In this age of totally wireless communications, we expect our devices to run fast, and for our access to be available when we need it. In reality, this is not always the case. Slow home and office Wi-Fi complaints are ones that we hear often.
Mostly the frustration stems from not understanding what Wi-Fi is, and how it works. While wireless communications are a great convenience, they are still not a replacement for wired communications.
Wi-Fi routers and access points (A.P.s) are devices that modulate and schedule the flow of information to and from any Wi-Fi-capable electronic device (like a laptop or smartphone) to the Internet, using a specific standard or protocol called IEEE 802.11. Wi-Fi is just the trademark brand for this specific IEEE standard.
Wireless devices can only handle a certain number of concurrent communications, which is mostly dictated by how crowded the airspace is in the coverage area. A large number of clients using the same airspace and channel can quickly drag down performance. Wired networks do not suffer from the congestion problems of wireless, and will always be more reliable than Wi-Fi connections. This is why you will hear us always saying “PLUG IN IF YOU CAN”!
Wireless connectivity in your office should always be used for convenience, as directly connecting to your network at your desk will be better in virtually every instance, if not as mobile.
Below is a list of tips to understanding your wireless network issues and improving wireless speed.
Have realistic expectations - first, please have realistic expectations for wireless network performance. The theoretical maximum speeds for 802.11 Wi-Fi variants quote ideal conditions, transfers in both directions and shared between all network devices. Real-life actual downstream speeds considering protocol overhead are in the 30-40% range of theoretical maximum speeds for wireless devices. Also, please note that in data transfers, speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps), not Megabytes.
Keep routers clear of interference - most routers/modems/gateways are not well shielded against electro-magnetic interference, and they'll work better when away from any possible source of EMI/RFI. This is especially true of store-bought consumer routers, such as Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, Belkin, etc. Keep your router at least one foot away from any other routers, modems, switches, computers, monitors, power supplies, fans, cordless phones, etc.
Use uncongested wireless channels - to further reduce interference, be mindful of other wireless networks in range that may be competing on the same frequency. Many current Wi-Fi routers are pre-configured to use the same wireless channel, and it can be very congested if you are in an environment with other networks. Do a wireless survey of your area and use a channel at least 3 channels away from those used by other networks in range to avoid interference. While this is good advice, it may prove impossible in high density environments such as an office, strip mall or apartment building. A professional installer, such as CBTS will have equipment available that can help overcome this interference.
Improve signal strength - it is best if wireless access points are at an elevated point, at least one foot away from any surface that may reflect or attenuate a significant portion of the signal, such as metal/foil insulation, wire-mesh stucco on exterior walls, etc. This is less of an issue with some newer wireless routers capable of beamforming with built-in phased arrays. If your router/ap uses removable external antennas, another easy option to improve signal is simply replacing them with longer/stronger omnidirectional antennas.
Remember that it’s a two way system – simply cranking up the power on your router or access point may seem like a good fix, but remember that there is a transmitter at the other end, too. Devices such as mobile phones have weak radios and tiny integrated antennas. The weakest link in your network will always be these devices. Just because the device can “hear” to AP, that doesn’t mean the reverse is true. Also turning up the power is just amplifying the noise, and generating more problems for both you and your neighbors.
CBTS can design a wireless system that best fits your environment. Please contact us for more information and a free consultation!
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