“What's the WiFi password?”
It's often the first question guests ask, sometimes even before checking
in or asking about breakfast. Today, fast and reliable WiFi is expected,
whether for streaming, video calls, or searching for nearby attractions.
Behind the scenes, stable and secure wired and wireless connections are
just as important for keeping hotel operations running smoothly.
But providing seamless, secure connectivity throughout a hotel isn't
always simple. Here are four common networking challenges hotels face.
How ready are you to tackle them?
WiFi is unstable or painfully slow
The lobby should welcome guests, not cause frustration. However, when
too many devices connect during check-in, slow speeds and dropped
signals may occur. Conference rooms often face the same problem when
dozens of attendees log on at once. In guest rooms, setting up unique
WiFi per room can be tedious, especially if done manually.
When it fails, guests complain, reviews drop, and IT teams scramble to
fix the problem. What's the smarter way to handle it?
- Ensure stable lobby WiFi with features like auto-optimization
and intelligent troubleshooting tools that detect and resolve issues
before they affect guests
- Offer secure guest access through unique passwords or
time-limited codes
- Use dedicated SSIDs by room or guest tier to simplify
configuration, ensure bandwidth fairness, and prioritize VIPs or
business users.
- Deploy access points with load balancing to handle crowded areas
like lounges and meeting spaces
- Enable real-time alerts so IT staff can act before guests
notice.
Make WiFi Hassles a Thing of the Past
Managing too many devices is a headache
Hotel networks support more than WiFi, with devices like smart TVs, VoIP
phones, cameras, and POS terminals all competing for bandwidth and
raising the risk of slowdowns or outages. A single cabling error or
unmanaged IPTV traffic can disrupt services and trigger complaints.
One well-known Korean hotel learned this the hard way when a cabling error caused a network-wide failure. They fixed it
with managed switches featuring DHCP Server Guard and Loop Guard, and by
separating wired and wireless devices to avoid interference.
Other simple ways to stay connected without hassle:
- Simplify deployment by powering devices through a single cable,
eliminating concerns about nearby power outlets
- Use VLANs to separate traffic from guests, staff, and essential
systems for better bandwidth control
- Reduce complaints and troubleshooting from poor in-room TV
experiences with granular IGMP settings
Manage Your Network Smarter
Cyber risks are rising, and data is at stake
Hotels link up a variety of devices: POS systems, kiosks, tablets, IPTV,
and even smart lighting. Without the right strategy, managing and
securing them all is a real challenge.
A famous Vietnam 5-star hotel knew the risks. They built a smart
shield that controls what apps and websites are allowed and sends access
points into action the moment trouble shows up.
What to look for in a secure hotel network:
- Find a solution that is easy to set up for secure remote access
or connecting different sites
- Keep guest and staff traffic separate to stay in control and
reduce risks
- Block threats in real time with advanced cybersecurity equipment
- Ensure your security solution supports multi-layered protection and
runs on devices that are Secure by Design
Stay One Step Ahead of Cyberthreats
Internet outages impact services and guest experience
When the internet goes down, even simple tasks like processing a payment
can be delayed or interrupted. Without a backup plan, hotel operations
may experience serious disruption.
A forward-thinking Italian hotel didn't wait for that to happen. They installed a 5G FWA router as a backup to keep their
network online even if the main connection fails. And they're not alone;
more hotels are adopting smart backup solutions that quietly step in the
moment something goes wrong.
What can we do to fix it before it impacts guests:
- Keep a 5G FWA router on standby to take over when your main line
fails
- Get a setup that works both indoors and outdoors, and forget
about cables or hassle
- Stay in control with remote monitoring and cloud-based
troubleshooting
Your Internet Backup Plan Starts Here
With the right mix of smart technology and cloud-based management, it's
never that easy to deliver reliable, secure, and high-performance
connectivity across your entire hotel, all without increasing the IT
burden.
