Are Business WiFi issues affecting performance & productivity?
The reliability of your Business WiFi connection is the backbone of many business’s daily operations. The luxury of wireless internet access offers employees the flexibility to access multiple devices and work from various locations within the office space, maintaining productivity without the restraint of wires. Yet, the advantages of WiFi come with the caveat of potential technical difficulties.
What are the common issues associated with Business Wifi?
Frequent Business WiFi disruptions can take the form of sluggish speeds, inconsistent service, or complete loss of connectivity, leading to a measurable decrease in business efficacy.
- Weak Signal Strength: Poor coverage areas or dead zones due to the WiFi router’s location or physical obstructions like walls.
- Network Congestion: Overloaded WiFi networks due to a large number of connected devices, leading to slow speeds and connectivity issues.
- Interference from Other Devices: Interference from other electronic devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, or neighboring WiFi networks.
- Outdated Hardware: Using older routers or networking equipment that can’t handle modern internet speeds or user demands.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Inadequate security measures leading to unauthorised access, data breaches, or network attacks.
- Limited Bandwidth: Insufficient internet bandwidth to support the number of users and their data needs, causing slowdowns.
- Improper Network Configuration: Incorrect settings or configurations in the network setup causing inefficiencies and connectivity problems.
- Firmware Issues: Outdated or corrupted router firmware that can lead to instability and performance issues.
- Physical Range Limitations: The limited range of WiFi signals, which can be too short for larger office spaces.
- Overlapping WiFi Channels: Overlap with nearby networks on the same channel, causing interference and reduced performance.
Industry analyses have highlighted the severity of business WiFi issues:
A study by ZK Research indicated that companies average 200 hours of operational downtime annually, with a significant portion due to network troubles. Moreover, Gartner’s research estimates that the average cost of network downtime can reach $5,600 per minute—a clear indicator of the high stakes involved.
Addressing your business’s WiFi concerns
The first step to mitigating your organisation’s Wi-Fi woes is to pinpoint the underlying causes. These may include outdated equipment that doesn’t align with current wireless standards, poor router placement affecting coverage, or interference from other electronic devices. The physical layout of the workplace and the ever-growing number of connected devices per user places further strain on Wi-Fi networks.
Industry data reveals that the typical business device connects to the Wi-Fi for about four hours daily, emphasising the importance of a stable connection. According to Tech aisle’s research, connectivity issues could result in a 10-15% loss in operational time.
How can Telco Broker Help?
Rectifying WiFi challenges requires a blend of strategic planning and technical interventions. It all starts with an in-depth Wi-Fi analysis to diagnose existing issues. This step may suggest the addition of access points or WiFi extenders, or sometimes, a switch to a different internet service may be in order.
Telco Broker can conduct a review of your current WiFi network, create a revised design to rectify the issues, we can provide you with a quote for both hardware and installation, we can oversee the commissioning and depending on the requirements provide you with monitoring tools which you can self administer, or we can assist on your behalf.
We can help you with the following:
Upgrade to a Better Wi-Fi Router: Invest in a high-quality router with the latest technology (like Wi-Fi 6), which offers better performance and can handle more devices.
Optimal Router Placement: Position the router centrally and elevated to avoid physical obstructions and maximise coverage.
Use Additional Access Points: For larger areas, use additional access points to ensure consistent coverage throughout the space.
Configure Channels and Bandwidth: Use tools to identify less congested channels and adjust the router settings accordingly. Also, consider using dual-band or tri-band routers that offer additional frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Network Segmentation: Create separate networks for different user groups (e.g., staff, guests) to manage bandwidth usage more effectively.
Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your router’s firmware updated to ensure optimal performance and security.
Invest in a Mesh Wi-Fi System: A mesh system uses multiple router-like devices to create a seamless network covering a large area.
Implement Quality of Service (QoS) Settings: Prioritise bandwidth for critical applications or devices that require stable and fast internet.
Secure the Network: Use strong passwords, updated security protocols (like WPA3), and consider a VPN for additional security.
Conduct Regular Network Audits: Regularly assess network performance, identify issues, and make necessary adjustments.
Utilise Professional Wi-Fi Analysis Tools: Use professional tools for a detailed analysis of your Wi-Fi network to identify and address issues like channel interference or dead zones.
Limit Interference: Minimise interference from other devices by keeping your Wi-Fi devices away from microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronic devices.
Educate Users: Educate staff about responsible bandwidth usage to prevent network congestion.
Upgrade Internet Plan: If your business has outgrown its current plan, consider upgrading to a higher bandwidth internet service.
A high-performance Business WiFi network is a non-negotiable asset for any modern business. As highlighted by iPass’s study, almost half of the workforce views poor Wi-Fi as a barrier to their productivity. Ensuring the wireless network’s efficiency is not merely about preventing minor inconveniences; it’s about maintaining seamless business processes in a digitally driven environment.
Regular network assessments, technological upgrades, strategic allocation of resources, and vigilant monitoring constitute not only a defensive measure but a definitive strategy for business prosperity.
Our Valued Clients
If you’re unhappy with your current Business WiFi and internet provider, contact us for a free quote, and let Telco Broker help you discover the best Wi-Fi and internet solutions tailored for your business.
Don’t pay more than you should for a service that isn’t providing what you need. Telco Broker’s expert consultants can save you time and money and present a number of more suitable options for your business’s needs.
Telco Broker has helped hundreds of businesses throughout Australia with their internet and Wi-Fi service providers across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin. Give the team at Telco Broker a call on 1300 978 073. The initial consultation is free!