Key facts
- A wired speed test tells you whether the problem is the broadband line or the Wi-Fi
- On 2.4GHz, only channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap, so neighbours' networks cause congestion
- 5GHz is faster but has shorter range and struggles more through walls
- Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 add the 6GHz band, which needs compatible devices
- ISP-supplied routers often struggle with more than a handful of busy users
- Ceiling-mounted access points cabled back to a switch outperform wireless extenders
- dijitul diagnoses office Wi-Fi at £45 an hour + VAT
Step 1: is it the broadband or the Wi-Fi?
Plug a laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. Then run the same test over Wi-Fi standing next to the router, and again at the desk where people complain.
- Wired is slow too: the broadband line or the package is the problem. Check the speed you pay for, look for faults with your provider, and see whether something is using the line, such as cloud backups, CCTV uploading footage or a large Windows update.
- Wired is fast, Wi-Fi next to the router is slow: the router's Wi-Fi or channel settings are the issue.
- Fast near the router, slow at desks: coverage. The signal is not reaching far enough.
Test at different times of day. Slowness only at 9am or after lunch points to too many devices or something syncing.
Step 2: fix placement and interference
Routers are often hidden in a comms cupboard, under a desk or behind a metal cabinet, which can cut the signal dramatically. Wi-Fi works best from a central, high position with clear air around it. Brick, concrete, foil-backed insulation, mirrors and metal shelving all block signal. Microwaves, cordless phones and some Bluetooth devices interfere with 2.4GHz.
Use a free Wi-Fi analyser app on a phone or laptop to see nearby networks. In shared buildings, the 2.4GHz band is often crowded. Only channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap, so pick the least busy of those rather than leaving it on Auto if Auto is choosing badly. On 5GHz there are many more channels and far less congestion.
Step 3: tune the router
- Update the firmware. Router updates fix performance bugs as well as security holes.
- Use 5GHz for laptops and phones. Many routers combine bands under one name; if devices cling to 2.4GHz, separating the names can help, at least for testing.
- Set channel width sensibly. On a crowded 2.4GHz band, 20MHz is usually more reliable than 40MHz.
- Put guests and smart devices on a separate network so a visitor's phone updates or a smart TV do not compete with staff.
- Check for old devices. Very old Wi-Fi devices can slow others on the same network.
- Restart on a schedule if a cheap router degrades over time, but treat that as a sign it needs replacing.
Step 4: fix coverage properly
Plug-in wireless extenders are the usual quick fix, and often make things worse: they repeat a weak signal and halve the available speed. Better options:
- Mesh systems work well in small offices and homes, especially with a cable between units.
- Business access points, mounted on the ceiling and cabled back to a switch, often powered by PoE, give the most consistent coverage. They are centrally managed and hand devices between each other as people move around.
- Ethernet to fixed desks. PCs that never move are better on a cable, which frees up Wi-Fi for laptops and phones.
If you are buying new kit, Wi-Fi 6 or newer is a sensible minimum. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 add the 6GHz band, which is very fast and uncrowded but has shorter range and needs compatible devices.
When to call dijitul
Call us if speed tests do not make the cause clear, if Wi-Fi drops Teams calls or VoIP phones, or if you have outgrown the router your broadband provider sent. We test the line and the Wi-Fi, check channels, settings and coverage, and tell you whether a settings change will do or new kit is needed. Remote diagnosis and changes are £45 an hour + VAT. Physical installs of access points and cabling are quoted upfront, and we tell you if anything needs someone on site. See Wi-Fi support, network support and broadband and router support, or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my office Wi-Fi so slow?
Common causes are a slow or congested broadband line, the router being hidden in a cupboard, crowded 2.4GHz channels in a shared building, too many devices on a basic ISP router, and weak coverage far from the router. A wired speed test is the quickest way to narrow it down.
Should I use 2.4GHz or 5GHz in the office?
Use 5GHz for laptops and phones where possible. It is faster and less crowded, but has shorter range. 2.4GHz reaches further and suits some smart devices and printers, but it is often congested in shared buildings because only channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap.
Do Wi-Fi extenders work in an office?
They can help a single weak spot, but they often halve speeds and create unreliable connections. Mesh systems or business access points cabled back to a switch give far better results for a small office. dijitul can advise which fits your building.
Why does Wi-Fi drop on Teams calls?
Calls are sensitive to brief drops and delays, so they show Wi-Fi problems that web browsing hides. Weak signal, devices switching between bands or access points, interference and a busy broadband line are the usual causes. A wired connection for regular call users helps a lot.
How much does it cost to fix office Wi-Fi?
dijitul charges £45 an hour + VAT for remote diagnosis and router or Wi-Fi configuration changes. If you need new access points, switches or cabling, the project is quoted upfront, including any on-site work, before anything is ordered or installed.
Is the router from my broadband provider good enough for a business?
For a few users it can be. As staff, phones, laptops and cloud apps grow, ISP routers often struggle with coverage and with many connections at once. A business router or separate access points usually gives more stable Wi-Fi and better control.
Related
Get it fixed
One-off fixes are £45 an hour + VAT. You'll know the likely cost before we start.