WiFi has become a necessity now in companies, workspaces, libraries, hotels, airports and in-home offices, all for the right reasons. A WiFi service provides a user with a dependable and reliable Internet connection and a secure browsing experience. The growth in data consumption due to businesses going online has made WiFi a very useful tool in business. WiFi Service Management Platform is a software platform used by network administrators to control and manage WiFi systems. It allows you to centrally manage multiple WiFi networks and control the user activities on the network.
There has been an ongoing comparison between cloud-based and on-premise WSMP to decide which one is better. Before comparing the two, let us understand in detail the characteristics of the two types of WSMP.
Cloud-based WSMP: The cloud is a revolutionary invention in the world of networks and technology. It provides secure and efficient wireless solutions. A cloud solution allows for an easy set-up and great flexibility. It is a good option to operate and control your data base from a singular interface.
On-Premise WSMP: On-Premise WSMP is the more traditional way of WiFi service management. It allows you to utilize your existing infrastructure for WiFi service management. It helps you control your network in a cost-effective manner.
There are several differences between the two methods of WiFi Service Management which should be considered before employing them into your company’s network management routine. The major differences are discussed below:
- Infrastructure – If you have an already well-established LAN, the best option for your network is an on-premise WSMP. You may only have to upgrade your pre-existing LAN architecture. Whereas if you wish to move to a cloud-based WSMP, it would require configuring the network to allow the cloud-based network to load all the data of the network. A steady and reliable internet connection is crucial for a cloud-based architecture.
- Internet Connectivity – A cloud-based WSMP relies greatly on the Internet to configure your data and manage your network. If you have Internet connectivity issues the cloud-based WSMP will not be able to function to its fullest capacity. If you have an Internet connection that is heavily used or not efficient, it is best to go for an on-premise WSMP which doesn’t require the same Internet efficiency.
- Complex WLAN – It has been often observed that on-premise WSMP offers better control and flexibility when it comes to the design and set-up of a WLAN. It provides better support and more granular control over the network when compared to a cloud-based WSMP. On-premise WSMP is the best option for a company with several AP’s that are spread over a large area.
- Controller Hardware Limitations – The on-premise WSMP limits you to your company’s existing hardware. However, a cloud-based WSMP can contain a large amount of AP’s without being restricted by hardware availability or complications. Other than that, it is easier to upgrade a cloud-based WSMP than a physical on-premise WSMP which requires a physical upgrade.
These points of difference will help you choose the best Wi-Fi Service Management Platform for your company based on your company’s infrastructure, network requirements and budget.