Wi-Fi is slow in the office
- First find out if the whole internet is slow or only the Wi-Fi. Plug one computer into the router with a cable and test.
- If the cable is fast and Wi-Fi is slow, the fix is the router position or better access points.
Try these steps, in order
- Test with a cable. Plug one computer into the router with a network cable. Run a free speed test in a browser. Write the number down.
- Test on Wi-Fi in two places. Run the same test next to the router and then in the slow room. If it is fast near the router and slow far away, the signal is too weak, not the internet plan.
- Restart the router. Turn the router off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it on. Wait three minutes. Many routers run for months and slow down.
- Move the router. Put it up high, in the open, near the middle of the office. Walls, metal shelves, microwaves and fish tanks all weaken the signal.
- Count what is connected. Phones, cameras, TVs and guests all share the same Wi-Fi. If guests use your main network, move them to a guest network if your router has one.
- Check for updates. Log in to the router and look for a firmware update. Ask the person who set it up if you do not know the login.
Which result means what?
- Cable is slow too: the problem is the internet line or the router. Call your internet company and ask them to test the line.
- Cable is fast, Wi-Fi is slow everywhere: the router is old or overloaded.
- Cable is fast, Wi-Fi is slow in one room: you need a second access point there, ideally on a cable.
A cheap home router in a busy office is a common cause. Business gear is built to handle many people at once.
When to call a pro
- The cable test is also slow and your internet company says the line is fine.
- You have dead spots in more than one room.
- Calls and video drop for everyone at the same time each day.
- You want a separate network for guests and for card machines.
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Common questions
Is it my internet plan or my Wi-Fi?
Test with a cable. If the cable is fast, the plan is fine and the Wi-Fi is the problem.
Do Wi-Fi extenders work?
They can help in one weak spot, but they often cut speed in half. A wired access point is better.
Should guests use our main Wi-Fi?
No. Put guests on a separate guest network so their devices cannot see your computers.
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