Wireless networks today are among the most important tools supporting daily operations in companies and institutions, having become the foundational pillar for internal and external communication, as well as executing technology-dependent tasks such as managing projects via the cloud or holding virtual meetings.
With this increasing reliance, any weakness in network performance—whether it’s slow connectivity or frequent interruptions—poses a direct threat to productivity and the satisfaction of employees and clients alike.
Improving this performance is not merely a technical matter, but a strategic investment that ensures business continuity and keeps pace with the demands of the digital age.
In this article, we will cover the definition of improving wireless network performance, the challenges they face, and a set of tips and innovative solutions to enhance their efficiency in the workplace.
What Does Improving Wireless Network Performance Mean?
Improving network performance means taking a set of actions and adjustments to ensure the network operates at its highest possible efficiency, with the goal being:
-
Increasing connection speed: to reduce loading and waiting times during work.
-
Improving network stability: to prevent sudden interruptions that disrupt workflow.
-
Expanding coverage: to ensure the signal reaches all areas of the office without weak spots.
-
Boosting overall efficiency: to support critical applications and tasks without delay.
Challenges Facing Wireless Networks
-
Interference from other devices: Cordless phones and some other devices operate on the same frequency (2.4 GHz), causing interference.
-
Outdated equipment: Older routers or access points cannot keep up with modern requirements.
-
Poor signal distribution: Placing the router in an unsuitable location reduces coverage.
-
Congestion: Connectivity from a large number of devices drains the bandwidth.
-
Lack of security: Unprotected networks are vulnerable to unauthorized use, negatively impacting performance.
-
Physical environment: Thick walls and metal furniture obstruct signal propagation.
Tips to Improve Wireless Network Performance
-
Choose a Central Location for the Router
Place the router in the center of the space to ensure optimal signal coverage in all directions. If you’re in a building with two floors, try placing it on a high shelf on the first floor so the signal reaches the upper floor strongly.
-
Keep the Router Off the Floor
Walls, floors, and metal objects obstruct the Wi-Fi signal. Try to find a location for the router away from these obstacles to improve connection quality.
-
Replace the Router’s Antenna
The signal from most router antennas is broadcast in all directions, which may waste part of it if the router is near an outer wall. If the antenna is detachable, try replacing it with a high-gain antenna to direct the signal toward the area you need.
-
Reduce Wireless Interference
The 802.11g technology operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency, the same frequency used by devices like cordless phones and some other office equipment. To avoid interference, choose devices that operate on 5.8 GHz or 900 MHz frequencies, or use 802.11n technology, which supports the less crowded 5.0 GHz frequency.
-
Upgrade Your Device’s Network Adapter
Sometimes your device receives the signal well but struggles to send it back to the router. If you’re using a built-in network adapter, replace it with an external USB adapter equipped with an antenna to improve wireless network performance.
-
Use a Signal Booster
Signal boosters rebroadcast Wi-Fi to reach distant areas in the office. Place the booster halfway between the router and your device, but ensure you choose a good, easy-to-set-up model so it doesn’t negatively affect speed.
-
Change the Broadcast Channel
The router operates on multiple channels, and if you’re experiencing interference, access the router’s settings page (by entering the IP address in the browser) and change the channel. Your device will automatically adjust to the change.
-
Purchase Equipment from the Same Company
Using a router and adapter from the same company may improve wireless network performance, especially if you’re using wireless-G technology over long distances or in buildings with thick walls.
-
Upgrade Your Devices to 802.11n Technology
When buying new equipment, opt for wireless-N technology, which is twice as fast as wireless-G, with wider range and better stability. Although it’s compatible with older technologies (802.11a/b/g), you won’t notice a significant difference until all your devices are upgraded to this standard.
Leveraging Modern Technology to Improve Network Performance
Companies can benefit from the latest innovations to elevate wireless network performance to unprecedented levels.
For example, Wi-Fi 6 technology, now available in many modern devices, offers ultra-fast speeds up to twice what previous technologies provided, with greater capacity to handle multiple devices simultaneously, meaning offices with dozens of employees connected at once won’t suffer from slowdowns as they did before.
Additionally, this technology allows for reduced power consumption, extending device lifespan and decreasing the need for frequent maintenance. Investing in improving wireless network performance is not just a luxury option, but a strategic step that ensures the network remains adaptable to future workplace needs, whether related to an increase in users or the complexity of used applications.
Improving Network Performance Through Human Resource Management
-
Reduce Unnecessary Usage: Using the network for non-work purposes, such as streaming entertainment videos or downloading personal files, may strain the bandwidth. Companies can implement policies restricting these activities during work hours, providing a separate network for personal use if necessary, thus preserving wireless network performance for essential tasks.
-
Distribute Workload: Encouraging employees to schedule heavy tasks, like uploading large files to the cloud, during specific times such as breaks or the end of the day, reduces simultaneous pressure on the network and ensures its stability, helping organize usage and preventing the network from reaching its capacity limits during peak times.
-
Train the Team: Providing workshops to teach employees how to optimize their network usage, such as turning off Wi-Fi on unused devices or using lightweight applications, significantly enhances wireless network performance efficiency.
-
Collaborate with the IT Team: Working with information technology specialists to set priorities and allocate resources based on each department’s needs ensures balanced performance that serves everyone without bias.
Integrating Smart Monitoring Systems to Control Network Performance
-
Real-Time Performance Monitoring: Installing smart monitoring systems that track wireless network performance moment by moment enables immediate detection of any issues, such as speed drops or increased interference, with instant alerts sent to administrators for quick intervention.
-
Precisely Identify Issues: These systems use advanced techniques to pinpoint problem sources, whether faulty devices or areas with weak coverage, saving time in the diagnosis process and speeding up performance improvement.
-
Automatic Adaptation: Some systems can automatically adjust network settings based on collected data, such as changing channels or redistributing bandwidth, maintaining wireless network performance without constant manual intervention.
-
Log Recording: Keeping a log of network performance helps analyze long-term trends, allowing companies to make strategic decisions to improve infrastructure based on actual needs.
Using Access Control Systems to Enhance Network Performance
Wireless networks are heavily affected by the number of connected users, especially in open-plan offices or places frequently receiving visitors. Access control systems can be implemented to determine who can connect to the network and when.
For example, white lists containing the MAC addresses of employees’ devices only can be set up, preventing external devices from consuming resources without permission, and the system can be configured to automatically disconnect inactive devices after a set period, freeing bandwidth for active users.
Additionally, time scheduling can be used to restrict access during peak hours to essential tasks only, such as blocking social media apps during large meetings.
Conclusion
It’s clear that improving wireless network performance in the workplace is not a luxury, but a necessity to support productivity and address technical challenges that hinder business operations.
Companies can transform their networks into a powerful tool driving success by understanding the challenges and applying appropriate solutions, whether technical or organizational.