Tip of the Week: 4 Easy Tips to Boost Your WiFi Signal

Your wireless router is both an integral part of your business’s online infrastructure, and a critical part of your home computing environment. Therefore, you need to make sure that your router is broadcasting a clear signal. Here are some tips on how to keep your wireless signal as strong as possible, regardless of where you are in the office.

Place Your Router Out in the Open
People like to conceal their routers in cabinets, hidden on the floor behind a desk, or elsewhere. It’s not like the device is an eyesore or anything, yet people are so quick to just throw them somewhere they won’t be seen. This is often dangerous and impractical, as the device can overheat if it’s in a place with poor air circulation. Plus, if you’re storing your device in a cabinet or otherwise, your signal could be suffering, making your Internet connection spotty and unpredictable at best.

Instead, we recommend that you keep your router out in the open, where it can get plenty of air circulation and broadcast its signal unhindered. In general, this is a best practice for your technology; especially workstations and servers.

Place Your Router in a Central Location
It’s tempting to just tuck your router away into a corner on the far side of your office, but this is a good way to make sure that the other side of the building doesn’t get a strong wireless connection. What you need to do is set up your router in a spot where it can broadcast its signal equally to each location. Depending on the architecture and size of your office, you may need multiple access points.

It should also be noted that you will probably want to elevate your router slightly, so as to make sure that your signal isn’t being blocked by objects placed on the floor, like file cabinets, desks, and so on.

Check Your Bandwidth and Internet Service Agreement
Sometimes placing a router will do nothing to help with your business’s wireless Internet speed. In cases like this, it might not be a problem with your router’s placement, and instead is a result of your network’s modem. The modem is often issued by an Internet service provider and works in accordance with your service agreement, limiting bandwidth and the flow of data. Therefore, if you’re having wireless problems, but have tried every router position out there, give your ISP a call and see what they can do for you.

Upgrade Your Router
If you’re using the same router that you had when your business first started, chances are that it’s grown outdated. In this case, your wireless signal could be limited by the router itself. Since this is something that your business has control over, you may want to purchase a new one. It’s recommended that you at least go with something that has dual-band support for both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands. This will help to keep your network strong, with minimal resistance from external forces. XFER is available to help you choose the best wireless solution for your business.

Alternatively, you could try updating the firmware of your router; often times, this can help with connection issues and limited wireless range.

For more assistance with your wireless network, contact XFER at 734-927-6666 / 800-GET-XFER. Our trusted technicians would be happy to lend our assistance with your IT troubles.