How to Increase Wi-Fi Speed

Slow Wi-Fi is one of the most common frustrations for both homes and businesses. Video calls freeze, file transfers drag, and cloud apps become unreliable. Fortunately, improving Wi-Fi speed is usually about optimization rather than replacing everything. Here are practical ways to get faster, more stable wireless performance.

Why Wi-Fi Speed Matters for SMBs

For small and mid-sized businesses in Vancouver or elsewhere, Wi-Fi is the backbone of daily operations. Cloud backups, VoIP calls, Microsoft 365, and video conferencing all demand reliable throughput. A lagging connection can directly impact productivity and client experience.

Quick Self-Check

• Are video calls dropping or freezing during meetings?
• Do file uploads to OneDrive or Google Drive take unusually long?
• Is Wi-Fi stronger in some rooms but weak in others?
• Do employees complain about slow internet even when few are online?
• Does rebooting the router temporarily fix speed issues?

How to Test Your Internet vs Wi-Fi

Before making changes, check whether the slowdown is caused by your internet provider or just your Wi-Fi setup. Use a laptop for the most accurate test:

1. Step 1: Connect your laptop to Wi-Fi and run a speed test. Popular options include Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or search “Google speed test” in your browser.
2. Step 2: Disconnect Wi-Fi and plug the laptop directly into your modem or router using an Ethernet cable. Run the same speed test again.
3. Step 3: Compare results:
   • If both Wi-Fi and Ethernet are slow, your internet plan or provider is the bottleneck.
   • If Ethernet is fast but Wi-Fi is slow, the issue is your wireless setup. Improvements like router upgrades or adding access points can solve this.

Quick decision guide: If both connections are slow → contact your ISP. If only Wi-Fi is slow → improve your wireless network setup.

Practical Ways to Improve Wi-Fi Speed

1. Check your internet plan — Ensure your service package provides enough bandwidth for the number of users and devices in your office.
2. Upgrade your router — Older routers may not support newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6, which are much faster and handle multiple devices better.
3. Reposition your router — Place it centrally, high off the floor, and away from thick walls, metal objects, or microwaves that cause interference.
4. Add access points or mesh Wi-Fi — If Ethernet is fast but Wi-Fi is weak in certain areas, additional access points or a mesh system will improve coverage and eliminate dead zones.
5. Update or replace old devices — Laptops and mobile devices with older Wi-Fi cards (for example, Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5) may never reach full speeds. Updating drivers or replacing outdated hardware can improve performance.
6. Reduce congestion — Limit bandwidth-heavy apps (like streaming) on the business network, or configure Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize work traffic.

Tip: Always start with an Ethernet test. If wired speeds are fine, you only need to focus on your Wi-Fi setup rather than upgrading your internet plan.

How Hexafusion Helps Businesses

• Wi-Fi site surveys and heatmaps to identify weak spots in coverage.
• Deployment of enterprise-grade routers, firewalls, and mesh systems.
• 24/7 monitoring of bandwidth, interference, and device load.
• Ongoing support and upgrades for Microsoft 365, cloud services, and secure connectivity.

Book a 15-minute consult at hexafusion.com/contact or call (604) 332-1500.