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Lagging office WiFi can be incredibly frustrating. The last thing you need is for your connection to slow down right when you're about to enter a video call or upload documents for an important project.

Unfortunately, network performance issues are all too common for all business sizes. So why does your WiFi lag, and what can you do to solve the problem?

In this article, we’ll look at the most common causes of office WiFi lag and how a networking and connectivity partner can help you get your connection back up to speed.

Interference from other devices

Interference from other devices is one of the most common causes of office WiFi lag. It’s likely that your office is full of other wireless devices and signals, such as Bluetooth headsets, wireless printers, and even your neighbouring business' WiFi network. All of these signals can interfere with your connection and cause it to slow down.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce interference and improve your office WiFi performance. You can start by positioning your router in a central location, away from other wireless devices and signals. You should also make sure that your router is in a well-ventilated space and that it’s not surrounded by metal objects, which can also interfere with your signal.

Poor network configuration

Another common cause of office WiFi lag is poor network configuration. If your network hasn’t been properly configured, it can lead to slow speeds and poor performance.

When setting up your network, it’s important to make sure that you’ve chosen the right settings and that your router is configured specifically for your intended use. You also need to make sure that your devices are connecting to the correct network and that they’re using the correct security settings. Even things like your firewalls, remote desktopping, and proxies can have an impact on overall network performance across the office.

Poor network configuration is akin to a ship with a hole in its hull: no matter the fuel and supplies, it won't stay afloat. To ensure your network is optimized for speed and performance, it's best to work with a networking and connectivity partner. They can identify and fix any WiFi issues, so you can get back to work quickly—just like patching the hull of your boat to reach the shore.

Outdated network hardware

Outdated network hardware is another common cause of office WiFi lag. If your router or other hardware is old or out of date, it can cause speeds to slow down and decrease performance.

Your network and connectivity partner can help you identify the age and efficiency of your existing systems. If your network hardware is old, it’s a good idea to invest in new hardware. You should also make sure that your network is using the latest version of WiFi technology. WiFi 6 and 5 are the latest generations of wireless technology. WiFi 6 offers faster speeds, increased range, and more reliable connections than WiFi 5. Additionally, WiFi 6 is more power-efficient, reducing battery drain on connected devices, which can make a real difference in a modern office environment.

Heavy network traffic

Heavy network traffic can also cause office WiFi lag. If your network is being used by a large number of devices at the same time, it can lead to slow speeds and poor performance.

The best way to reduce heavy network traffic is to limit the number of devices connected to your network. You can also use network monitoring tools to identify and limit any devices that are using too much bandwidth. You could also increase your network capacity. You can do this by upgrading your network hardware or adding additional access points to your network.

By increasing your network capacity, you’ll be able to handle more devices and have more bandwidth available to each device. This will help reduce office WiFi lag and ensure that your connection is always up to speed.

How a Networking & Connectivity Partner Can Help

If you’re having problems with your office WiFi, a networking and connectivity partner can help. A professional partner can help you identify the cause of your office WiFi lag and provide solutions to get your connection back up to speed.

For example, they can carry out a site survey and identify potential issues that might be impacting your overall network access, like badly positioned routers, outdated hardware, and systems that aren’t configured optimally.

They’ll also be able to come up with technical drawings and solutions that should optimise your setup, giving you real insight into what they’re suggesting as a solution. Additionally, they can provide remote support, cable management, and ongoing network maintenance to help keep your network running smoothly.

Working with a networking and connectivity partner can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. You’ll be able to get your connection up to speed and get back to work as quickly as possible.

We hope we've helped you understand the most common causes of office WiFi lag and how a networking and connectivity partner can help you get your connection back up to speed. If you’re having problems with your office WiFi, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team to get your connection up and running quickly and efficiently.