As a specialist ISP for businesses, we understand WiFi inside and out.

Not all WiFi technologies are created equal. Amongst other things, interference can cause a great deal of problems like speed, reliability and overall connectivity.

A lot of customers refer to WiFi as the internet. Think of WiFi as the connection to your router from your wireless device:

Imagine your office is a busy city, and WiFi signals are the trains, carrying passengers (data) to and from stations. The router acts like King’s Cross; where all journeys connect, before heading out to the internet.

If there’s a problem with the WiFi signals (like delays or congestion), data struggles to reach the router smoothly. And just like some stations have better connections, different WiFi bands (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) offer varying speeds and coverage.

If your signal keeps dropping, it might be time to check for disruptions; maybe there’s interference (signal congestion, like rush-hour crowds), or your router needs a better location (akin to choosing a quicker route).

What can cause WiFi interference?

• Walkie-talkies and other radio communication devices operate on frequencies that can overlap with WiFi signals.
• Wireless keyboards, mice, headsets, and speakers all use the 2.4 GHz band, potentially causing congestion. In very busy offices or spaces with many active devices, the 2.4 GHz spectrum can become crowded, making interference more likely unless alternative frequency bands (like 5 GHz or even 6 GHz with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7) are used.
• Many office printers and scanners use WiFi or Bluetooth, which can interfere with network performance.
• Microwaves, the office microwave will emit electromagnetic waves that can interfere with WiFi, especially in the 2.4 GHz range.
• Large electrical appliances, transformers, and fluorescent lighting can create electromagnetic interference.
• Other businesses or offices nearby may have overlapping WiFi channels, causing congestion.

What are the WiFi technologies and how do we choose the best standard for the intended use?

Wi‑Fi 5 (older WiFi devices): Offers high speeds and great capacity, making it well-suited for data-intensive applications and most small office environments.

Wi‑Fi 6: (most new WiFi products): Engineered for efficiency, this standard delivers lower latency and superior performance in environments with many connected devices, such as large office spaces.

Wi‑Fi 6E: Extends Wi‑Fi 6 into the 6 GHz spectrum, reducing interference and ensuring ultra-fast, congestion-free connectivity for demanding business applications.

Wi-Fi 7: Unifies all three spectrums (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) for the ultimate in speed, versatility, and efficiency, making it ideal for the most demanding business applications and future-proofing your network.

What to consider when choosing a new WiFi solution:

• Use 6/5 GHz for faster speeds or 2.4 GHz for broader coverage (lower speeds), based on your environment.
• Place your router/access point centrally and clear of walls or metal to ensure even distribution of signals.
• Disconnect inactive devices and consider a mesh network to maintain optimal speed.
• Switch to a less crowded channel to minimize interference.
• Transition to Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 to make use of the most current technologies and hardware.
• For Omnidirectional antennas, mount centrally (often on the ceiling or a central wall) in an open area to ensure even coverage and reduce interference from physical obstructions.
• For Directional antennas, position with a clear line-of-sight toward the intended coverage area, ensuring the antenna is isolated from obstacles or other signal sources.

At Beaming, every customer who chooses us for their WiFi solution are assessed and each install is custom to suit their needs. Please enquire with our friendly support team if you are tired of your WiFi dragging your business down.