The best way to save money building an enterprise-grade WiFi network is to not buy more than your business needs for the foreseeable future. One way to spend less is to accurately estimate how much bandwidth is required. Bandwidth needs for a WAN pipe can vary widely (especially if you are enforcing bandwidth limits on your SSIDs). GNS Wireless offers this procedure to estimate your backhaul (or WAN needs) and avoid spending more than you need to.

1. Take your download/upload limits per client.
2. Multiply each figure by the number of clients you wish to support.
3. Your end results should represent the rough WAN bandwidth needed to support an ideal situation where everyone is using the maximum pipeline allocated to them.

Here’s an example: Assume that your business provides 500Kbps / 150Kbps per client on a 25-device network. This means you’ll need a pipe the size of:

1. Download: 0.5Mbps x 25 = 12.5Mbps Down
2. Upload: 0.15Mbps x 25 = 3.75Mbps Up

Remember, this formula assumes that every client will be fully using their maximum bandwidth allocation at all times, 24/7/365. This is not realistic, but will capably cover current and estimated future bandwidth needs. Remember, these are general estimates.

How Much Bandwidth Does Your Enterprise-Grade WiFi Network Require?

Comparing your business with the example above, your WiFi clients may need less bandwidth at different times throughout the workday. Also, the type of device being used also impacts the amount of required bandwidth, as well as the type of application being processed. These additional considerations should be considered to establish your true bandwidth needs, to avoid overbuying, yet still maintain a reliable network for your clients.

The last consideration, know how your office is wired. Do you have dual cable-coax business lines from your service provider or hybrid lines that include metro ethernet or similar options as well? Such units capably perform load balances from two separate pipes to endpoint devices. Know how your network is configured and you’ll avoid overspending on a single fat pipe if more affordable dual pipes will handle your peak bandwidth demands.

To learn more, contact GNS Wireless, an industry leader, at (877) 209-5152 for more information regarding the design and setup of your business’ WiFi network.

When business owners can no longer ignore intermittent slow WiFi speeds, have run a speed test, and have confirmed it is not an issue with their internet provider, then your hardware is the next place to look.

If the problem exists at most workstations, it is not likely that one computer is causing the problem at that particular workstation. Check your router next, First, perform the classic test, to unplug your router, wait ten seconds, and then plug it back in. If your router is more than four years old, it is time to upgrade it. New routers now have expanded functionality, which will make future speed issues easier to troubleshoot and to remediate.

Next, consider it may be time to fix your signal to improve your WiFi speeds. Weak signals can be caused by building materials, changes in the office layout, even breakroom appliances, cordless phones, Bluetooth, and more. Think about the recent changes to your office landscape, your building, and the surrounding environment. Another workstation bandwidth hog can be plugins and apps. These programs are so tempting to download, yet are bandwidth-robbing connection hogs. There are extensions that can resolve some of these issues and speed load times, etc.

1. Network Congestion:

   • Too many devices connected to the same WiFi network can lead to congestion. When multiple devices share the same frequency, the available bandwidth is divided among them, causing slower speeds for each device.

2. Interference:

   • Interference from other electronic devices, neighboring WiFi networks, or physical obstacles like walls can degrade the WiFi signal. Devices operating on the same frequency can interfere with each other, leading to slower speeds.

3. Distance from the Router:

   • The farther a device is from the WiFi router, the weaker the signal strength. Weaker signals result in slower data transfer rates. Consider the physical placement of the router and the device to improve signal strength.

4. WiFi Channel Interference:

   • WiFi routers operate on specific channels, and interference can occur if multiple routers in close proximity use the same channel. Switching to a less crowded channel can improve speeds.

5. Router Overload:

   • Older or less powerful routers may struggle to handle the demands of multiple devices or high-bandwidth activities. Upgrading to a more capable router can improve overall network performance.

6. Outdated Firmware:

   • Outdated router firmware can lead to performance issues. Regularly check for firmware updates and apply them to ensure that your router operates with the latest optimizations and security patches.

7. Signal Attenuation:

   • Physical obstacles such as walls, floors, and large objects can attenuate the WiFi signal. Adjust the router’s placement or consider using WiFi range extenders to improve coverage.

8. Bandwidth-Hogging Devices:

   • Some devices, such as streaming services, online gaming consoles, or file downloads, can consume a significant portion of available bandwidth, impacting the speed for other devices on the network.

9. Network Congestion Beyond Your Home:

   • If your internet service provider (ISP) is experiencing network congestion or technical issues, it can affect the overall speed of your internet connection, including WiFi speeds.

10. Malware or Virus Activity:

    • Malware or viruses on connected devices can consume network resources, leading to slower speeds. Regularly scan devices for malware and ensure they have updated security software.

11. Inadequate Security:

    • An unsecured WiFi network may be accessed by unauthorized users, leading to slower speeds due to increased device count. Ensure your WiFi network is secured with a strong password.

Ways to Maximize WiFi Speeds

Check your server. As with your router, an older DNS server may not be able to handle current usage requirements. If so, consider an upgrade. Today most businesses do not have unlimited budgets for immediate upgrades. While these prove highly cost-effective, it may not be possible to implement them immediately. In the interim, prioritize tasks and relegate low priority tasks to times when usage requirements are lighter.

The upgrades that will increase your WiFi speeds may not prove as expensive as you think. Consult with GNS Wireless. Our professionals have extensive experience assisting business owners to make the upgrades necessary to improve their networks and increase their profitability. Schedule your appointment with us at (877) 209-5152.

Up to now your enterprise network has been running smoothly, without a hitch. Now, all too frequently, there are service interruptions at certain times of day, and the reasons for these outages cannot easily be traced. If the frequency of these intervals increases, it’s time to troubleshoot the cause of the WiFi interference and remediate, to avoid losing money through lost productivity.

First, look around for any changes in the office layout. Construction materials can impact wireless communications and greatly truncate their range, and slow their speed to a crawl. Be on the lookout for new concrete, brick, and metal installations. Consider elevator doors, brick facades, even new appliances in the breakroom, which, due to their density, may be slowing your router speeds. The simplest fix here would be to reconfigure your office layout to avoid WiFi interference that may be blocking your signal.

What to Do if Your WiFi Signal is Blocked

New tenants in your building? Competing WiFi networks may be impacting your service. If so, check to see if your router has a feature that elects to automatically adjust to the least crowded WiFi channel. This way you can reclaim your fair bandwidth share. Got an older router that does not self-adjust? It could be time for an upgrade!

Again, if you have just reordered your office layout and now your file transfer and other speeds seem to have slowed considerably, it could also be WiFi interference from other electronics that are not connected to your network, yet operate on the same frequency. Consider Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, microwave ovens in the breakroom, even the TV in the conference room, which all can generate short-range interference even when they are turned off. Unplug the presumed culprits, and see if the situation does not improve. Many times, simply moving a device or appliance is all that is needed to restore service. As for cordless phones, these often have a switching capability. If you are running your Wifi service on 5GHz frequency, try moving your phones to a 2.4GHz connection.

In urban areas and office parks especially, WiFi interference can be an ongoing issue. Let the professionals at GNS Wireless assist you with upgrade recommendations to resolve many of these conflicts. Give us a call at (877) 209-5152 for a confidential consultation, today!

From time to time, every company owner takes notice that their computers or other WiFi Equipment seem slower than usual, and accept this anomaly as just the way the internet is performing that day.

Troubleshooting WiFi Equipment: Internet Transfer Speed

1. From any workstation on your LAN, open an internet browser, such as Google. Search for “free speed test website”, like www.fast.com, Select one and follow the site’s instructions for testing your internet to router speed. Expect the test to take about a minute, slightly longer if you are not using a high-speed internet connection.
2. Review the Download and Upload speeds posted.
3. Compare these actual speeds against those advertised by your internet provider. If these numbers are “in the ballpark”, you are receiving optimal output for your spend. If not, it may be time to consider an upgrade in service to process files faster.

Troubleshooting WiFi: LAN Transfer Speed

1. Starting again from any workstation on your LAN, right-click on the desktop and create a new folder.
2. Right-click the folder; this time, select “Properties”. Now, click the “Sharing” tab, select “Advanced Sharing” and check “Share this Folder.”
3. Almost done: click “Permissions”, and be sure to check “Allow” for “Everyone”. Lastly, click “OK” and select “Close.”
4. From another workstation, revisit the free speed test website you selected earlier. This time, however, download the LAN Speed Test program. This program should open automatically.
5. Locate and click on “Folder/Server IP”, then click on “Network.” Next, select the arrow to the left of the first workstation’s name to select the folder you created. Click “OK”, select “Start Test”, then “OK.” 
6. As before, this test should not take long. When finished, locate the “Writing and Reading” categories, and read the values for “Mbps.” Writing speed is how fast information is transferred on your intranet; Reading speed is how fast information may be accessed by other computers in your LAN. 

If it is frequently taking too long for your company computers to “speak” to each other, give the professionals at GNS Wireless a call. We can troubleshoot your WiFi equipment and remediate your LAN speed issues by recommending the right upgrades for your company and your budget! Give us a call today for a consultation: (877) 209-5152.

Often business owners first see the value of their wireless equipment upgrade for the office when they realize how it facilitates user options for each family member at home.

Once they upgraded to WiFi at home, there was no more jockeying for computer use. One family member could binge-watching shows on a tablet, while others were gaming or uploading photos to social media, or viewing sports in another part of the house. Installing WiFi equipment in lieu of wired, immediately enabled the use of a variety of devices throughout the home, desktops, laptops, Smartphones, tablets, streaming media such as Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and even Smart TVs.  If you are thinking about the benefits this technology will bring to your business office but have not yet grasped the fine details, GNS Wireless presents what to know before you source your WiFi equipment.

WiFi Equipment Upgrade 101

Here’s what you’ll need to know about routers. The chief difference is size, and need is determined by the speed and signal range (output) your business requires. There are two main types of wireless routers (although one is quickly outpacing the other), –802.11n and 802.11ac. 802.11ac is faster, although they are more expensive than 802.11n. There are also dual-band routers, such as Netgear’s AC1900 Wireless Gigabit Router (R7000) which supports either 802.11n and 802.11ac frequencies.  

Another consideration is the construction of the building. Signal degradation must be avoided, however, aluminum studs, insulation, glass, as well as brick and stone can create interference. Generally, for businesses that occupy more than one floor and these floors are separated into rooms, a router with a long-range and strong data throughput at a distance is recommended. Router placement is centralized so that is also a consideration.

Additional information one should know is that despite a router being designated as ‘high speed’, data only moves as fast as the slowest connection. Service providers do offer faster connections, usually up to 100mbps, which usually resolves this issue. Do you allow some clients online access? If so, an equipment upgrade with a guest network can ensure that they do not encounter security roadblocks when they sign on. Speaking of security, routers can be encrypted which is also something to think about for businesses that are in close proximity to others, especially in a congested urban setting.

GNS Wireless has extensive experience assisting business owners to upgrade their network equipment to WiFi. For solid advice as to the best WiFi equipment for your business, contact the professionals at GNS Wireless. Our staff will listen to your business requirements and recommend the best WiFi network solution to suits your requirements and your budget. Speak with us at (877) 209-5152, or submit your request via our contact form.