Why your office Wi-Fi is slow, and how to fix it

When Wi-Fi is slow, the first instinct is often to call the internet provider and pay for a faster plan. In most offices we visit, the internet connection is fine. The problem is between the router and the laptop: where the equipment is, what it is competing with and how many people are sharing it.

First, find out where the slowdown is

Plug a laptop directly into the router or main network switch with a cable and run a speed test. Then run the same test over Wi-Fi next to the access point, and again at a desk where people complain. If the wired test is fast and the Wi-Fi tests get worse with distance, upgrading the internet plan will not help.

Common causes

• The router is in a closet or corner. The provider installed it where the line comes in, often behind walls, metal shelving or a server rack. Wi-Fi signals weaken quickly through walls, glass, elevators and filing cabinets.
• One device is doing too much. A single provider-supplied router trying to cover a whole office and twenty or thirty devices will struggle.
• Interference from neighbors. In multi-tenant buildings in Los Angeles, dozens of nearby networks can compete for the same channels, especially on the older 2.4 GHz band.
• Consumer mesh systems that relay wirelessly. Each wireless hop cuts available speed. Mesh works much better when units are connected with cable.
• Old devices. One very old laptop, printer or camera can slow the network for everyone connected to the same access point.
• Everyone on one network. Staff, guests, phones, TVs and smart devices all sharing one flat network adds congestion and is a security risk.

What usually fixes it

1. Use business-grade access points mounted on the ceiling, connected by network cable and powered over that same cable (PoE). Place them where people work, not where the internet line enters.
2. Plan for capacity, not just coverage. A conference room or open-plan area with many people needs its own access point even if the signal elsewhere looks strong.
3. Use the newer bands. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 equipment can use the 6 GHz band, which is far less crowded. Make sure newer laptops are actually connecting to 5 or 6 GHz.
4. Separate networks for staff, guests and devices such as cameras and TVs, using VLANs, so guests cannot see company computers.
5. Wire what does not move. Desktops, printers, phones and conference room systems are more reliable on cable and free up Wi-Fi for laptops and mobiles.
6. Keep firmware updated and replace equipment that no longer receives security updates.

When a site survey makes sense

For a larger office, a new lease or a building with thick walls, a Wi-Fi site survey measures signal strength and interference throughout the space so access points go in the right place the first time. It is usually cheaper than buying more equipment and guessing. If you are moving, plan cabling and Wi-Fi before construction finishes, while ceilings are still open.

Getting help

We design and install business networks and Wi-Fi, review business internet and connectivity and handle IT for office relocations across Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire and Ventura County.