It can be exasperating dealing with an unreliable Wi-Fi connection. When the signal wavers from quick to slow to on and off, it can make it difficult to function. The frustration of a poor connection is something to which we can all relate. Luckily, it’s not something we have to simply surrender to, there are a few tricks to getting the most out of your Wi-Fi signal.
Wi-Fi signal quality depends on four things: The type of antenna, transmission power, the physical position of the wireless router and your source of connection (your ISP). A typical standard antenna of any router has an approximate range of 30 meters. This range varies with the type of router you have.
Often times, especially in unsecured networks where anyone can connect to your Wi-Fi, just the sheer traffic alone will slow the connection. So here are the 7 ways to boost up your Wi-Fi signal.
1. Check the Router Position
The signal is always affected by where the router is placed. A wired router will not have this problem as the network traffic travels through the wires, hence you can place it anywhere and can usually be found in the network closet. Wireless routers should not be put behind walls, doors, heavy furniture or on the floor so that the signal can avoid obstruction and has the greatest available broadcast area. Put it in an open environment and you will quickly note the difference.
2. Upgrade Your Router
If you’re still using the router the ISP provisioned for you when your internet connection was first installed this might be the problem. The routers that are provided by ISPs are generally very basic and do not have the features needed by commercial customers needed to properly managed and maximize their Wi-Fi network. Upgrading your wireless router to an enterprise class will give you the coverage and control you need.
3. Randomly Check For Updates
A router is also a mini-computer like gadget. This means that it also has firmware that requires updates. Make a schedule to manually check for whether any updates are available. Keeping the firmware updated will enhance the performance of your wireless router.
4. Alternative Range Extenders
One popular option are Wi-Fi range extenders. They can be inexpensive and do well with almost every router. They are mainly used to circumvent thick obstructions such as walls and unmovable furniture. But beware, they can cause a great deal of noise and disrupt the Wi-Fi signal of those around you.
5. Go Wired
Wired routers offer better connection quality compared to wireless. Use wired connections everywhere you can in your office. While wireless seems more convenient, the number of devices connected to the wireless network will affect the quality of connection for everyone on that network. Whereas on a wired network, that is not the case. Keep laptops, desktops and any other device possible on the wired network, leaving the wireless network only for those devices that cannot be connected via ethernet wire.
6. Switch Router to Different Channel
Routers also have channels like televisions (before they all went digital). If you remember what TV was like when antennas populated rooftops all across the city, if you tuned into a channel with a good signal you’d have a better quality image. In the same way the channel you are using for your adapter might be the same channel your neighbors use. This leads to backlog and each you affect the other’s signal without knowing, causing bad connections all around. Switching to another channel will help.
7. Switch from 2.4 GHz to a 5.0 GHz Frequency
Check your router to see if it has the ability to switch to a dual band. If it can then switch from the common 2.4GHz to 5.0 GHz. A 5.0GHz router is faster than the other though it has a smaller range compared to a 2.4GHz one. Remember a 5.0 GHz frequency is less common thus you will have literally no interference from neighbors.
Applying any of these tips will result in noticeable difference in your signal quality. Updating your firmware will have the added benefit of improving the security of your network and help keep those hackers at bay.
If you’d like to see what your coverage is in your office, where the dead spots are and where the coverage is concentrated in your office space, have us create a Wi-Fi heat map for you. Make informed decisions on where best to make investments in your wireless network with the information we provide.
