When you start a home-based business, filling your office with the necessary tools and devices helps you stay efficient and productive so that you can fill orders from clients and respond to inquiries. However, your normal internet network that supplies the home may not be sufficient for the business, causing your computer to lag and buffer when you are using Wi-Fi. Below is more information about why this happens and how to improve your internet connection.

How Devices Affect Wi-Fi Speed

Having a reliable internet connection is crucial for running a successful modern business. When you first set up the system, the internet provider may have given you a router to broadcast Wi-Fi across the house. However, these models often do not provide enough support for business networks, as they don't have enough bandwidth to transfer data quickly or efficiently.

Even though you can connect many devices to a router, it is common to see a reduction in internet speed if more than 10 devices are accessing the internet at once. This occurs because all the connected electronics are vying for the same bandwidth. With each new device that you add, the available bandwidth is further reduced. For example, if you have a smart thermostat, doorbell camera, several smartphones, and multiple computers, these devices need a constant connection, resulting in delayed load times when you try to access data for the business.

When there isn’t enough available bandwidth, the connected devices have trouble performing smoothly. Eventually, some of them may experience gaps in connectivity as they take turns waiting for other devices to stop communicating with the router. This results in noticeable lagging and dropouts.

How to Increase Wi-Fi Speed

A common reason why a Wi-Fi router starts to slow down is increased activity due to numerous devices, including unknown users that have accessed the network. When you run a business, protecting your network ensures your customers and data are safe, so have a commercial network professional check your router’s security. This allows them to upgrade the system and prevent unauthorized users from accessing your connection.

A computer technician can also help to determine if your current bandwidth is enough to handle the business’s Wi-Fi demands. If your internet service isn't powerful enough, they may recommend upgrading it to ensure all devices have sufficient access. The problem could also be with your router. Many base models cannot handle the high usage or amount of data common in business, so you may need to invest in a new device to ensure proper load distribution across the network. This ensures your recreational devices do not interfere with the needs of the business.

If you need help upgrading your Wi-Fi system for your home-based business, contact Cory’s Affordable Computer Repair & Services in Ormond Beach, FL. These experienced and knowledgeable IT professionals assist with everything from efficient office wiring to Wi-Fi repair and virus removal. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (386) 202-2461 to request a quote.