Do you have a Wi-Fi network in your New Jersey office? If so, you know that there can be some interference at times. This interference can cause all sorts of problems, including slow speeds and dropped connections. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that can help you reduce or eliminate Wi-Fi interference.
Optimize your system’s signal-to-noise ratio
A signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) is a measure that compares the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. Signal refers to the Wi-Fi signals coming from an access device such as a router, while noise refers to any interference that may hurt the quality of the signal. If your office has multiple access devices near one another, they will all act as sources of noise and affect one another’s performance.
Signal and noise are measured in decibels-milliwatts (dBm), and typically range between −30 dBm (best signal possible) and −90dBm (worst signal possible). Meanwhile, noise typically ranges from −90 dBm (typical moderate noise) to −98 dBm (almost zero noise). A realistic signal for users to have very reliable connectivity would be at −67 dBm with at least 28 dB of S/N.
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Conduct a Wi-Fi survey to determine interference
Conduct site surveys to determine if interference is an issue in your network. There are various ways to accomplish this, but they all involve walking throughout your office space to analyze network coverage areas. You can do some spot checking by actively monitoring signal levels using appropriate apps and wireless adapters while walking around.
A better option would be to request a site survey from a trusted IT services provider. Look for one that uses professional surveying tools, and make sure they provide you with heatmaps of signal, noise, and S/N overlaid on your office floor plan. This way, you’ll see at a glance the best
Wi-Fi areas in your workspace.
Reduce or eliminate interference from other Wi-Fi access points
The networks themselves are one of the most significant sources of Wi-Fi interference. If a wireless network hasn’t been properly designed and set up, the access point signals might interfere with one another. An access point radius should ideally slightly overlap with another access point radius, but too small of an overlap may lead to weak reception at the overlap area, while too much of an overlap will create interference. Reposition your access devices to find that perfect spot.
Conduct spectrum analysis to identify sources of interference
Wi-Fi surveying tools and software only scan for Wi-Fi signals and not interference on Wi-Fi bands caused by a variety of wireless gadgets including security cameras, microwaves, and radars. So, if you’re having trouble identifying the source of interference or noise using Wi-Fi survey equipment, try using a radio frequency spectrum analyzer.
The downside of spectrum analyzers is that they are pricey and may not fit the budgets of many small- or mid-sized businesses (SMBs). So check with your IT partner if they can conduct radio frequency spectrum analysis and monitoring on your network for you.
Related article: Your New Jersey business needs a managed IT services provider now more than ever
Have your IT services provider optimize your office Wi-Fi
In an ideal world, Wi-Fi analysis and improvement tools are easy to come by and don’t cost an arm and a leg to own and operate. But that simply isn’t the case. Most SMBs may not have the resources and manpower to justify investing in these tools. Aside from the costs, these tasks are complex and technical, so they really should be left to the professionals.
The best alternative to acquiring your own Wi-Fi analysis tools is by seeking assistance from a reputable managed IT services provider for Wi-Fi and network analysis. This option allows you to leverage powerful, specialized tools without making a significant dent in your budget.
Make Wi-Fi problems a thing of the past by building your network with help from Online Computers’ experienced team of IT professionals. We can help you avoid dead spots and eliminate interference to keep your network running optimally. Contact us to learn more.