Many factors can affect the performance of your Wi-Fi network. As a first step, review these tips and implement those that pertain to your business location. If you still experience Wi-Fi issues, contact Madison Communications for assistance.

1. Update your router.
The latest router models support the 802.11ac standard, which can effectively handle 20 or more devices. By contrast, the 802.11g standard — introduced in 2003 — was designed to handle just two or three. One of the best ways to make sure your Wi-Fi network is as fast and reliable as possible is to buy a new router that supports 802.11ac.

2. Properly locate your router.
The placement of your Wi-Fi router is critical to maximizing the speed and reliability of your Wi-Fi connection. For the best signal and coverage, put your router in an open area near the center of your office space. This is because walls and distance from devices will all degrade router performance. Do your best to keep your router away from thick walls made of brick or concrete, and make sure it’s not around metal items, which can reflect Wi-Fi signals. Also avoid placing your router in a basement.

3. Minimize interference by removing or minimizing the use of interfering devices.
Because they operate in the same frequency, cordless phones should be located as far away from your Wi-Fi router as possible to avoid speed and reliability problems. Other common causes of Wi-Fi interference include fluorescent lights, compact fluorescent light bulbs, metal, mirrors, microwave ovens, wireless speakers, radiant floor heat, and some security cameras.

4. Secure your Wi-Fi network from unauthorized use.
Are neighbors or passersby using your Wi-Fi without your knowledge or permission? If so, this can adversely affect your Wi-Fi network performance since the more devices you have connected, the slower the internet. Secure your Wi-Fi network with a password to prevent others from accessing it.

5. Make sure your router is configured to automatically identify and use the least congested frequency.
Or you can manually choose the best non-overlapping channel. Slow Wi-Fi speeds may be the result of interference from nearby businesses’ Wi-Fi networks, as all the devices compete to use the same channel. For example, if neighbors are downloading a large file using the same Wi-Fi channel as your company’s Wi-Fi router, your router and devices may only get thin slices of “air time” to talk.

6. Get a wireless signal extender.
If your business space is larger than about 3,000 square feet, getting good Wi-Fi signal from one corner to another can be a challenge. Multistory offices can also be difficult if the router isn’t plugged into the broadband line somewhere on the middle level. These situations may call for a wireless extender to boost your Wi-Fi.