WiFi isn't Magic

Thinking about moving your patron computers? Or maybe adding a few more?
Have you thought about how your computers will be connected to the Internet?

Beware of falling into the thought, "Oh, we can just use Wifi."
Wifi isn't magic and can't just fix the issue. If you have a small network with just a household stlyle router, beware. The more you put on your wifi, the less reliable it becomes. To have a wireless library, you would need a robust  wifi network and firewall system to support it.

Here are the challenges:
If you are using a desktop computer, you will need to get a wifi adapter to connect. Which means your computer could drop the connection any time.
WiFi becomes less reliable the more devices connect to it.
Your printers need to be on the same network in order to use them on the wifi computers.
The more devices your patrons bring into the library to connect, the more your network is dropping as each device fights for a spot on the network.

I strongly suggest wiring stationary computers to the Internet. This will make their connection more reliable and secure. I also suggest wiring printers as well. I have had more printer reconnection issues when the printer is wireless than I care to relive. By wiring the desktops and printers, that leaves more wifi for the mobile devices. Your patrons will be happier and so will your techie.