Solving the Top Business Wireless Network Issues

Businesses of all shapes and sizes depend on their wireless networks to run efficiently every day. When Wi-Fi has problems, it can mean lost efficiency, productivity and ultimately revenue. According to a Gartner study, network downtime can cost companies thousands per minute. Those who rely on connected security equipment could also face security risks in the event of downtime.

As a systems integrator, we experience a number of organizations that run into wireless network or technology problems. For a company that depends on wireless internet to run, it can be both frustrating and costly to have issues with the wireless systems. This is why we want to provide the information necessary to help solve these problems. 

Below will discuss some of the top issues we run into and solutions for them. If you are in the Mid-Atlantic area and need help fixing your wireless problems then contact our team and we can help. 

Top issues and potential causes

When dealing with technology, there are a number of things that can go wrong. Equipment, human error, even building materials, can affect the effectiveness of wireless technology. Though every business and situation is different, we have found that many businesses have the following issues. 

Slow network speeds

One of the biggest frustrations with business Wi-Fi is slow speeds. When speeds are slow it makes video conferencing challenging, computer applications can freeze and overall employee productivity can plummet. 

Many businesses just live with the problem because they don’t realize it’s not just their internet provider, but that there may be solvable issues within their network.

One of the most common problems is the network’s bandwidth. When usage demands outweigh your network’s bandwidth it causes congestion. This congestion is going to cause slowed internet speeds. If your organization is dealing with slow speeds, then check the bandwidth first. 

A bandwidth problem can be solved by limiting the number of users on a network and/or by limiting how much bandwidth each user is utilizing. 

There are many things an organization can do to improve its bandwidth usage including hardwiring certain devices or upgrading equipment. 

Dead or weak internet spots

Dead zones are another wireless network problem that businesses tend to just deal with. This can be a challenge to understand especially when you have really great internet everywhere else. 

For some, it can be a matter of the Wi-Fi simply not extending far enough. There are limitations to how far a router can reach and as you get further away from that area the weaker internet connections get. 

What most organizations experience is interference or blockages. Certain technologies or materials can block signals causing dead spots on your campus. For example, a lab may have a large piece of equipment that interferes with the Wi-Fi causing a dead zone around it. Another common example we see is with older concrete buildings. Thick concrete can make it hard for wireless signals to reach as far as they normally would. 

If you are experiencing dead zones you can try moving your router or using a Wi-Fi extender. However, often times third-party assistance is needed to help identify the issues and solutions for dead zones.

Devices not connecting to the wireless network

Occasionally, businesses will discover that some devices will not connect to the wireless network even though other devices are connected. This befuddles a lot of people because why would one device work but not another?

This problem can be caused for a number of reasons including some of what was already discussed in previous sections. Dead zones, congested networks, etc. can all play a part in devices failing to connect.  Additionally, you may find that there are issues with the devices themselves and not the internet itself.

When it comes to wireless network issues there are a number of potential causes. Often, it’s best to test one solution at a time to see if you can identify what is causing the problem. There are things businesses can do internally, but professionals are available to help figure out these wireless issues. 

Solutions for network issues

If your organization is dependent upon efficient Wi-Fi to be productive then you will need to solve these wireless issues as soon as possible. Depending on the cause of the issues there are things you can do in-house and there are services provided by outside vendors that can help.

Solutions you can do

Businesses are often limited in what they can do to fix their wifi issues, but there are some things that can be tried right away. 

• Reset the Router
• Test different devices to identify if it is a device issue or network issue
• Call your ISP (internet service provider)

Businesses of course can always purchase a Wi-Fi extender or upgrade their equipment if they believe that to be the problem. However, if unsure whether this will fix the problem, you may find yourself wasting time, money and productivity. 

Unless certain of the issues, your best choice may be to hire a wireless systems expert. 

What a Systems Integrator can do

Without the technical experience, and equipment, there is only so much a business can do internally to fix their network issues. Many depend on their internal IT staff but often times it is outside of their level of expertise. So, instead of losing precious productivity, call a network installation company to identify the issues and provide solutions. Here is what they can do to help you solve the problems. 

• Survey the building or campus to find wireless signal strengths
  • They pick up every radio frequency (RF) signal to show good and interfering signals
• Review the network system design and coverage areas
• Provide a printed copy of the survey and the heat map of the floor
• Create recommendations and solutions
• Design (or redesign) network systems

A network installation specialist is going to be able to identify issues and show you evidence of bad coverage areas. With this information they will provide recommendations such as placing access points, moving certain machines, distributing antennas, etc. 

They will solve your current network issues and provide recommendations to prevent future ones.

Hiring a wireless Systems Integrator to solve wireless issues

Most organizations lack the ability to fix wireless network issues internally but that does not stop them from trying. As productivity decreases the costs of wireless network issues rise. Waiting too long to hire a professional can cost you more than you expect. If you do decide to hire a professional, here is what they will offer:

• Expertise to identify issues and solutions
• Quicker turnaround for bad network problems
• Suggestions and recommendations
• The ability to fix issues that you don’t have the equipment to fix

A wireless Systems Integrator can offer so much more than providing a stronger wifi signal. With their expertise in various cabling practices, they are able to improve high-speed data and voice communication networks. They can also properly design the wireless network so that your systems run at their most effective.  

So, if you want to optimize sound systems, security, video conferencing or anything else that has to do with data transfer through cables, then they are the best solution for the job. 

At Systcom, we help organizations get the most out of their telecommunications and network systems by designing, installing, troubleshooting and fixing their technological systems. If your wireless networks are causing you problems, then give us a call.