06.01.2025 • 5 mins read

Why Your Business has WiFi Performance Issues and How to Fix Them

These days more and more business are going partially or fully wireless, this places a lot of demand on your WiFi hardware leading to WiFi performance issues. Reliable, stable, secure and fast WiFi is essential for businesses to function smoothly. From communication tools like Zoom to cloud-based applications, slow or unreliable WiFi can wreak havoc on productivity and customer satisfaction. If your business is grappling with poor WiFi performance, you’re not alone—and there are actionable steps you can take to resolve the issue.

This article explores the most common causes of WiFi performance issues, how to diagnose whether WiFi is truly the culprit, and strategies to improve your network for optimal performance.

1. Common Causes of Business WiFi Performance Issues

Understanding the root causes of your WiFi troubles is the first step in fixing them. Here are the most common culprits:

1.1. Insufficient Bandwidth

Too many users or devices competing for limited bandwidth can slow your network.
Outdated hardware may not distribute bandwidth efficiently among users.

1.2. Poor Access Point (AP) Placement

Access points placed too far apart may leave gaps in coverage.
APs positioned too close together can create interference.
Placing APs in obstructed areas, such as behind walls or in closets, reduces signal strength.

1.3. Signal Interference

Common sources include other wireless devices, neighbouring networks, and electronic equipment.
Fluorescent lights and microwaves can also disrupt signals.

1.4. Building Materials

Materials like concrete, metal, and glass block or weaken WiFi signals.
Thick walls and multi-floor layouts often cause dead spots.

1.5. Outdated or Overloaded Equipment

Older routers and access points may not support modern WiFi standards.
Consumer-grade equipment is often insufficient for business environments.

1.6. Incorrect Network Configuration

Misconfigured networks, such as overcrowded channels or incorrect frequency settings, can degrade performance.
Over-reliance on a single frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) is a common issue.

2. Is WiFi Really the Problem? How to Diagnose the Issue

Before assuming WiFi is the problem, it’s essential to rule out other potential issues. Here’s how to investigate:

2.1. Check Device Connectivity

Test the connection on multiple devices to rule out hardware or software issues.
Ensure device drivers are updated and restart devices to resolve temporary glitches.

2.2. Perform a Speed Test

Use free tools to measure upload and download speeds.
Compare results to your subscribed internet plan to identify potential ISP issues.

2.3. Inspect Wired Connections

Check if devices connected via Ethernet experience the same problems.
If wired connections are also slow, the issue may be with your ISP or core network equipment.

2.4. Monitor Network Traffic

Use network monitoring tools to identify bandwidth hogs or unusual traffic patterns.
Look for signs of unauthorised users or devices causing congestion.

3. How a WiFi Survey Can Help

If WiFi performance issues persist, a WiFi survey can provide valuable insights.

3.1. What is a WiFi Survey?

A WiFi survey analyses network performance to identify dead spots, interference, and weak signal areas.
The results are often presented as a heatmap showing your network’s coverage.

3.2. Tools and Techniques

Tools like Ekahau and NetSpot help measure signal strength and interference levels.
These tools create a visual map of your network’s current performance.

3.3. Benefits of Professional WiFi Surveys

Professionals can provide tailored solutions, including optimal AP placement and equipment upgrades.
A survey ensures your network is designed to meet your business’s specific needs.

4. The Role of Access Point Placement

Proper access point placement is critical for ensuring strong and reliable WiFi.

4.1. Ideal AP Placement Strategies

Place access points in central, unobstructed locations for maximum coverage.
Avoid placing them near metal objects, thick walls, or in hidden areas.

4.2. Dealing with Multi-Floor Buildings

Ensure signal overlap between floors without causing interference.
Use professional tools to map signal coverage across multiple levels.

4.3. Using Additional Equipment

Consider deploying mesh networks or WiFi extenders to improve coverage.
Adding extra access points can help eliminate dead zones in large office spaces.

5. Construction Materials and Their Impact on WiFi

The materials in your office can significantly affect WiFi signal strength.

5.1. Problematic Materials

Concrete, metal, glass, and even water (e.g., in fish tanks) can disrupt WiFi signals.
Older buildings and heavily partitioned layouts may have more dead spots.

5.2. Mitigation Strategies

Use directional antennas or beamforming to focus signals in specific directions.
Deploy additional access points or extenders to bypass signal-blocking obstacles.

6. Next Steps for Businesses with Persistent WiFi Issues

If you’ve identified WiFi as the issue but haven’t resolved it, here’s what you can do:

6.1. Upgrade Hardware

Modern business-grade routers and APs offer faster speeds and better reliability.
Invest in devices that support the latest WiFi standards, such as WiFi 6.

6.2. Engage IT Professionals

If troubleshooting proves too complex, consult IT professionals for a network assessment.
Managed IT services can help ensure ongoing WiFi reliability.

6.3. Regular Maintenance

Schedule periodic reviews of your network’s performance.
Keep firmware and software updated to address emerging issues.

Conclusion

WiFi performance issues can feel like a significant obstacle, but with the right approach, they are entirely solvable. From identifying common causes to conducting WiFi surveys and making strategic upgrades, there are many ways to improve your network.

If your business is struggling with WiFi reliability, don’t wait. Contact PTS to schedule a WiFi survey or network assessment today. Reliable WiFi isn’t just a convenience—it’s a critical foundation for your business’s success.