Does your business use Wi-Fi? There’s no denying the fact that Wi-Fi offers an unparalleled level of convenience compared to traditional wired connections. Rather than plugging each device directly into a modem, you can connect to a Wi-Fi-enabled router. Unfortunately, though, it’s not uncommon for businesses to encounter slow speeds when uploading or downloading data over Wi-Fi. If this sounds familiar, consider the five following tips to speed up your business’s Wi-Fi.
#1) Switch to 5 GHz
If your router is currently set to 2.4 GHz, try switching it to 5 GHz. Most modern routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequencies. The former is able to provide Wi-Fi coverage across longer distances, whereas the latter offers faster speeds. Assuming your business’s store or building is relatively small, switching to 5 GHz can have a positive impact on your Wi-Fi speeds.
#2) Place Router in the Right Area
The area in which your router is installed will affect your business’s Wi-Fi speeds. If it’s placed on the easternmost side of your business’s store or building, computers and devices on the westernmost side will likely experience slow speeds. Therefore, you should place the router in the middle — or as close to the middle as possible — of your business’s store or building.
#3) Password-Protect It
Password-protecting your business’s Wi-Fi can have a positive impact on its speeds. Leaving your business’s Wi-Fi unsecured is never a good idea. Aside from the potential for a cyber attack, other individuals may connect to your business’s Wi-Fi to upload or download data. When this occurs, it will bog down the router while resulting in slower speeds.
#4) Adjust the Antennas
Something as simple as adjusting your router’s antennas can speed up your business’s Wi-Fi. If you’re currently experiencing slow and sluggish speeds, try facing the antennas in a different direction. Along with the other tips listed here, repositioning the antennas can help you achieve faster and more reliable Wi-Fi for your business.
#5) Scan for Malware and Other Cyber Threats
Don’t forget to regularly scan your business’s computers and devices, as well as the Wi-Fi network itself, for malware and other cyber threats. If a hacker is able to access your business’s Wi-Fi, he or she may use it to transfer data. The hacker, for example, may download customer data. When this occurs, you can expect slower Wi-Fi speeds, so you need to regularly scan your business’s information technology (IT) infrastructure for malware and other cyber threats.