Business WiFi & Networks
Reliable WiFi for offices and outdoor sites.
Guide · WiFi & networks
How to fix office WiFi dead spots
Great WiFi next to the router and nothing in the back office? It's one of the most common problems we see, and it's usually fixable without replacing your broadband.
Is it your WiFi or your internet?
Start here, because the fix is completely different. Your internet connection brings the internet into the building; your WiFi spreads it around. If everything is slow even when you're standing next to the router, the problem is likely the connection. If it's fine near the router and poor elsewhere, it's a WiFi coverage problem, and faster broadband won't fix it.
Why does WiFi drop out in some rooms?
- Router position. Routers are often installed wherever the phone line comes in: a corner, a cupboard or behind a desk. That's rarely the middle of the space you need to cover.
- Building materials. Thick stone walls, concrete, metal, foil-backed insulation and glass can all block or weaken WiFi signals. Older and converted buildings are often the worst.
- Distance and floors. Every wall and floor between you and the router reduces signal.
- Interference and congestion. Neighbouring networks and too many devices on one access point slow everyone down.
- Consumer equipment. The router supplied by your broadband provider is designed for an average home, not an office full of people.
Why WiFi extenders rarely fix the problem
Plug-in extenders repeat a signal they can barely receive. They often reduce speed, create a second network name that devices cling to, and add another thing to go wrong. They can help in a home; in a business they usually move the problem rather than solve it.
What actually works
- Survey first. Find out where coverage is needed, how many people and devices use it, and what's blocking the signal.
- Use wired access points. Business access points connected back by network cable, often powered over the same cable (PoE), give strong, consistent coverage where it's needed. This is the most reliable approach.
- Mesh, when cabling isn't practical. A good mesh system is much better than extenders, and best of all when some units can be cabled.
- One network, everywhere. Properly configured access points let devices move around the building without dropping connection.
- Separate guests and staff. A guest network keeps visitors away from your business devices.
- Link other buildings properly. Workshops, outbuildings and outdoor areas can be connected with a buried cable or a point-to-point wireless link, rather than hoping the signal reaches.
That's the approach we took for Matthew Clay Architects, rebuilding the network, WiFi and firewall and separating studio and home traffic.
Need WiFi in a workshop, garden, campsite or second building? See business WiFi and networks.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
Why is my WiFi fast downstairs but slow upstairs?
WiFi weakens with distance and every wall or floor it passes through. A router on the ground floor often can't cover upper floors well. Adding a properly placed access point usually solves it.
Will faster broadband fix my WiFi dead spots?
No. Faster broadband improves the connection into the building, not how far WiFi reaches inside it. Dead spots need better WiFi coverage.
Are WiFi extenders OK for a business?
Usually not. They often reduce speed and reliability. Wired access points or a good mesh system are more dependable.
Can I get WiFi in an outbuilding or workshop?
Yes. Separate buildings are best connected with a network cable or a point-to-point wireless link, then given their own access point.
Fed up with WiFi that won't reach?
Tell us where it drops out. We'll work out why and recommend the simplest fix that will actually last.
Talk to GWB Tec