you to have one network name. Thus your devices seamlessly connect around your premises (a bit like your smartphone seamlessly moves around suburbs without dropping a call).

SUMMARY – improve your Wi-Fi coverage

Let us say you don’t have Wi-Fi coverage in a meeting room or you need it in a warehouse.  A simple and relatively cheap solution is purchasing and installing a Wi-Fi extender that will help remove those black spots.

Electrical retailers and office supply companies will have several models varying in price.  We recommend spending a bit more and futureproofing your network.  Same brand solutions (router and extender) are most likely to work best, but different brands should also work together.

Storage and sharing of files

Posted on by
2

Emailing copies of files around an office environment just does not make sense especially if they are large ones. In this guide we will discuss what are your options for storage, backup and sharing files in small businesses and lead you through what you should consider in making your decision.

File sharing is the practice of distributing or providing access to computer files, multimedia (audio, images, and video), documents, or electronic books. Common methods of storage, transmission, and dispersion include manual sharing utilising removable media such as a USB stick or portable hard drive, file sharing server on a computer network, and cloud-based storage platforms on the internet.

WHY do I want a File Share Storage Solution?

You may wish to share files in your office, to your clients, or on the other side of the world. It is most likely to be a document being worked on by many or a large document that is too large for email. Parties with access may or may not have the authority to edit the file.

Even if you do not want to share files, having separate storage available is great for an individual to store files when they start to run out of room on their PC.

WHAT do you need to know about File Sharing and Storage Options?

There are 3 main types of storage that a small business is likely to consider:
  1. USB memory stick or portable hard drive – portable storage that plugs into a USB port on your PC.
  2. File Sharing server – Data storage box located on your network (Be sure to read our essential guide on Networks)
  3. Cloud-based storage – Data storage provided by a 3rd party and accessed through the internet (Be sure to read our essential guide on Cloud-based services)

File sharing is bad when the wrong person gets hold of a file that they should not have and as such you should ensure you have the appropriate security measures to stop unauthorised access.

Advantages and Disadvantages:
  • USB memory stick
    • Advantage: Cheap and does not require internet or networking, very cheap
    • Disadvantage: manual and requires to be physicaly moved between devices, fixed capacity
  • File Sharing Server
    • Advantage: No monthly fees, instant access over network and or internet, high-speed transfer especially on the same network, functionality can be combined with other applications on an in house server
    • Disadvantage: upfront cost and set up, data could be lost if not backed up properly, additional capacity requires additional or larger hard drive to be installed
  • Cloud-Based Storage
    • Advantage: no hardware required, predictable monthly fee, increase capacity by paying more, access from anywhere
    • Disadvantage: Speed limited to internet speed, you rely on storage vendors security and backup unless unlimited, uses your internet download allowance, ongoing fees

HOW to make a decision between Cloud Storage vs NAS File Server?

Considerations when buying a file server:

A file server also called a NAS (network-attached storage) is a computer designed specifically to share files and can be provided by an IT specialist or even bought off the shelf at Officeworks.  It will plug into your office network by ethernet cable or potentially by wifi.

  • Is it plug and play – just works once you connect it?
  • Will it support a backup solution preferably offsite? (Be sure to read our essential guide on Backup)
  • Do you want it to connect to a cloud service for extra capacity or backup?
  • Does it have a USB port for simple backup?
  • What size and speed of hard drives?  Normally expressed as TB or terabytes.
  • Does it have spare drive bays to add additional hard drives?
  • Will it work with Windows and Macs?
  • Does it support redundancy?  This could be a 2nd power supply or duplication of the same data on 2 disks. This means if one fails you are still up and running without needing to go to your backup.
  • Can video surveillance footage be plugged directly in?
Considerations if choosing a Cloud-based Storage solution:
  • Key players in this space include Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox all of which offer a small amount of storage for free and then charge a monthly fee based on capacity required. What will be your cost?
  • What do you want to store here and is that something you want as a policy in your business?
  • How much storage do you need? (Allow min 1TB per person – more if you deal with large files)
  • Is there a file size limit? For example, individual file no bigger than 10GB
  • Cloud vendors may offer you value add services like productivity tools. What are they and are they of any use?
  • What guarantees do they provide around the availability of service? For example, they may say that your data will be available 364 days meaning up to 1 day a year it might not.
  • What security do they have in place?
  • How do you authenticate an individual is allowed access? (passwords etc)
  • Is there a backup strategy? How many previous versions of a file are backed up and can still be accessed?
  • How fast can you upload or download files? Is that speed equal to the speed of your internet plan?
  • Can files be automatically synced between a PC in the office and the cloud storage?
  • How does it integrate with your operating system (e.g. Windows) and browser (e.g. Google)?
  • Does your main business application integrate automatically?  For example, the CAD design software AutoCAD will integrate with OneDrive allowing seamless sharing of this drafting tool.
  • Where is the storage located?  Is it Australia or overseas?
  • What customer service and support is available?

HINT

Be sure to read our essential guide on Backup to ensure that if you have a disaster you can recover from it!

Reviews of simple storage devices can be found by visiting Gadgetguy

A good comparison of cloud storage vendors can be found here:
Techradar

SUMMARY – Easy File Share Solutions

A modern small business will need some sort of file sharing facility and with modern technology, it is easy to do.  This will make you more collaborative with your staff, for customers and your suppliers. It will also save you time, money, and stress.

IT Support – help with technology

Posted on by
1

Chances are you are reading this because you need help now!  IT support is one of those things that you never think about until something goes wrong or you need to do something but have no idea how to do it. This guide will look at how to get support and what you must consider.

Information Technology (IT) support refers to any assistance given with technology-related products and services. The role of an IT technical support engineer is primarily to help monitor and maintain computer systems and networks across an organisation.

WHY is keeping my IT running so important?

If your computers and technology are not working you may not be able to make any money, it may also affect your customer service to valued clients. IT support can be critical to your small business to get you running again.

WHAT does IT Support cover?

IT stands for Information Technology and in your business could extend to your computers, phones, printers, network, software, and cloud solutions you use like an accounting package or POS system.

IT support will come in three forms:
  1. Advice & installation of solutions
  2. Repair of issues
  3. Monitoring and optimisation of your IT

The actual support is provided by experts who are most likely running their own small business servicing clients like you. Some of the most common services would include:

  • Hard drive, email, and network configuration
  • Software installation
  • Software, hardware, and network upgrades
  • Desktop support
  • Application solution recommendations
  • Server and application support
  • Cloud services integration
  • Preventative maintenance and network audits
  • Data backup and recovery
  • Virus protection and removal

HOW do I choose the right IT support for my Small Business?

You should consider the following points to determine what you will require from an IT vendor:

  1. Do you need onsite support or do you just need to visit your local computer store where you bought your PC or other IT devices?
  2. Might you require out of hours support?
  3. Can the IT support representative talk to you in plain English so you understand what is going on?
  4. Are phone support and remote interrogation offered?  This will save both time and cost.
  5. Area of coverage. If you have a 2nd location can this firm provide adequate support?
  6. What sort of response times do you need and what can be provided? Rule of thumb here is the more critical the resolution, the better the response time needed. You could represent this by how much money you are losing if an IT solution is not working.
  7. Do you want a Service contract that would provide you a predictable fixed cost per month or pay by the hour or a hybrid of the two?
  8. It is possible to have an IT support business monitor your IT environment which could mean issues are fixed before you are aware of them? This could be as simple as creating an alert to notify the internet is down.
  9. What is the process to log a service request and to check its status?  Many IT service companies offer a portal where “tickets are logged” via an internet portal providing you extra peace of mind.
  10. Does the proposed IT services business have a good reputation?  You can ask for references and also search on the internet.
  11. How much are you prepared to pay to keep everything running?  It may come as a surprise to many that the cost of IT support can far exceed the cost of the hardware (PC) in the first place.

You can find IT support by googling small business IT support, asking associates for recommendations, or even asking your local computer store. Note it can be hard to find a good vendor.

HINTS

  • Reliability comes in two forms.  Make sure the business you deal with is reputable and delivers consistent service.  Having great customer service in the first month is no good if it is bad in the 3rd month. Also understand the actual person visiting your office of a multi-person firm may not be as reliable as another.  If the individual is sub-standard insist on a different person servicing your business.
  • Confidentiality is critical.  Remember you are giving access to an external party to your confidential information held on your computers.
  • If your IT device such as a printer is not working is it a configuration issue or is it just broken and need a warranty repair.  If it is a warranty repair, this will in theory not cost you anything.  Having an IT person in your office to tell you this will incur a per hour fee.
  • Same day service and service out of normal business hours will most likely cost you more.
  • We have a whole guide devoted to back up however if you do nothing else ensure you back up your data and keep it securely on the cloud or at an external location. If everything goes wrong, you will still have a copy.

SUMMARY – Reliable Tech Support

IT support may seem expensive until you need it, and at that time you will be prepared to pay a lot to get back up and running.  Pick a reliable support organisation that you can call on when needed.

Set up a Wi-Fi network

Posted on by
Reply

Before you find someone to help you set up a Wi-Fi network, you will be pleased to know that the process is extremely easy.  In this guide, we will look at the possibilities and help you decide what to buy and how to set it up to ensure the best productivity.

Wi-Fi is a wireless sharing technology that allows devices such as computers (laptops and desktops), smartphones and other equipment (printers and video cameras) to connect to the Internet.

WHY should I have a Wi-Fi network?

Suppose you are transferring large amounts of data, or you need a mission-critical connection to the internet. In that case, you should not have a Wi-Fi connection, you should instead use a cable connection to your modem or Wi-Fi router. An ethernet cable will allow faster transfer speeds and a more reliable connection.

However, if you want to seamlessly move to different places in your home or office without being tied to cables, Wi-Fi is a must.  Wi-Fi encourages collaboration but, most importantly, simplicity rather than having to do expensive hardware and cabling installs.

If you run a business where your guest might benefit from Wi-Fi, it is also simple to provide them with access to the internet, but not access your private computer resources and files.

WHAT do I need to set up a Wi-Fi network?

Small Business Answers have a separate article on setting up a computer network covering all the higher-level information you need to understand.

Steps to set up a Wi-Fi network:
  1. You will need to sign up for an Internet plan where you should consider what speed and capacity will suit your needs
  2. Buy a wireless router. A wireless router is a device that does two key functions. The router function allows a single internet connection provided by a modem (device to connect you to the internet) to be distributed across many devices.  It is very simplistically like a single power point and adding a power board – you can now plug more things in. The wireless function allows a radio connection of devices without any cables, thus wireless. The connected device like a Notebook will, of course, need its own power source like a battery.
  3. Connect your wireless router to your modem with the supplied ethernet cable.
  4. Set up your wireless router. See the next section for more details.
  5. Connect your devices with a password to your router (more details below). Password protection does two things. First, it stops just anyone connecting to your network, like neighbours or some random person using your network to download movies. Secondly, it prevents others from getting unauthorised access to your network, which might allow them access to private information. More details on internet security can be found in this guide.
  6. Decide who else will have access and under any restrictions.

Which wireless router should I buy?

Our sister site www.Gadgetguy.com.au has reviews on various models to help you decide. Your friendly office supply or consumer electronics store will also have some good advice.

There are some different types you need to understand first:
  • 4G/5G router – different from others as it uses the mobile phone network to access the internet. No broadband connection required, and it will work anywhere there is mobile phone coverage.  Internet access will, however, be more expensive.
  • Standard Wireless router – most common and economical solution.
  • Wi-Fi mesh router – provides multiple units that enable a much greater coverage area in your place of work with a seamless transfer from one mesh unit to the next. This means a more reliable internet connection for the user.
  • Business access points and small business solutions – Specific products designed for larger offices or to give Wi-Fi access to customers.  There is a simple unit from Netgear called an Orbi Pro. Beyond this, we suggest you seek professional advice.

A wireless router may have been provided to you by your internet provider.  These routers are generally the most basic models and may not work as well as a product bought for the purpose.  It may lack coverage, capacity (number of connected devices) and speed of transfer.

HOW do I set up a wireless router?

Before you break into a sweat, a simple setup will require you to

Configure a Wi-Fi Router
  1. Select a central location for the router
  2. Connect the supplied ethernet cable from your router to the internet modem
  3. Connect to a power point and turn it on if it has a switch
  4. Look on the bottom/back of the unit for a network name (SSID) and password.  The preconfigured name and password will be unique to your router
  5. On your PC or phone, select WI-FI and look for a match to your new router’s network name. Select and add the password
  6. You are now connected
Advanced setup:

Your router will come with instructions that will allow you to make more customisation to your router settings. These will include more complicated setups like a mesh router and directions on downloading an app to your smartphone to assist with the installation and administration process. You will be able to change your network name and password, alter security restrictions or limitations to groups or individuals and the ability to set up a guest network.

A guest network is a key feature you should enable on your router.  This means any visitors to your business can benefit from access to the internet but not have access to your printers, shared file systems, POS units etc. Within the router setup menu, which can be reached by either the provided app or by entering a sequence of numbers (IP address) into your connected internet browser (instructions in the router box).  Once connected, select the Wi-Fi or wireless section and enable a guest network.  Here you can give the separate network a name and password, which you can then provide to your customers.

HINTS

If you do need additional support, see our guide to IT support.

A standard wireless routers coverage can be increased using a Wi-Fi extender which increases the distance covered from the router but by using a different Wi-Fi network name.  This is not as simple as a mesh solution but a cheaper way of extending coverage. See our guide on how to improve your Wi-Fi

SUMMARY – Set up a Wi-Fi network

A wireless router will enable you to wirelessly connect your devices to the internet like a PC.  This simple device removes the need for cabling and allows mobility within your business premise.  A router may be supplied by your internet provider. Still, a higher quality unity easily available from a local retailer is more likely to provide a more productive result.  Simple setup can be done in minutes by a novice with more advanced configurations allowing you greater security and control as well as allowing you to set up a 2nd network for visitors, excluding them any access to your private resources.