You upgraded to a faster internet plan, but the Wi-Fi in the corner cabin still crawls. In most offices the problem is not the internet line. It is how the Wi-Fi network is set up. Here are seven fixes we use most often.
1. Test the line before blaming the Wi-Fi
Connect a laptop to the router with a cable and run a speed test. If the wired speed is good and Wi-Fi is slow, the problem is inside your office.
2. Move the router out of the cabinet
Routers locked in a metal rack or behind a server cupboard lose a large part of their signal. Wi-Fi should be mounted high and in the open, near where people work.
3. Replace one big router with several access points
A single router cannot cover a full office floor with glass cabins and concrete walls. Two to four ceiling-mounted access points connected by cable give strong signal everywhere.
4. Do not rely on Wi-Fi extenders
Plug-in extenders often halve the speed. Cabled access points or a proper mesh system work far better.
5. Use 5 GHz and set channels properly
The 2.4 GHz band is crowded in Mumbai's office buildings. Make sure laptops connect on 5 GHz and that neighbouring access points are on different channels.
6. Separate guest and office Wi-Fi
Visitors and personal phones streaming video slow everyone down. A separate guest network with a speed limit keeps work traffic fast and your office network safer.
7. Control heavy bandwidth users
Cloud backups, large downloads and video updates during work hours can choke the line. Schedule them for after hours and set bandwidth rules on the router or firewall.
When to call a professional
If your office has more than 15 to 20 users or several rooms, a quick Wi-Fi survey usually pays for itself. We map signal strength, find interference and recommend the minimum equipment needed.