Wireless logistics network

Wireless network for logistics requirements

We will set up a reliable Wi-Fi network at your logistics warehouse, whether it is new or an existing building.

Non-binding inquiry
  • Professional Wi-Fi design
  • Identification of required access points
  • Fault analyses of existing Wi-Fi networks
  • Expert commissioning
  • Data security in the wireless logistics network
  • Installation of network components

Professional planning is the secret to reliable wireless Wi-Fi

Detailed planning is the foundation of a secure, fast, and stable network – regardless of whether it is going in a new building or an existing one. We will talk to you about your expectations of your wireless network infrastructure, including bandwidth, laws and regulations on frequency use, user numbers and external conditions. For example, if you have changing inventories or special racks, we will plan your network accordingly so that your business will operate smoothly later on.

Wi-Fi 6 – next-generation standard

If you are planning a completely new Wi-Fi infrastructure in your warehouse, we recommend using the new Wi-Fi 6 standard. As the number of moving clients in warehouses increase dramatically, IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) will end up displacing previous standards. It process the data packets not just faster, but more efficiently, too. Even if your warehouse is a long way away from getting new Wi-Fi infrastructure, we recommend verifying that all new end-user devices are compatible with Wi-Fi 6. This will allow you to take full advantage of the new technology in the future.

Network simulation and Wi-Fi design

The certified design process is supported by a software-based network simulation using Ekahau. The simulation takes account of structural conditions, the number of devices and the purpose for using them. This makes it possible to specify the number, configuration and placement of access points and prevent Wi-Fi interference. If simulations fall short due to irregularly shaped buildings or unknown materials in the walls, we will take measurements at the site to verify that you have reliable Wi-Fi coverage everywhere you need it.

Installation of components and commissioning

After the detailed Wi-Fi design phase, we will then install all the required network components. Depending on the environment in your warehouse, we can use access points with a dust-, water-, temperature- and vibration-resistant housing made by LANCOM, a German manufacturer. After that, we will check your Wi-Fi reception. If we find anything causing interference, we will fix it.

Data security in the wireless logistics network

Data security is a sensitive issue, especially for logistics companies. Wi-Fi was long considered a weak point in data transmission security compared to wired networks. Ranges that exceeded the actual requirements and comparatively simple encryption techniques made transmissions vulnerable to eavesdropping. User authentication and good encryption are required – not just operationally, but legally as well – to operate any wireless network. Companies can be held liable if they fail to meet this standard and their Wi-Fi networks are thus used by unauthorised individuals for illegal activities.

Rules for better Wi-Fi security

  • Set complex passwords
  • Disable guest accounts in the corporate network
  • Devices without backdoors offer better security
  • Use modern encryption
  • Use security tokens
  • Use branded equipment

Advantages of controller-based Wi-Fi

You will be perfectly positioned for the future if you set up a central administration instance for your Wi-Fi network. Using a controller to set up, administer and monitor access points saves time and money. With the wireless controller, you can automatically configure and manage the access points both locally and centrally. This translates into huge time savings and less work for your network administrators as well as unified network management, security and reliability. Without centralised management, each access point has to be manipulated individually whenever a change or maintenance is needed. This can result in misconfigurations that severely limit the Wi-Fi network.

We can design Wi-Fi networks efficiently and centrally with extensive virtualisation and security functions based on your company's own security policy. The integrated VLAN function allows us to set up several rigorously segregated Wi-Fi networks in your infrastructure. The professional security features also enable you to grant network access to authorised clients only. In addition, security updates are all deployed through the central administration instance. A controller-based infrastructure efficiently helps clients to seamlessly switch radio fields and frequency bands.

Improve coverage in your
current Wi-Fi network.

We analyse your baseline and explore possible solutions with you

Wi-Fi analysis and troubleshooting

We use the latest measurement technology and simulations to check your wireless logistics network for signal strength, interference and packet loss.

Sources of interference in the frequency range

Utility poles, radio masts, other wireless networks, defective electrical equipment or changing inventory can interfere frequencies in your warehouse. We will develop a suitable solution for you.

Optimisation of current Wi-Fi coverage

Problems may be caused by dead zones, overlapping channels or overly low or high transmission power output. We optimise the positioning and configuration of your Wi-Fi components and add new ones as needed.

Checking security-relevant facts

We assess your Wi-Fi with regard to security-related facts and ensure that the encryption is up to date.

EIKONA Logistics Blog WLAN in logistics: More efficiency with a new standard

When many end-user devices are moved rapidly and used simultaneously – why Wi-Fi 6 advances logistics.

Get the most out of your logistics!

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Frequently asked questions

What factors do you consider when selecting a company to set up WiFi?

The only good network is a fully functional WiFi network. That requires careful planning, including surveying or simulation. This saves companies a lot of "clean-up" work because it avoids problems and disruptions from the start. Companies should always ask what tools a service provider uses and why it uses them before awarding a contract. In our case, we rely on Ekahau, a world-leading provider of tools for simulating and designing WiFi networks. Companies shouldn't think about hardware at a consumer scale. Almost everyone has a WiFi network at home and knows that cheap devices work reasonably well for personal use. In business, however, you also have to consider performance, security and support. It may be tempting to buy the cheapest hardware, but that can backfire if, for example, its firmware stops being updated and thus develops security holes. We therefore recommend the following: Ask critical questions, demand plausible explanations of proposals and processes, have technical jargon translated and do not let yourself be brushed off with vague reassurances.

What role does legacy client hardware play in setting up WiFi?

We always base our WiFi setup on the oldest clients used at the organisation. In logistics buildings, these tend to be hand-held scanners. This often dictates the frequency band, too, because the scanners use 2.4 GHz. It is particularly worth noting, however, that the clients decide when to switch access points regardless of the devices' age. When doing this, they simply switch to the nearest device instead of selecting the one with the lowest load. That means devices located near one another in a logistics building could theoretically all log in to one access point while ignoring two other access points that are within range. This problem can be fixed by systems that use a controller to hide access points from certain devices. They will then have to automatically switch to another device. This feature, known as "client steering", is provided by some high-end access points. This is particularly helpful whenever you need your access points to be highly accessible at all times. In warehouses, it is essential.

Which WiFi hardware vendors are particularly good?

As everywhere, this market contains cheap products, a large midfield and some exceptional providers. We consider the technical specifications required for the concrete use case and then make recommendations in our consultation. At the same time, like all reputable suppliers, we will also base our choice of equipment on our customers' preferences. One of the vendors we regularly recommend is LANCOM. This is a German company that follows very strict data protection regulations. These devices have no backdoors that can be used to disable security functions, eliminating a significant weak point for hackers to exploit. This is one reason why these access points are allowed to be used in deliberative bodies such as state parliaments. LANCOM was also the first company to implement WPA3 encryption in its devices and thus blazed a trail for other vendors to follow. We also use Ubiquiti equipment for smaller WiFi installations and situations requiring lower-cost solutions.