Common Small Business WiFi Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Reliable WiFi is more than just a convenience - it’s a necessity.

Good Wi-Fi is at the heart of every successful small business, whether it’s giving your team the power to collaborate effectively or ensuring customers enjoy a seamless experience. Yet, for many, Wi-Fi-related issues are a common frustration. From slow speeds to patchy coverage, these problems can lead to downtime, unhappy employees, and dissatisfied customers.

Did you know that more than 40% of small businesses feel their broadband is often unreliable? That is a staggering number, considering how central the internet is to daily operations. Thankfully, understanding the root causes of WiFi issues and implementing the right fixes can make all the difference.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at common small business WiFi problems, offer practical solutions, and explain how finding the right provider - like those available through our handy comparison tool - can set you up for success.

Why Reliable WiFi is Crucial for Small Businesses

Let’s start with the basics: why does WiFi matter so much? For small businesses, reliable WiFi is about staying competitive, improving efficiency, and keeping customers happy. Here is a closer look at the two main types of WiFi most businesses rely on: internal WiFi for operations and guest WiFi for visitors.

Internal Small Business WiFi

Offices where employees can seamlessly move from their desks to meeting rooms without losing access to essential files, emails, or applications show the importance of reliable internal WiFi. Other benefits include:

• Collaboration: Teams can collaborate on ideas using cloud-based tools or share screens during meetings without technical hiccups.

• Scalability: As your business grows, reliable WiFi ensures your systems can handle more devices, from gadgets like card machines and smartphones to additional printers and software.

However, internal WiFi isn’t always reliable. Inconsistent signal strength can disrupt workflows, and a network overloaded with too many devices can grind productivity to a halt.

Guest WiFi

For businesses that welcome customers (think cafés, salons, or clothing shops), guest WiFi is a must-have. Today’s customers expect free WiFi as part of their experience. It’s almost as essential as having a comfortable chair or good lighting. Here are some more reasons why this is so important:

• Enhancing the visitor experience: Guests appreciate being able to check emails, browse the web, or stream while waiting.

• Boosting engagement: Retail businesses can use guest WiFi login portals to collect valuable customer data for marketing.

• Professionalism: Offering WiFi shows customers that you’re a modern, forward-thinking business.

Of course, guest WiFi can come with its own set of challenges. If not configured correctly, it can be a security risk, and too many guest devices can hog bandwidth, slowing things down for everyone.

Common Small Business WiFi Problems

No one enjoys dealing with internet problems, but it helps to know what might be wrong before you can fix your Wi-Fi.

Slow Speeds

If your team is dealing with buffering during video calls or pages that take forever to load, you’re not alone; slow speeds are one of the most frequent WiFi complaints. Causes of slow internet speeds can include an outdated router that can’t handle modern internet demands or broadband speeds that don’t match your business’s needs.

Poor Coverage

Have you ever noticed that some areas of your office or shop seem to be dead zones where the WiFi just won’t reach? Poor coverage can be a major headache, especially when your team is trying to get tasks done.

If your business is struggling with poor coverage, double-check that your router is in a suitable place, as walls, furniture, and electronic devices could interfere with the signal.

A few simple tweaks can make a big difference to keep your Wi-Fi strong and your team connected.

Network Congestion

WiFi tends to slow down when everyone is online at the same time. This is especially common in businesses that share one network for employees and guests and can happen when too many devices are connected to a single network or when limited bandwidth is stretched too thin.

Security Concerns

Poor WiFi security can leave your business vulnerable to data breaches or unauthorised access. This can be down to a poorly secured guest network that exposes your internal systems or a lack of proper encryption or firewall protection. It is essential to safeguard your business from cyber attacks. Learn more in our ultimate guide to business broadband security.

How to Fix Common WiFi Issues

Don’t let unreliable WiFi hold your business back. Here is how you can make improvements, both for your team and your guests, to keep things running smoothly:

Upgrade your broadband plan: Does your current broadband meet your business demands? If not, it’s time for an upgrade. The right plan ensures your WiFi supports your team’s tools and workflows. Use our free business broadband comparison tool to find a new plan for your company.

Invest in quality hardware: Better hardware means better WiFi. Consider business-grade routers or mesh WiFi systems for stronger and more consistent coverage.

Optimise router placement: Location matters.

• Place centrally: Keep your router in the middle of your premises for even coverage.

• Avoid windows: Don’t waste signal by letting it escape outside.

• Keep it visible: Avoid cupboards or enclosed spaces that block the signal.

• Elevate it: Place your router off the floor for better reach.

• Avoid interference: Keep it away from electronics and metal objects.

Segment your network: Prioritise bandwidth where it counts by setting up VLANs or dedicating capacity to critical tools like cloud applications and video conferencing.

Optimising Guest WiFi

Offering guest WiFi is great for your customers, but it shouldn’t compromise your operations. Here is how to strike the right balance:

Set up a separate network: A dedicated guest network isolates customer traffic, keeping your internal systems secure.

Limit bandwidth for guests: Avoid slowdowns by capping the bandwidth available to guest devices.

Add a captive portal: Introduce a login page where visitors agree to terms of use. This will increase security and allow you to collect valuable opt-in customer data.

Secure your network: Use WPA3 and update passwords regularly to keep your WiFi safe.

Choosing the Right WiFi Solution

Every business has unique WiFi needs, so find the best fit for yours:

Assess your needs: Consider your team size, the number of devices in use, and peak times.

Explore your options: From full fibre broadband to mobile networks, there is a solution for every business. Take the time to research what suits you best.

Work with experts: If you’re not sure where to start, BusinessComparison can help you compare plans and find the ideal broadband for your business.

Let us Help Your Business

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