If your devices lose their WiFi connection as you move around your premises, everyday tasks can become frustrating. Calls may disconnect, cloud applications can become difficult to use and your team may need to stop working to reconnect.
The issue may be WiFi coverage rather than your broadband connection. Here is how wireless access points, network switches and mesh connections can help.

Why does WiFi coverage vary across your premises?

Your router’s built-in WiFi may not reach every area where your team needs to work. Distance, walls, floors and other obstacles can affect the signal.
If the connection works well near your router but becomes unreliable elsewhere, check the coverage in those areas. If devices disconnect when moving between areas already served by different access points, the network configuration and the devices themselves may also need checking.
Understanding where and when the problem occurs helps you choose the right solution.

How can a wireless access point help?

A wireless access point provides WiFi coverage in the area where it is installed, allowing devices to connect to your business network.
Where practical, connect it to your router or a network switch using an Ethernet cable. This gives the access point a wired connection to the network, rather than relying on a wireless link to carry traffic back to the router.
The number and position of access points should reflect your premises and where people need to use their devices.

What if your router has no spare ports?

If your router’s network ports are already in use, a network switch can provide additional wired connections.
The switch connects to a network port on your router. Devices such as computers, printers and wireless access points can then connect to the switch.
A switch adds connection points to your network. It does not increase your broadband speed or extend WiFi coverage by itself.

Can you extend WiFi without running another cable?

If running an Ethernet cable to an additional access point is impractical, compatible access points may be able to connect wirelessly using mesh.
In this setup, one access point connects to your router or switch by cable. Another connects wirelessly to the first, extending coverage into a further area of the premises.
Placement matters. The additional access point needs to be somewhere it can still receive a strong signal from the wired access point, while providing coverage towards the area you want to reach.
Wireless mesh performance depends on the link between access points, so a wired connection is generally preferable where practical.

Should you switch off your router’s WiFi?

If dedicated access points will provide all the WiFi coverage your business needs, switching off the router’s built-in WiFi may be appropriate.
This should be checked as part of the overall setup. Access point placement and configuration need to support the devices your team uses, particularly when people move around during calls or other important tasks.

Get advice before adding equipment
Before buying extra equipment, make a note of where connections drop, which devices are affected and whether the problem happens while stationary or moving.

Speak to Beaming about the WiFi problems affecting your business. Our engineers can help you understand the issue and advise on the next steps. Get in touch