Tips to Improve WiFi Connectivity for Remote Workers
February 10th, 2021 by admin
With so many employees still working remotely amid the pandemic, the lifeline of their productivity is their Internet connection. In fact, PC Magazine reports that, “According to a survey conducted by WhistleOut (using online survey application Pollfish), more than 35 percent of respondents said a weak internet connection has prevented them from doing their work at some point.” To ensure the highest productivity from your remote workforce, there are some steps you can take to help them maintain a strong WiFi connection.
First, to check how strong and fast your connection is, you can measure your internet speed online. Furthermore, there are ways to troubleshoot your connection or give Wi-Fi a boost. More complicated solves may require a new router and optimizing it for a better Wi-Fi performance. If you need help boosting your remote worker’s WiFi give us a call at 904-208-2195! We would be happy to help upgrade their equipment and optimize their security and connectivity. Request a quote now.
Here are tips for better optimizing a work-ready home network. We realize WiFi networks and equipment may vary, so these are general tips that can apply to most systems.
Regularly Reboot Your Equipment
Restart your modem or router. Doing this allows the device to update its software, if necessary, which can help optimize your connection and speed.
Confirm Your WiFi Network
Sometimes you may be connected to your Gateway's public WiFi hotspot network, which can limit your WiFi speed. Go to the WiFi settings of your device to make sure you are connected to your personal in-home WiFi network.
Connect High-Bandwidth Devices via Ethernet
Whenever possible, plugging stationary devices directly into your Gateway or router using an Ethernet cable may provide optimal connectivity. For example, it is ideal for desktop computers and video streaming devices to be connected with an Ethernet cable instead of connecting wirelessly, since activities on those devices use a lot of bandwidth (e.g., graphics-rich online presentations, video work).
Turn Off Devices and Apps You Are Not Using
Active devices can interfere with your router, using valuable bandwidth. And while turning off mobile apps when they are not in use doesn’t impact your WiFi performance, it may help the device work more effectively.
Equipment Placement
Find your router’s sweet spot to broadcast the strongest signal. Avoid interference by keeping your router away from large metal objects and electronics like microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices. Also, avoid crowded spots, inside or behind furniture. And keep in mind, the closer you are to your router, the better your WiFi performance can be. Easy ways to check signal strength: check free apps like Wi-Fi Sweetspots or Wi-Fi Maximiser can identify the strongest possible signal in the areas where you use wireless devices most often. To check signal strength with a PC or Mac, try software like inSSIDer or Xirrus.
Check Bridge Mode and Antennae for Third-Party Routers
If you use your own router along with your Gateway, make sure the Gateway is in bridge mode. You'll also want to position the antennae of your router so that one is pointing vertically (12 o'clock), and the other one is pointing horizontally (either 3 or 9 o'clock) to broadcast the strongest signal.
Contact Your Service Provider to Upgrade Your Internet Speeds
Many service providers are boosting internet speeds at no extra cost. They may also have additional tips specific to your type of service. It’s always worth the call to check!