At Minerva, we prioritise high-speed, clear and concise communications through industry-leading technologies and high-quality products. We pride ourselves on our product’s ability to ensure mission critical communications are reliable, optimal and deliverable. But it’s not just mission critical communications that are important.
Everyday, workplace and home communications are crucial in providing connection to everyone in your world, but unfortunately, it is clear that most people have experienced Wi-Fi problems at one point or another, and it’s likely that if you rely heavily on a broadband connection for your work communications, this problem is one that bothers you on a regular basis.
With so many of having to adapt to the ways of working from home within the last year, this issue has increased. Network demand, poor signal and malfunctioning technology has meant that Wi-Fi improvement is more necessary than ever to keep our communications clear and on track.
If you’re not trained in the field of wired and wireless communications, you may think that you can’t do much to improve what could be a somewhat bleak situation. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take, with five simple solutions below.
1. Reboot and Restart
It’s best to start here, as whilst this tip is simplistic, many router issues can be fixed with a simple restart. If you are experiencing connectivity issues, rebooting your Wi-Fi router will allow your device to restart and switch to the broadband channel with the least interference, so this is a great solution if you are on a heavily-saturated broadband network.
Try not too do this too often though, as rebooting your router may just interfere with normal functioning. This tactic is best employed when you are experiencing connection issues, and not as a regular fix.
2. Time To Rearrange: Move Your Router
Wi-Fi routers, particularly in the home, can be pretty unsightly. Many people decide to place these in a cupboard, in their TV cabinet or somewhere hidden. Whilst this keeps wires at bay and everything neat, this could be the root of your broadband issues. Try and place your router in an open space.
Placement Ideas
• Your desk
• A centralised shelf
• At height
It’s important to stay away from storing your Wi-Fi router in the kitchen and in close proximity to other electrical items. We advise that you try and place the router at height, and definitely don’t store your system on the floor. This can dampen the signal and perhaps lead to accidents – so this placement is definitely to be avoided.
3. Adjust The Antennae
If moving your router doesn’t solve your problem, the next step is to adjust your antennae. Many routers have multiple antennae, and this is why we advise you to place your router in a centralised location. By adjusting these antennas to spread in direction, you are directing the network waves in equal parameter to ensure maximum reach and capability.
4. Purchase A WiFi Range Extender
This is a great solution for office buildings, or those with multi-story houses and a wide range to cover. Investing in a Wi-Fi Range extender is a great, cost-effective solution, as you only need to purchase this device once. They are also incredibly simple to set up, as you only need to plug these into the wall and connect the product to your router. These also come with antenna that you can adjust to boost your broadband connection even further.
5. Use A Wire!
This tip is probably easier for those working from home, but consider taking a step back and use an Ethernet cable. Broadband doesn’t have to be wireless, although we understand that this is more convenient. Wired connections do have their benefits, though, providing a stronger connection, stability and speed.
If you are always situated at the same desk at work, this could also be a great way to improve your Wi-Fi issues.
6. Add Password Protection
This might be one you haven’t thought of – and is particularly relevant for businesses, as many people may utilising your Wi-Fi network without your knowledge, slowing down your connection speed. Whilst most networks are password protected as a standard, we thought we would remind you of this all-important tip to ensure complete network security, too.
7. Time For An Upgrade
Wireless broadband connectivity is constantly being updated and upgraded to ensure users are gaining the best experience. If the above tips aren’t helping and you are still experiencing issues, talk to your provider, as it might be time to upgrade your router.
As a business, if you’re struggling with your network connections, here at Minerva we recommend internet options from Cambium Networks or Rajant. Your solutions will be entirely based on your personal needs, so get in touch for more information.
8. Dual Band Wi-Fi Router/AP.
It’s important that you always use Dual Band Router. AP’s such as 2.4Ghz are much more congested then 5Ghz, so making the switch to 5Ghz will meant that you will get improved Wi-Fi speed. This is because this band has greater frequency of clean channels, so remember to always connect your client devices to 5Ghz if this is supported.