Fast, reliable Wi‑Fi – the foundation of a frustration‑free workplace

"Is it just me or is it lagging right now?"

You've just logged into an important video meeting. Everything's ready. Coffee, presentation, you name it. You even remembered to unmute this time. But then it starts. The usual. The video stutters, someone sounds like a robot, and the meeting host has frozen in an awkward position. From here, it's probably just a matter of time before the "Oops! Something went wrong" message appears.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. Wi-Fi issues at work are an unwelcome classic for many – and few things trigger quite as many deep sighs.

Multiple factors affect your Wi-Fi

So what actually causes Wi-Fi to fail when you need it most? The answer is that several things can impact network performance, and most problems stay hidden until they suddenly decide to wreak havoc. Here are the most common culprits:

Frequency band congestion
When many devices compete for space on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, things get crowded. The result? Slow Wi-Fi. Especially during video meetings or when everyone's downloading large files at once. It's like rush hour traffic, but for data. Think Friday afternoon and add some roadworks.

Placement and physical obstacles
A router hidden behind furniture or tucked away in a cabinet does no good. Perfect spot for dust and old office supplies no one's used since the glory days of fax machines – but not for a router.

Concrete walls, glass partitions, and metal structures aren't exactly Wi-Fi signal favorites either. They block and weaken the signal, creating so-called "dead zones" where the connection is weak or even nonexistent. This is especially common in larger offices with multiple rooms or floors. Routers perform best in open spaces – so treat it like it has claustrophobia.

Number of connected devices
Each employee often has several devices connected simultaneously. Laptop, phone, tablet – even watches connect these days. But if the network isn't designed for it, it quickly becomes overloaded. And it's not just about the number of devices, but also what they're doing. Video meetings, cloud-based systems, and large file transfers require significant bandwidth, leading to slower speeds for everyone. No one escapes, not even that really smart watch.

Disruptive devices
A single device with outdated software or incorrect configuration can create interference across the entire network. It might send out faulty signals or constantly try to reconnect, unnecessarily burdening the system. It’s like a broken bulb in an old string of Christmas lights. If you’ve been around a while, you’ll know the struggle.

Outdated network equipment
Old routers or access points that lack support for modern Wi-Fi standards are real bottlenecks. They limit speed, coverage, and security even when the rest of the network is up to date. Technology moves fast today, and old equipment unfortunately can't keep up. Don't take a Model T onto the highway. Charming, sure, but hopeless.

Give your Wi-Fi an energy boost

But what's a problem without a solution? Pretty discouraging, probably. Luckily, that’s not something we need to worry about here. Wi-Fi issues are often surprisingly easy to fix. It doesn't have to cost a fortune either, and you definitely don’t need to invest in some top‑of‑the‑line router with more antennas than employees.

A few smart adjustments, some fixes and tricks – and suddenly you've given your network new life. Here are the best tips for speeding up your Wi-Fi:

1: Placement
Make sure your router is placed as centrally as possible, if it isn’t already. Sure, routers aren't exactly eye candy and not something you'd give center stage at a fancy dining table. But think of it like a speaker: fewer obstacles, clearer sound. Place it as centrally and as high up as possible. That gives your router the best chance to deliver at its peak – literally.

2: Distribution
Distribute your company's devices across the frequency bands the router provides – 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz – depending on needs and placement. What's all this, you might be thinking with a raised eyebrow? You're probably not alone. Let's break it down.

Frequency bands are essentially the lanes your Wi‑Fi uses to reach your devices. Most routers support two bands (dual-band) and some support three, including 6 GHz (tri-band).

• 2.4 GHz – best for range, worst for speed. Ideal for printers, IoT, and devices that don't need turbo.

• 5 GHz – much faster, but shorter range. Well suited for laptops, phones, and meeting equipment.

• 6 GHz – we're talking speed here, but you'll need to sit in the router's lap. Sort of. Not quite that close maybe, but not far off. Ideal for the latest devices that demand maximum performance.

But most modern routers handle this distribution automatically using features like Band Steering or MLO (Multi-Link Operation), so you don't have to manage it yourself. The router selects the most suitable band based on each device’s needs and conditions. These features are often enabled by default, but can also be easily activated in the router’s interface or app.

So next time you're buying a router, you can show off with: 'An MLO-compatible one, please.' Yeah, how about that. You'll sound like a total tech guru! Or just ask for a router with Wi-Fi 7, that works too. Probably.

3: Inventory
Take a moment to check what’s actually connected to your router and how many devices are in use. It's easy to forget about old veterans gathering dust in a corner. These loyal soldiers are probably draining bandwidth and interfering with what really matters.

The more devices you have, the greater the strain on your network. Do a quick clean-up and disconnect anything that isn’t being used or needed. It’s also worth checking who has access. Is it only authorized users, or has the Wi-Fi become a revolving door for everything from unclear visitors to the neighbor's smart TV? A separate guest network is always a good idea – both for security and for keeping things organized.

In short: fewer freeloaders, less strain, better performance. And maybe a bit more peace of mind too.

4: Updates
All the tips in the world won’t help much if your equipment is outdated. That's the hard truth, unfortunately. Make sure your router is up to date – and the same goes for the devices you connect to it. If you're using a computer that hasn’t been updated since the turn of the millennium, it doesn’t really matter how good your router is. Things will still run painfully slow. Give both the router and your devices some love, and you’ll give your workplace and your team the best conditions to perform.

5. Reinforcement
Sometimes the office environment simply isn't ideal. What can you do. It might be large spaces, multiple rooms, or a layout seemingly designed by a medieval fortress architect. In those situations, your router may need some backup.

But before you reach for the sledgehammer to tear down a potentially load-bearing wall, at least consider installing a few mesh nodes first. With Wi-Fi mesh, you can extend your network so coverage stops behaving like overcooked spaghetti, without people upstairs involuntarily switching floors.

Mesh is a smart Wi-Fi system where multiple nodes work together, rather than relying on a single router. Each node receives and forwards data to your devices and the other nodes, creating one unified network. This means your laptop or phone always connects to the node with the strongest and most stable signal. Sounds good, right? It is. Smooth, automatic, convenient.

Frequently asked questions