

WiFi

WiFi from Blaze Networks
Blaze have been implementing and supported wireless infrastructures in hundreds of different environments for many years. Our security focus and deep understanding of networking has meant that our wireless implementations provide the very best in reliability, coverage, bandwidth and features.
Blaze WiFi Networks are Designed to Perform – Securely
Unlike a fixed (wired) network, a wireless network’s coverage can improve or deteriorate in line with changes in the environment that it is used in, such as challenges in penetrating physical objects. Blaze provide proactive monitoring from our UK-based Network Operations Centre (NOC) and we can provide proactive support for the most demanding wireless environments.
As an example, proactive monitoring allows us to observe changes in a distribution centre’s stock level as the environmental challenge varies. (Because stock levels change in quantity and density throughout the year this can subsequently change the coverage of the wireless infrastructure). It’s our capability in understanding the most challenging environments that set us aside from our competition and why customers choose us to design and proactively monitor their network.
Unlike most WiFi providers, Blaze’s choice of technology means protection and security are central to the products we use in our solutions. Wireless networks have been – and still are – very prone to security vulnerabilities. Over the years our security first approach means our customers’ investment is protected to the best possible standard; providing security technologies like intrusion prevention and antivirus scanning at the wireless layer. Additionally, proactive support though our NOC and our approach to internal vulnerability scanning means you are protected to the best possible levels not just by the technology, but by the Blaze people monitoring and maintaining your network.

WiFi Segmentation
By driving with security first we provide segmentation planning as a fundamental first step to the planned wireless network.
Segmentation planning is key to any secure network infrastructure: defining areas that should be isolated or restricted from each other. This ensures that in the event of one area being breached by a security vulnerability, the other areas are not affected.
Additionally, in some cases, isolation is needed on a per-device basis to maintain privacy. Some common segmentation areas include guest networks, corporate access for staff, staff mobiles, scanners, CCTV, and IOT devices.
WiFi Surveys
Our formula for success is driven by our initial investigation and understanding the customer’s requirements, combined with our recommendations and education in areas that we feel would add value to the customers wireless proposition. When such understanding is achieved only then can surveying commence.
Surveying is required because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical environment. These mean that every installation is unique. A pre-survey should first define usage requirements and the related coverage areas needed. Once areas are defined, placement and access point quantities can then be considered. There are many further stages to consider when implementing a successful wireless network – so please contact us to find out more about our approach.
When performing a WiFi site survey, we consider the following operating and environmental conditions:
- Data rates – sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. At maximum radio range the lowest workable data rate is achieved. A decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.
- Antenna type and placement – Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height.
- Physical environment – Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.
- Obstructions – A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder performance of wireless devices. Avoid locating the devices in a location where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving antennas.
- Building materials – Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks. Metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.
Partners
We partner with leading manufacturers like Microsoft, Fortinet, Veeam, Bitdefender, Cisco, Lenovo and other industry-leaders.
In doing so, Blaze have access to a vast array of products that allow us to overcome our customers’ business challenges and requirements.
Microsoft

Blaze is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and Tier 1 Microsoft CSP Partner. We specialise in Microsoft 365 (including Teams and Teams Phone System), in Microsoft On-Premise and Hosted / Cloud Infrastructure (including Azure), and enable businesses to continue their digital evolution by fully exploiting the latest capabilities of Microsoft products as they evolve.
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work, Blaze has demonstrated a broad capability to help customers boost productivity and make the shift to hybrid work using Microsoft 365.
Fortinet

Blaze is an Expert Partner of Fortinet, a global industry leader in the supply of secure networking infrastructure systems. Fortinet are our technology partner of choice when building customer-specific Private SD-WANs, and Blaze is one of only a handful of Fortinet SD-WAN Specialization Partners in the UK and a Fortinet top-level Expert Partner. Blaze is also a Fortinet-accredited Managed Secure Solutions Provider (MSSP) and Integrator Fortinet partner. A Leader in several of Gartner’s Magic Quadrants, the Fortinet platform combines excellent performance with advanced security features, superb manageability, and excellent Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) per Mbps.
Veeam

Veeam is a highly respected leader in cloud-based backup and recovery software, data protection and advanced monitoring in the data centre.
Blaze is a Veeam Cloud and Service Provider Silver Partner and we have combined Veeam technology with our highly secure Blaze Cloud™ infrastructure to produce BlazeVault™, a highly dependable, secure, and resource-efficient solution which will keep downtime to an absolute minimum in the event of data loss in operational systems or ransomware attack.
Bitdefender

Blaze is a Bitdefender Gold MSP Partner. Bitdefender is a global cybersecurity leader protecting over 500 million systems through OEM technology partnerships, including with many global IT companies. Tests show it is unmatched in Attack Prevention. Based on Bitdefender technology, Blaze Endpoint Protection hardens endpoints to prevent malware and malicious attacks, and it provides the investigation and remediation capabilities needed to dynamically respond to security incidents when they evade protection controls. Blaze Managed EDR keeps your organisation safe with 24×7 security monitoring, advanced attack prevention, detection and remediation.
Cisco

Cisco has long been the world’s pre-eminent network systems vendor, particularly for technology used at the core of major corporate networks and the internet. In addition to using Cisco equipment within our customers’ private networks, Blaze incorporates Cisco technology into the heart of our own network operations; the Blaze Private Core Network is built utilising Enterprise-class CISCO core routing equipment.