Wireless Access in the Office

Note: The following Specifications and Recommendations made by Office Practicum are based solely on tested and successful implementations. We do not have any partnerships or current affiliations with these hardware vendors. Please consult with your IT Professional to make sure your devices meet our minimum requirements.

Wireless Access in the Office

Because a strong, stable wireless connection is important, we recommend only business or enterprise grade wireless access points.

If you are opting to use Wireless computers (laptops and/or Tablet PCs) you must have a dedicated Wireless Access Point (WAP) in your office that will transmit a signal to the wireless computers and enable them to connect to the server and network. As with reception on a cell phone, it is very important that the wireless signal be strong and dependable so you can maintain a signal throughout the day and work uninterrupted. If the WAP is not adequate and the signal is weak or intermittent, you will lose connection with the server and network and this will interrupt your use of the system and lead to delays and frustrations using the system. Because a strong, stable wireless connection is important, we recommend only business or enterprise grade wireless access points.

Currently Sonicwall based wireless access points are not compatible with Office Practicum

Business Grade Wireless Access Points

  • Dedicated wireless access point hardware (this cannot be part of a firewall/router combo).
  • Cisco, Linksys, Motorola are preferred hardware vendors. Ensure you are selecting business grade WAPs - Ex. Cisco Aironet, Linksys E4200)

Tip: It is important to have an experienced technician install the proper access points.

In  our experience and as a best practice, once there are more then 5  wireless workstations on an office network, it is strongly advised and  recommend that you look into and invest in a terminal server. A terminal  server is a central server that has OP installed on it, wireless  devices then connect to the terminal server and are able to run OP in a  desktop session that looks and feels like its running on there local  wireless tablet/laptop/iPad. The benefit to having OP running on a  terminal server as opposed to local wireless workstation is decreased  network load, high application performance, better application  stability.

The reason for this recommendation comes from years of  optimizing our application to perform better within a Doctor's office.  Office Practicum has found that most typical wireless access points  start to suffer performance losses whenever the network traffic from 5+  wireless devices running OP locally is introduced onto the network. This  increased networking load compromises performance, stability, and  usability. It is in a practices best interest to plan for and avoid  these issues at all costs. A terminal server will provide a high  performing and more stable operating platform for 5+ wireless devices.  Additionally a terminal server can function as a remote connection  option for an office so that users outside of the office can dial into  OP and utilize OP when they are on the road or at home.