Wi-Fi Optimisation

Whether you're streaming your favourite shows, working from home, or managing a small home-based business, a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential. In this section of our FAQs, we’re sharing some insider tips and hacks to help you get the most out of your Wi-Fi.


Sometimes, optimising your Wi-Fi can be tricky. If you’re still experiencing issues or want to ensure your setup is perfect, we’re here to help! Contact us today for a personalised consultation or a full Wi-Fi optimisation service.


When considering router placement, several obstacles can interfere with Wi-Fi signals and impact performance. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Physical Barriers

Walls and Floors
Thick walls, especially those made of concrete, brick, or metal, can significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals. Multiple walls between the router and devices will reduce signal strength. Similarly, floors can obstruct signals in multi-story homes.

Large Furniture 
Bulky furniture items like bookcases or wardrobes can block Wi-Fi signals. Avoid placing the router behind large pieces of furniture.

Mirrors and Fish Tanks
Reflective surfaces like mirrors can bounce signals in unintended directions. Fish tanks containing water can also absorb Wi-Fi signals.

Electronic Interference

Other Electronics
Devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, especially those operating on the 2.4 GHz band.

Metal Appliances
Kitchen appliances and other metal objects can reflect and disrupt Wi-Fi signals. Keep the router away from areas with many metal items.

Environmental Factors

Corner Placement
Positioning the router in a corner limits signal distribution and forces signals through more obstacles.


Video

Watch our YouTube video where Robin discusses optimal Wi-Fi placement.

Wi-Fi channels can get crowded, especially in densely populated areas. Here’s how to switch to a less congested channel:


  • Access Router Settings: Login to your router’s admin panel.
  • Check Nearby Channels: Use a Wi-Fi analyser app to identify the least crowded channel.
  • Switch Channels: Manually switch to the optimal channel to reduce interference.

Keep your Wi-Fi network secure to prevent unauthorised access, which can slow down your connection. Here’s how:


  • Change the Default SSID and Password: Use a unique, strong password.
  • Enable WPA3 Encryption: If your router supports it, WPA3 offers better security than older encryption standards.
  • Disable WPS: While convenient, WPS can be a security risk. Disable it for better protection.


Use Quality of Service (QoS) Settings


Prioritise your internet traffic for a smoother experience, especially when multiple devices are connected:


  • Access QoS Settings: Found in your router’s admin panel.
  • Set Priorities: Allocate more bandwidth to important devices or applications, like your work laptop or video conferencing software.


Extend Your Wi-Fi Range


If you have dead zones or areas with weak signals, consider these options:


  • Wi-Fi Extenders: Simple to set up and can boost your signal to hard-to-reach areas.
  • Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: A more robust solution for larger homes or offices, providing seamless coverage.
  • Powerline Adapters: Use your home’s electrical wiring to extend your network to different rooms.

Three of the key components in ensuring a high-speed stable WiFi connection are: 


  1. To ensure the correct placement of access points and repeaters.

  2. Knowing what devices you want to connect to the WiFi network and where, as well as what you are using the devices for.

  3. Ensuring the design can accommodate additional connections and can be scaled to accommodate future requirements.

Internet security is paramount. Our designs take into consideration:

  •  Secure data encryption
  •  Password protected access
  •  Separate networks for unique applications and guests
  •  Device blocking


Remote monitoring and maintenance

  • We can offer remote monitoring and off-site maintenance of your WiFi


We conduct an onsite Wi-Fi signal and placement assessment to ascertain your current signal and speed and determine what is required to ensure optimal connectivity and speed. We test both 2.4Ghz & 5GHz bands.

There are currently 2 bands of Wi-Fi available to connect to:


  • 2.4Ghz - Slower speed connections:  (Better penetration through walls and floors as well as a further transmission distance)
    Used for appliances, security IOT devices, etc.
  • 5GHz - High-speed connections: (Shorter range - poor penetration)
    Used for streaming video content

Why you should avoid creating multiple separate hot-spots, opposed to setting up a meshed network of access points.

When we are called to assess a site where a client is experiencing connectivity issues, we often find in many cases the culprits contributing to this are low-cost plug-and-play WiFi repeaters that have been installed in an attempt to extend and improve the WiFi signal to other areas of the premises. These repeaters are usually found placed at the edge of a signal radiation pattern resulting in poor data transfer. This is like trying to have a conversation in a noisy restaurant. Not great right?

Also these stand-alone plug in repeaters often generate their own hot spot or (SSID). Your device now needs to select one of a number of different hotspots available on your network.

Data and speed is further compromised when disconnecting and reconnecting to the closest hotspot. Your device also hangs on for dear life to the hotspot it is connected to (even though the signal it is connected to is low and there is a stronger signal available) until eventually it switches over. It is like walking down a passage trying to listen and hang onto the conversation happening behind the door of the room you have just passed even though the conversation behind the door you are now passing is louder.