Wireless Technologies Archives - WirelessHold https://wirelesshold.com Wi-Fi and wireless networking Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:20:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2 https://wirelesshold.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-wifi-1967796_640-32x32.png Wireless Technologies Archives - WirelessHold https://wirelesshold.com 32 32 Explore the Transformative Power of AI with the Best AI Software Development Companies in 2023-24 https://wirelesshold.com/explore-the-transformative-power-of-ai-with-the-best-ai-software-development-companies-in-2023-24/ Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:20:24 +0000 https://wirelesshold.com/?p=214 The integration of artificial intelligence into various spheres of economic and social life makes it […]

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The integration of artificial intelligence into various spheres of economic and social life makes it possible to achieve better performance of all tasks. Being fast and tireless, AI frees up labor resources and directs them to creative tasks instead of exhausting them on monotonous routine tasks. The result is increased business efficiency and expansion of the company’s services to new areas and regions. However, success will come only to those who rely on high-quality and advanced software. Otherwise, the company will have to spend too much time troubleshooting or trying to adapt existing software to perform new tasks. To avoid such challenges when implementing AI, you should pay attention to companies like CHI Software, whose expertise in developing AI software has been recognized among many clients and partners.

How Businesses Can Benefit from AI Integration 

AI is intended not to replace but to complement a person, allowing delegating AI those tasks that require intensive attention, tirelessness, quickness, etc. Thus, professor at Harvard Business School Karim Lakhani wittily argues that AI will not be able to replace humans, but there is no doubt that people who use AI will be able to replace those who do not use it. Among the many advantages that the integration of AI in various industries provides, the following are obvious:

  • 24/7 availability even for the most difficult tasks;
  • Reducing the number of errors made due to human inattention, fatigue, etc.;
  • Automation of routine tasks, such as data collection, responding to customer requests, software testing, etc.;
  • Ability to quickly make decisions based on big data analysis;
  • Performing tasks that contain high risks for humans, for example, when working at heights, performing tasks in disaster zones, etc.

How to Build AI Application in 4 Steps

If you want to improve your business operations using AI, it is better to entrust this task to companies that regularly work on various AI projects. Having extensive development experience, they will be able to build an AI application that will be outstanding not only in its variety of useful features but also in its ideal user experience. Work on creating AI software takes place in 4 stages, each of which has its tasks and intermediate results.

StageMain TasksSpecialist Involved Main Result
Research & discoveryFormulation of the idea and mission of the applicationIdentifying target usersSelecting technologies that will be used in the development processTeam buildingProject managerBusiness analystAI specialistsML engineersDevOps engineers, etc.A clear action plan and scheduled tasks
Model learningCollection and preparation of data for AI trainingUploading raw dataAnnotation and labeling data blocksTraining ML modelsData scientistsML engineersDataset markup teamTrained ML model
MVP (Minimum viable product) developmentEvaluation of the ML modelA new cycle of model learning if necessaryModel deploymentMaking improvementsSolution architectAI specialistsFrontend and backend developersQA engineersDevOps engineersApplication ready to use
Launching & supportBringing the application to marketReceiving feedback from usersMaking improvementsPeriodic updating and adding new featuresProject managerBusiness analystAI specialistsQA engineersDevOps engineersAlways up-to-date and flawlessly working application

Create AI Software with the Best AI Development Companies

Choosing a company that will develop software for your business should begin with studying the tech portfolio of all contenders. Only in this way will you be able to determine how well the development company’s profile meets your needs. Meet the best AI software development companies, whose expertise is demonstrated by both their impressive portfolio and customer reviews.

CHI Software

The company has been present in the programming services market since 2006, and AI/ML technologies have been the focus of its attention since 2017. The rapid progress and implementation of multiple projects in this direction were facilitated by an excellent team of more than 800 first-class professionals, as well as accumulated expertise in the fields of Big Data & Analytics, the Internet of Things, AI & Machine Learning, etc. The AI/ML department of the company has many awards, including:

  • 2022 ‒ AI Excellence award
  • 2021 ‒  Leader in the field of NLP and cognitive computing according to Clutch, etc.

The CHI Software team has ISO Certification, as well as many others, including certifications from Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.

Intetics

This company is one of the oldest since it has been developing software since 1995. Its brand stands for “Internet. Technology. Ethics” and points to the areas in which the company is involved. Although Intetics provides its services to many industries, the leading ones are healthcare, education, and finance. The company employs more than 700 full-time employees and has representative offices in 9 countries. Perhaps one of the headquarters is located in your region.

Waverley

The career of this company began in the cradle of many IT projects, Silicon Valley in California back in 1992. Maybe this explains its more than 30 years of success in the IT services market. In recent years, the company has also been engaged in custom AI application development. Over the years, the team of AI engineers has implemented more than 150 projects for various industries, including healthcare, fintech, e-learning, etc.

If you want to build AI software with IT leaders who can unleash the full potential of this technology, contact one of the reputable companies presented in this article. By studying their use cases, you will gain many ideas that can inspire you and open up new horizons. And to get a more complete idea of how feasible these ideas are in your business, consult with representatives of these companies. Perhaps they will suggest an even more original solution that they were keeping just for you!

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Say I Do to Wi-Fi: How to Set Up a Network for 100-Plus Wedding Guests https://wirelesshold.com/setup-wi-fi-network-100-wedding-guests/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:02:18 +0000 https://wirelesshold.com/?p=206 Setting up a Wi-Fi network for 100-plus wedding guests in the middle of nowhere is […]

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Setting up a Wi-Fi network for 100-plus wedding guests in the middle of nowhere is a challenge, but it can be done! With a bit of planning, you can provide reliable Wi-Fi for your guests for the duration of your wedding celebration. Here’s what you need to know. 

  1. Understand Your Needs

The first step is to understand your needs and assess the availability of a cellular network in the area. If there is no network available or the signal is weak, you may need to consider other options such as satellite internet or a point-to-point wireless connection. Depending on your location, you may need to set up a network that can handle a large number of devices and provide a fast connection. You’ll also need to consider how long the network needs to last, as well as your budget. 

Assuming there is a cellular network available, the next step is to determine the number of devices that will be connecting to the network. A few hundred people could mean several hundred devices, and it is essential to ensure that the network can handle the traffic.

  1. Choose the Right Equipment

To set up a Wi-Fi network, you will need to invest in equipment such as a router and access points. You may also need to consider using a high-gain antenna to extend the network’s range. The number of access points required will depend on the size and layout of the venue. If you’re in a remote area, you’ll likely need to set up a mesh network, which is a type of network that consists of multiple access points that are connected and configured to provide coverage over a large area. You’ll also need to choose the right antennas and cables, as well as a router or modem. 

Another consideration is power. You will need to ensure that there is a reliable power source available to keep the network running throughout the event. This could mean using a generator or setting up a solar power system.

  1. Set Up the Network

Once you have the right equipment, you’ll need to set up the network. This includes configuring the access points, connecting the cables and antennas, and setting up the router or modem. Depending on your location, you may need to purchase additional equipment, such as an amplifier or signal booster, to ensure that the signal reaches all areas. 

  1. Test the Network

Once you’ve set up the network, you’ll need to test it to make sure it’s working properly. To test the network, you will need to check the connection speed and coverage, as well as look for any security vulnerabilities. To do this, you can use various tools such as a network analyzer or a Wi-Fi scanner. A network analyzer can help you identify any network issues, while a Wi-Fi scanner can help you check the signal strength and coverage of the network. You should also test the network with multiple devices to ensure that it can handle the expected number of users. Additionally, you should check for any security vulnerabilities, such as unsecured connections or unauthorized access. By testing the network, you can ensure that it is working properly and provide a reliable connection for your guests.

  1. Secure the Network

Once the network is up and running, it’s important to secure it to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the connection. This includes setting up a firewall, encrypting the connection, and setting up a guest network for visitors.

  1. Provide Support

Finally, it is essential to communicate the availability of the Wi-Fi network to your guests. You could provide them with a password on the invitation or set up signs around the venue. You may also want to consider hiring a technician to provide support and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the event.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, setting up a Wi-Fi network for 100-plus wedding guests outdoors is possible, but it requires careful planning and preparation. It is essential to assess the availability of a cellular network, determine the number of devices that will be connecting to the network, invest in the necessary equipment, ensure that the network is secure, and communicate its availability to your guests. With the right preparation, your guests will be able to make phone calls and share photos on social media, making your wedding a memorable occasion for everyone.

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Can You Edit 4K 300Mbps Footage Stored on a NAS Drive Over WIFI? https://wirelesshold.com/remote-video-editing/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 08:53:22 +0000 https://wirelesshold.com/?p=200 In the age of digital technology, transferring data over Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly popular. With […]

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In the age of digital technology, transferring data over Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly popular. With the availability of fast internet connections, it is now possible to access data from anywhere in the world. It is also becoming increasingly common for people to store data on their NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices. Whether you’re editing from various locations around the house or plugging into a UHD panel in your office, there are plenty of options for managing your projects.

There are many advantages to accessing data over Wi-Fi. To start, it is incredibly convenient, as it allows you to access your data from anywhere that has a Wi-Fi connection. This means that you can access your data no matter where you are. In addition, accessing data over Wi-Fi is faster than other methods, such as using a USB drive or an external hard drive.

Hardware

There are some downsides to accessing data over Wi-Fi as well. To start, you need to have a good router in order for the data transfer to be successful. In addition, the speed of the Wi-Fi connection will depend on the strength of the signal, so you may experience slow transfer speeds depending on where you are located. Finally, the speed of your NAS drives will also limit how quickly you can access and transfer data. Another issue with accessing data over Wi-Fi is that it can be vulnerable to interference. This means that the network can slow down the data transfer. This is especially true if you are in an area with a lot of other Wi-Fi networks, such as an apartment complex or a busy office building. 

Moving To A Multi-Computer Setup

If you’re looking for an even more efficient setup, you may want to consider moving to a multi-computer setup. This setup would involve buying a Mac Mini for the office and using a Network Attached Storage (NAS) to store the project database and source footage. The challenge with this setup is that your laptop would be accessing the footage, which could be up to 300Mbps Long-GOP, from the NAS over WIFI. So the question is, is WIFI fast enough for editing video like this?

Editing 4K 300Mbps footage stored on a NAS WIFI is no small task. Transferring large files over wifi can be incredibly slow and unreliable. If you’re dealing with 4K 300Mps footage, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to edit it over WIFI. The technology just isn’t quite mature yet. 

The best option is to transfer the files to a local drive. Accessing the data over Wi-Fi and transferring it to an SSD (Solid State Drive) for editing is a great way to make sure you are able to make the most of your data.

Use Proxies Whenever Possible

The alternative to working with NAS is to upload your media to cloud storage, or another server. For this reason the traditional approach to editing is to create a low resolution proxy of the footage to work with, as opposed to native files.  Proxy files, or proxies, are low resolution, offline copies of your media files. Using proxies conserves bandwidth and makes working with sizes like 4K, 6K, and even 8K footage.

Creating Proxies

You can create proxies with Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or you can batch export compressed clips in DaVinci Resolve. Creating proxies in any software can take a while depending on how much media you have to transcode, how long the duration of the footage is, and how much compression you’re putting on it. You can adjust the settings to reduce the time it takes to create proxies. You can use a lower quality setting and reduce the resolution of the proxy files. You can also make faster proxies by reducing the bitrate of the files. This will reduce the file size and the amount of time it takes to create the proxy. However, reducing the bitrate will lower the quality of the proxy. It’s also important to make sure that the video format you’re using is supported by the software you’re using to create the proxies.

Retrieving and Delivering Proxies

Once the proxies are created, they are ready on your storage device. You can easily retrieve and deliver them to your remote workstation. To do this, you can use a service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive. Each service has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your options carefully. For example, FTP is a great option if you have a large number of files. It allows you to upload and download files quickly and easily. However, it requires a bit of technical knowledge to set up and manage. Cloud-based services are easier to use, but they can be slow when transferring large files.

Conclusion

Overall, accessing the data over Wi-Fi and transferring it to an SSD for editing is a great option, as long as you have a good router. However, if you are just trying to import the files from your NAS and edit them directly, you may run into some issues. This is because the speed of your WIFI may not be fast enough to keep up with the demands of editing this case, it would be best to set it up in order to ensure that your data transfer speed is optimal. 

Another option for handling large video files is cloud storage and proxy files. Proxies are an essential tool for remote video editing teams. They can help you save time and bandwidth, and they make it possible to edit large files like 4K, 6K, and 8K footage. Creating proxies in any software can take a while, but you can reduce the time it takes by adjusting the settings and using a file transfer protocol or cloud-based storage service to deliver them.

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Wi-Fi-Router Best Practices You Didn’t Know About https://wirelesshold.com/wi-fi-router-best-practices-you-didnt-know-about/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 14:58:59 +0000 https://wirelesshold.com/?p=185 In recent years, a Wi-Fi signal, which requires a router to receive, has been widely […]

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In recent years, a Wi-Fi signal, which requires a router to receive, has been widely used to set up local Internet networks. Without the use of this equipment, it is impossible to create a wireless network. But not everyone knows that any router can not only catch Wi-Fi signal, but also has a number of other properties. And you don’t need to have a specific knowledge or to “surf” hundreds of forums in order to expand the capabilities of your router, because we will tell you the secrets of managing a wi-fi router in this article.

The router itself is a small box on one of the panels (usually on the back) which has LAN ports for PC connection, WAN port for the Internet cable connection, socket for the power cable and the button for resetting to factory settings. The last button should not be pressed unless necessary as it will reset all the individual settings. How many devices can be connected to the router depends on the number and type of ports. There are also antennas installed on the back or sides of the device to receive the signal. And from this follows the first tiphack.

1. Connecting to someone else’s Wi-Fi signal

One of the most useful features of the router is the ability to connect to the Wi-Fi of a neighbor or the nearest cafe with a password. This feature is called WISP – “wireless ISP” and will be useful:

– In conditions of poor signal quality, while a conditional neighbor has a better one;

– for maximum security of data transmission – the router’s security features allow you to avoid “lights out”;

– if you need a backup Internet in case of breakdown at the provider or for distribution from your smartphone.

2. How to use your router as a multi-ISP wi-fi receiver

With the Multi WAN feature, you can create a backup Internet connection from another provider by selecting the cheapest package. You don’t need to reconnect anything – the cables connect to the router at the same time, but to different ports, so in case of an emergency you won’t even notice the switch to another network.

3. See the browsing history of all the gadgets on your network

Many parents are interested in the safety of their children on the network, and how to know what sites were accessed through the router (via wi-fi). In order to monitor all the sessions, the router must be set up to save logs using the SysLog system. This will save the history of all visits on all gadgets connected to the network. And without administrator access to your router, no one will be able to delete them. However, it is ethical to use the “parental control” feature that almost all modern routers have. Also read here how to activate your Mercury Mastercard.

4. “Parental Controls

It blocks access to social networks and any other untrustworthy sites for specific gadgets, as well as setting up access to the network by clock. Some models combine these features. You can activate the function in the web interface of the gadget.

5. Signal distribution from USB-modem

Using a modem from a mobile operator as a network access point, it is possible to distribute wi-fi with a router. All you have to do is plug a modem into the USB port on your device. You’ll get backup Internet with automatic switching, and you can access the network in places where it’s not provided: on the road, at the cottage, etc. Of course, in the presence of a connection signal from the operator and an adapter adapter adapter that allows you to power the router from the cigarette lighter in the car.

6. Downloading and watching content via torrents without a PC

After activating this feature in the settings of the router you can download files remotely by controlling them via the Android application designed for this. In this case, the channel is not clogged thanks to the optimal download and upload speeds set by the developers.

You can watch the downloaded movies on your DLNA-enabled TV. If you want, in the settings of the torrent, you can set the sequential download and watch the movie while it is downloading.

7. Control your flash drive from your smartphone without the OTG cable

The function allows you to record or view files with your smartphone without the support of OTG or the appropriate cable. According to the instructions, connect the drive to the appropriate router port and open a file manager with network access on your gadget – you will have access to all the contents of the drive regardless of its file system.

8. How to use a router with a VPN sparingly

Buy licensed VPN access from a particular provider, but only for one device, and use it on all gadgets at once. It’s simple to do: turn on the VPN right on your router – all the gadgets connected to it will go online already through the VPN. If necessary, you can specify in the router settings which gadgets will work this way and which will work in standard mode.

9. Increasing Wi-Fi speeds

Most routers work in the 2.4 GHz band. If several of these devices are located near each other, the quality and speed of the Internet drops noticeably. But it is possible to provide yourself with stable high quality Internet. The fact is that the range of the router is divided into several channels, and the new accessories know how to find the less busy ones and switch to them. But since it is possible that your neighbors’ devices also know how to do this, create as many networks as possible, give them the most dissimilar names (so neighbors do not guess) and come up with passwords. All these networks will appear on the same channel, which will be perceived by the analyzer as overloaded, and creating a new one will look impractical. As a result, you will get a whole channel and enjoy a stable and fast Internet.

10. Creating backups for MacBooks

Not all routers have such functionality, but it’s a sin not to tell about it, given the popularity of Apple equipment. In order to create backups you need to plug in a hard drive formatted in the Apple HFS+ system, if necessary, and start making backups on the router by following the instructions.

The above tips can be done not with all router models, but only with those whose official firmware is regularly updated, expanding their capabilities. Also important are the limitations of the device and the maximum range of the router. But if your gadget and its firmware are designed with the latest trends in mind, you won’t have any problems expanding the functionality.

Depending on the manufacturer and model of the router, there may be other functionality and, accordingly, there will be other tips.

We hope that this article has been useful for you and helped you to learn more about the capabilities of your router. If you can’t figure out the router’s functionality, or activate and configure certain functions on your own, please call the Lanet network contact number. Our competent specialists will be glad to help you!

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Improving Wi-Fi Performance https://wirelesshold.com/title-improving-wi-fi-performance/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 14:46:34 +0000 https://wirelesshold.com/?p=178 Everyone who has built, bought or at least tuned a radio receiver has probably heard […]

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Everyone who has built, bought or at least tuned a radio receiver has probably heard such words as: sensitivity and selectivity. Sensitivity is a measure of how well your receiver can receive a signal even in the most distant areas.

And selectivity, in turn, shows how well the receiver can tune to a particular frequency without being affected by other frequencies. These “other frequencies”, i.e. those not related to the transmission of the signal from the selected radio station, in this case play the role of radio interference.

By increasing the transmitter power, we force receivers with low sensitivity to receive our signal by all means. Also important is the mutual influence of signals from different radio stations on each other, which complicates tuning, reducing the quality of radio communication.

The Wi-Fi environment uses the radio air as the medium for data transmission. So many of the things that radio engineers and radio amateurs of the past and even the century before are still relevant today. But some things have changed. The analog format has been replaced by digital broadcasting, which has led to a change in the nature of the transmitted signal.

Radio traffic load

The effect of congestion can be seen firsthand, at the time of selecting a device to connect. If the list of selected Wi-Fi networks contains more than three or four items, we can already talk about overloading the radio air. At the same time, each network is a source of interference for its neighbors. And interference affects the performance of the network, because it dramatically increases the noise level and it leads to the need to constantly resend packets. In this case, the main recommendation is to lower the transmitter power in the access point and ideally to get all the neighbors to do the same so as not to interfere with each other.

The situation resembles a school class, when the teacher is away. Each student starts talking to his or her roommate and other classmates. In the general noise, they can’t hear each other very well and start talking louder, then even louder, and finally they start shouting. The teacher quickly rushes to the classroom, takes some disciplinary measures and the normal situation is restored. If we think of the teacher as a network administrator and the students as an access point owner, we get an almost direct analogy.

Asymmetric connection

As mentioned earlier, the transmitter power of the access point is usually 2-3 times stronger than the client mobile devices: tablets, smartphones, laptops, and so on. Therefore it is very likely the emergence of “gray areas”, where the client will receive from the access point a good stable signal, but the transfer from the client to the point will work “not very”. This connection is called asymmetric.

To maintain a stable connection with good quality it is highly desirable that between the client device and the access point was a symmetrical connection where the reception and transmission in both directions work effectively. To avoid asymmetric connections, it is a good idea to avoid unreasonable increases in transmitter power.

When a power boost is required

The factors listed below require you to turn up the power to maintain a stable connection.

Interference from other types of radio devices and other electronics

Bluetooth devices such as headphones, wireless keyboards and mice operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band may interfere with the access point and other Wi-Fi devices.

The devices listed below can also have a negative impact on signal quality:

– microwave microwave ovens;

– baby monitors;

– CRT monitors, wireless speakers, cordless phones, and other wireless devices;

– External sources of electrical voltage, such as power lines and power substations,

– electric motors;

– Cables with insufficient shielding, and coaxial cable and connectors used with some types of satellite dishes.

Long distances between Wi-Fi devices

All radio devices have a limited range. In addition to the design features of the wireless device, the maximum range can be reduced by external factors such as obstacles, radio interference, and so on.

All this leads to the formation of local “out-of-reach zones” where the signal from the access point “doesn’t reach” the client device.

Obstacles in the signal path

Various obstacles (walls, ceilings, furniture, metal doors, etc.) located between Wi-Fi devices can reflect or absorb radio signals, which leads to a deterioration or complete loss of communication.

Simple and straightforward things like reinforced concrete walls, sheet metal covering, steel frame, and even mirrors and tinted glass noticeably reduce signal intensity.

Secure wireless network edge

Neighboring access points in a parallel network not only create interference, but can also be used as a launching pad for an attack on the network.

In turn, the wireless network controller must combat this. In the arsenal of controllers NXC2500 and NXC5500 enough tools, such as standard authentication WPA / WPA2-Enterprise, various implementations of Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), built-in firewall.

In this way, the controller not only finds unauthorized access points, but also blocks suspicious activities on the corporate network that are likely to be malicious.

Conclusion

The scope of this short article does not allow us to talk about all of the nuances. But even a cursory overview will tell you that designing and maintaining a wireless network has some rather interesting nuances. On the one hand, you need to combat the mutual influence of signal sources, including reducing the power of access points. On the other hand, it is necessary to maintain the signal level at a high enough level for stable communication. A way around this contradiction is to use the special features of the wireless network controllers.

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Online e-learning platform development guide for 2022 https://wirelesshold.com/online-e-learning-platform-development-guide-for-2022/ Mon, 29 Aug 2022 12:45:58 +0000 https://wirelesshold.com/?p=172 Overview  The education industry experienced massive changes during the course of its history. The advancements […]

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Overview 

The education industry experienced massive changes during the course of its history. The advancements of the Internet, more powerful devices of each individual user, and the COVID-19 outbreak are the three major factors that changed education more than ever. 

According to Think Impact, in 2020, during the peak of COVID-19, 98% of universities moved classes online, and in 2021? 75% of schools planned to do the same. No wonder, Tech Jury projects that the online learning market is projected to grow up to $325 Billion in 2025! 

There are some roadblocks to the popularization of online learning, and here they are, according to Research.com:

However, over time we can expect that these percentages will decrease as the technology and necessary devices are becoming cheaper and more and more educational institutions can afford them. For businesses that want to enter this industry, there is a massive opportunity to create an online learning platform that will find its niche and change the world for the better.

How to create an online learning platform? What approaches are the most efficient in this process? What steps do you need to take in order to succeed? We will discuss these aspects and many more in the article below! 

“Online learning is not the next big thing, it is the now big thing.” 

— Donna J. Abernathy

Virtual learning platform development: The Benefits

The first question we need to get out of the way is why to get into e-learning platform development in the first place and find developers with necessary expertise and experience in the first place? Here are some key advantages: 

  • You will not be limited by any geographical location. You will be able to find your students all over the globe, so the target audience for your educational services will be massive no matter where you are
  • Your students will be able to learn at their own pace and go back to the lectures and lessons they already watched, which makes the learning process more convenient
  • According to numerous pieces of research, online learning helps students to save over 50% of the time, compared to traditional classrooms
  • IBM claims that studying online, the student can learn five times more information compared to traditional studying, which is another proof of the effectiveness of this approach
  • Speaking of engagement, which is always tough for any form of education, e-learning is able to achieve over 50% of retention rates compared to 10% with traditional learning

So, what you need to do to get those benefits? Let’s discuss how you can build your platform!

How to create an online learning platform

Conduct rigorous research

First thing to do is to study your niche and make an analysis of similar solutions. What if the solution to the problem you want to solve already exists and your efforts won’t be appreciated by the market? 

Let’s look at some top existing solutions to give you an idea for your own e-learning platform design!

Coursera

A number of available courses: 3,000+

Price range: $9.99-$2,000 (from monthly to complete course payments)

Certificates: Yes

Accreditation: Yes

This is one of the most popular platforms that have partnerships with 200+ universities. It has accredited certificates that are recognized by employers, and very detailed courses including over 1000 high-quality free courses, multilingual classes, and a greatly designed website that is easy to use. However, the platform gets criticized for strict deadlines for some courses, additional applications for some degree programs, and no certification for free courses. There is definitely some room to grow and the opportunity to introduce a better product here!

Udemy

A number of available courses: 183,000+

Price range: $11-$200+ (for a single course)

Certificates: Yes, but not for all courses

Accreditation: No

This platform stands out thanks to the sheer number of available courses. It has nearly 70,000 instructors that will gladly teach almost anything to students who will be willing to learn. Udemy has no deadlines for courses, there are multimedia lectures available, it covers nearly 70 languages, and has a 30-day refund guarantee. On the drawback side, it is important to mention that quantity does not always result in quality, as courses can be published here without review and are not accredited. The instructors here are not very engaging in Q&A sessions. 

Skillshare

A number of available courses: 35,000+

Price range: $168 for annual subscription

Certificates: No

Accreditation: No

This platform focuses on creative topics like writing or video editing. It has almost 70 various free courses aimed at different directions in art and creativity. Skillshare stands out by offering group plans for groups over 20 people. It has a 7-day free trial for subscriptions, and many celebrities act as instructors here. On the drawback side is the fact that all courses are available only in English. The number of free courses is limited, and the users won’t see advertisements only on premium subscriptions. 

Of course, the abovementioned examples of the most popular platforms can serve only as the inspiration for your project. The chances are, that your project is unique and will need more functionality or entirely another approach to connect with students, however, you can still pick some important features from well-established brands. 

Think of a realistic solution to a problem you want to solve

So, you had determined the area you want to work in, analyzed the competitors, and now you need to come up with your own unique solution to a problem (or better alternative to the existing one). You need to choose one of the types of e-learning platforms you want to develop. The options are Learning Management System (LMS), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), online tutoring platform, online employee training, or video-based e-learning.

After choosing the type of platform, the next step is to decide on features. Keep in mind, that in order for your product to survive in a tough market environment, you need to build a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) to test your ideas in practice. In order to do this, you need only the most necessary features during the MVP phase of your product, with the opportunity to add up new features as your platform evolves. 

Only when you decide on features, it will make sense to think about the budget and deadlines. The amount and the complexity of features will take a large chunk of your budget because for more sophisticated features you will need to hire more proficient experts with higher salaries.  

Next, you should choose the distribution model for your app or website, and it will be a wise idea to plan the maintenance, post-release support, and future improvements from the very beginning.  

Choose the right software development partner and approach to build an online learning platform

After you turn your vision into a requirement, and have an approximate budget and timelines, it’s time to choose how you will create it. There are multiple options here as well.

First, you can open your own in-house office. You will get the maximum level of control and ability to change the development direction quickly. However, it is probably the most expensive option, and you may face a roadblock when required experts will simply not be available in your region. This is a great approach if you represent a large, big-budget corporation with long-term software development plans, and when something goes wrong you will be able to assign your full-time employees to another project. 

Secondly, you can hire freelancers. The problem with freelancers is the lowest level of control, and since they don’t have any contractual obligations with your company, they can abandon your project at any time. Additionally, you will have to manage those separate remote experts you hire, or find a Project Manager for the job. Freelancers are great for relatively simple one-time tasks, but for creating complex learning management platforms with diverse functionality, hiring freelancers will end up very expensive and put stress on you as a result of managing them. 

Probably the best solution for building your e-learning solution, whether it will be a global platform that will change the world or an online learning platform for schools, is to hire an experienced outsourcing partner that will have proven experience in developing custom software. Look for platforms, like Clutch and Good firms, to find a relevant candidate. 

Why an outsourcing company is so great in this scenario? Because you will be able to hire only the experts you need for a fair price and for the time you need them to complete your project. Experts in outsourcing companies already have formed and experienced teams to deliver results, and you can also hire a Project Manager there, as well as experts like Business Analysts or QA engineers. 

In-house teamFreelancersOutsourcing company
Advantages– Full control- Flexibility to change the development direction– Good for simple tasks– Cost efficiency- No hiring hassle- You only pay for what you need
Drawbacks– The highest price- Additional expenses on recruiting and office rent- Possible lack of local talent– Lack of control- Hard to manage big teams– Possible lack of control

Test your platform on real users and improve on feedback

Finally, make sure to have enough time before the release to test your platform on focus groups and have the opportunity to change certain aspects of your product. 

FAQ

What is an e-learning platform?

An e-learning platform is a website or a mobile app that allows students to learn and teachers to teach remotely. E-learning platforms are very different, having various purposes and sets of features. You can look up an example of this, such platforms as Udemy or Coursera. However, there are a lot of less-known projects that can serve as a great example of this. 

What is e-learning development?

This is a process of creating platforms for online education. This is also a huge industry that is on the rise. If you want to build your own e-learning platform, it will be a good idea to contact an experienced outsourcing software development company for a consultation. Other options to build a platform include hiring freelancers or assembling your own in-house team. 

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