Sick of Slow WiFi at Work? Here’s How to Troubleshoot

Written by Emma Hall | 13 May 2024 9:47:15 AM

“Why Is the WiFi So Slow?!”
If you've ever screamed this at your screen while watching the little loading circle of doom, you’re not alone. WiFi issues at work can slow productivity faster than a coffee spill on Monday morning. But before you throw your router out the window, try these quick fixes.

Quick Fixes Before You Go Full Hulk

1. Check the Basics

Before you panic, double-check that all cables are secure and that your device's WiFi is on (and Airplane Mode is off!). You’d be surprised how often this works.

2. Reboot Your Router

It’s the classic “have you tried turning it off and on again?” Switch off your router, wait 30 seconds, and power it back up.

3. Check Software Settings

Sometimes firewalls or security software are the culprits. Disable them briefly to see if they’re causing the issue.

4. Boost Your Signal

If your signal’s weak, get closer to the router or try a WiFi extender.

5. Check with Your ISP

Make sure there are no outages or account issues with your Internet Service Provider.

6. Use Network Troubleshooters

Most devices have handy troubleshooters that can automatically fix network issues. Give it a whirl!

7. Change Your DNS

Updating your DNS to a public one like Google (8.8.8.8) might improve your connection.

8. Reset Network Settings

If all else fails, reset your network settings and try again.

9. Restart Your Computer
Yep, sometimes a simple reboot is all it takes!

10. Call Your ISP
When all else fails, it’s time to call in the big guns (aka, your ISP).

When It’s More Than Just a Reboot

1. Your WiFi is Painfully Slow

Problem: Pages loading slower than a snail? You’re likely dealing with overloaded devices, outdated hardware, or network congestion.

Quick Fix: Restart your router (plug it out, wait a while, plug it back in), update firmware, or reposition access points (the little box that boosts your WiFi signal). Still slow? Maybe it's time for an upgrade.

Firmware Update Steps:

1. Log In: Type your router’s IP address into your browser and log in.

2. Find Updates: Look for “Firmware” in the settings.
3.Update It: If an update is available, click to download and install it.

2. Your WiFi Disappears in Certain Areas

Problem: Your kitchen gets more WiFi action than your desk. Dead zones can occur due to poor router placement or interference from walls .

Quick Fix: Reposition the router or add a WiFi extender. If all else fails, call in Yolo Telecoms for a site survey.

3. Too Many Devices, Not Enough Bandwidth

Problem: If everyone (and their phone) is on the WiFi, speeds can grind to a halt.

Quick Fix: Set up a guest network or upgrade your bandwidth to handle the load.

Guest Network Setup Steps:

1. Log into Your Router: Open a browser, type in your router’s IP address, and log in.
2. Find Guest Network Settings: Look for the "Guest Network" option under your wireless settings.
3. Set It Up: Enable the guest network, give it a name, and set a password.
4. Limit Access: Make sure to restrict guest access to only the internet, not your main network.

4. Interference from Other Devices

Problem: That microwave in the break room could be messing with your signal. No, we're not joking. Other devices include radios, speakers, security cameras, wireless printers... Anything that may operate on the same frequency as your WiFi, leading to slower or dropped connections.

Quick Fix: Move the router away from interfering devices, or switch your network to a 5GHz frequency.

5. Outdated Hardware or Firmware

Problem: Is your WiFi gear older than your office plants? Outdated equipment often leads to sluggish speeds.

Quick Fix: Update your router’s firmware or invest in newer, business-grade hardware.

When to Call in the Pros (Ahem, Us)

If you’ve rebooted, repositioned, and refreshed but nothing’s working, it might be time to give us a shout. Yolo Telecoms will swoop in and sort out your WiFi woes faster than you can say “buffering.”

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