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Networking solutions that cater to the unique needs of malls, shopping centers and retail space

By Chris Pacheco

Whether it’s offering seamless internet to customers or powering critical business operations, retail businesses such as shopping centers, groceries and malls need a robust network that can handle high traffic.

Why WiFi matters in retail

  • Customer experience: Shoppers expect easy, fast and secure internet to browse, use apps or access in-store deals. Without it, your customers might walk out frustrated.
  • Operational efficiency: Fast WiFi powers everything from checkout systems to stock management. Reliable connectivity ensures transactions run smoothly and data flows seamlessly.
  • Digital services: Many stores offer in-store features like mobile apps for inventory checking or self-checkout stations, which demand a strong WiFi network.
  • Security: From IP cameras to POS systems, businesses depend on secure networks to protect sensitive data and maintain smooth operations.

Comprehensive networking solutions for retail businesses

Omada SDN (Software-Defined Networking) is the game-changer. It helps retail businesses effortlessly manage WiFi across large spaces while ensuring security, scalability and top-notch performance.

  1. Centralized control, anywhere

    Omada gives retail managers control over all connected devices, whether they are small boutiques or multi-story shopping malls. With centralized management, IT teams can easily monitor and troubleshoot networks remotely through the cloud, eliminating the need for on-site fixes.

  2. Effortless scalability

    Expanding your business? Omada scales effortlessly. Adding new access points, switches or other devices is quick and easy and there is no need to wait for technical teams to install or reconfigure them on-site.

  3. Seamless roaming

    In malls or large stores, customers move between areas. Omada ensures that your WiFi network is seamless, allowing devices to move from one area to another without dropping the connection.

  4. Traffic prioritization

    Retailers can prioritize essential traffic like payment processing or inventory systems, ensuring that these critical functions work flawlessly, even during peak hours when the network is busiest.

  5. Guest network security

    For malls and retail stores, offering guest WiFi is a great way to keep customers engaged. Omada offers secure guest network features like Facebook WiFi and SMS login, allowing easy access while keeping your core systems protected. Plus, businesses can gather insights from customer logins to enhance the shopping experience.

How Omada helps retail businesses

  • Malls: Managing WiFi in large malls can be challenging. Omada allows IT teams to oversee the entire network remotely, ensuring smooth operation across hundreds of stores. A combination of Omada access points ****and switches ensures powerful, wide-ranging WiFi that covers public areas, food courts and every corner of the mall.
  • Retail chains: For businesses with multiple locations, Omada offers centralized management, making it easy to deploy and manage networks across all stores. Whether you're opening a new location or upgrading an existing one, Omada devices can be quickly set up and integrated into the existing network.
  • Pop-up shops and seasonal stores: Setting up WiFi in temporary retail spaces is often time-sensitive. Omada’s flexibility means that businesses can get connected without the hassle of installing complex systems. Using Omada access points and a cloud-based controller, pop-up shops can deliver high-speed internet quickly and with minimal setup.

Benefits of upgrading to Omada

  • Improved customer experience: Fast, reliable WiFi keeps customers connected, allowing them to engage with your brand through apps, loyalty programs and digital services while shopping.
  • Streamlined operations: From inventory management to seamless checkouts, reliable connectivity enhances day-to-day operations and ensures your staff can work efficiently.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Whether your business is expanding to new locations or adding seasonal pop-up shops, Omada scales to meet your needs.
  • Security: With features like VLANs and firewalls, Omada ensures that guest and business networks remain separate, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.

Whether you’re running a small boutique or managing a multi-level shopping center, Omada is your gateway to taking network efficiency to the next level. Visit https://www.tp-link.com/ca/business-networking/ or email us at sales.ca@tp-link.com to learn more.

Chris Pacheco

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