A slow or unreliable Wi-Fi network can be a major drain on your productivity or those of your employees. This is true whether you're running a big organisation, managing a small office or working from your living room.
Poor connectivity affects everything from video calls and file transfers to the performance of cloud-based applications. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to improve your Wi-Fi network's speed, reliability, and coverage.
This post outlines simple yet effective ways to optimise your Wi-Fi network for improved performance. Whether you're managing your network inhouse or working with a provider of IT services in London, these tips will help you get the most out of your current Internet setup.
-
1. Assess your internet plan and speed
Before making changes to your Wi-Fi settings, confirm that your current internet subscription aligns with your usage needs. An online speed test tool can check your current download and upload speeds during work hours.
If you regularly experience lag, video buffering, or dropped connections, it’s possible that you don't have enough bandwidth to support the number of devices and applications in use. For businesses, it’s crucial to align your bandwidth with your team’s demands.
Consult with your Internet solutions provider and explore if a business-grade package or fibre upgrade is available in your location.
-
2. Optimise your router's placement
The location of your Wi-Fi router significantly impacts signal strength and overall coverage. For the best performance, put your router in a central, elevated spot with minimal obstructions.
Steer clear of enclosed areas like cabinets or spaces near dense materials such as concrete or metal walls, as these can degrade your signal.
In an office setting, place your routers in open work areas rather than hiding them in a server room or a corner office. If your space covers multiple floors or has a complex layout, you can add access points or a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure consistent coverage throughout.
-
3. Update firmware and use modern equipment
Routers that have the latest standards offer better speed and security. If your router is several years old, it might be time for an upgrade. For instance, with Wi-Fi 6 routers, you get improved performance, particularly in environments with numerous connected devices.
Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to fix bugs, patch security vulnerabilities, and improve performance.
If you're unsure, a tech partner offering IT services in London can help assess your current network hardware and recommend suitable upgrades based on your needs.
-
4. Separate work and guest networks
For small businesses, creating a dedicated guest network can prevent non-essential traffic from affecting your main work Wi-Fi. This enhances security and maintains bandwidth for business-critical tasks.
At home, especially if you're working remotely, consider separating your work and personal devices on different networks. This move can reduce congestion and also enhance security for work-related data.
Many modern routers support multiple SSIDs (service set identifiers, or network names), making it easy to set up separate networks with different levels of access and priority.
-
5. Reduce Wi-Fi interference
Other electronics and nearby networks can disrupt Wi-Fi signals. Common culprits include microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even Bluetooth devices. Try to minimise the number of interfering devices near your router, and choose less crowded Wi-Fi channels if possible.
Most routers come with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 2.4 GHz band offers better range, but is more prone to interference. The 5 GHz band is faster and less congested, but it doesn’t travel through walls as well.
Connect to the 5 GHz band for tasks requiring higher speeds, such as video conferencing or uploading large files.
-
6. Monitor and manage network usage
Sometimes, slow Wi-Fi isn’t a technical problem. It could be simply caused by too many people using excessive bandwidth. Activities like streaming, online gaming, or making large downloads can consume significant resources. Even fast connections can’t support all these.
You can use router admin tools to monitor network traffic and identify bandwidth-heavy applications. Some routers allow you to prioritise traffic through Quality of Service (QoS) settings. You can assign higher priority to Zoom calls or business apps while limiting background updates or downloads.
If you’re running a business, investing in enterprise-grade networking tools or managed Internet solutions can provide you with more granular control over how your bandwidth is utilised.
-
7. Perform a health check of your network
A professional assessment might be your next step if you’ve tried all the above and still face issues. A network health check from an IT provider can uncover hidden problems, such as misconfigured settings, outdated cabling, or overlapping IP addresses.
An experienced team offering IT services in London can run diagnostics, recommend improvements, and help with implementation. This undertaking can ensure that your network operates as efficiently and securely as possible.
Start Improving Your Network Today
Wi-Fi has become a fundamental part of how we work and communicate. Whether you're managing a team of ten or working solo from home, taking the time to optimise your Wi-Fi network can save hours of frustration and lost productivity.
From choosing the proper hardware and positioning your router to exploring advanced Internet solutions, these practical steps can lead to significant performance gains.
If you require more comprehensive support or a more robust setup, partnering with a trusted managed IT services provider in London ensures that your network infrastructure can meet the everyday demands of modern business.