8 simple tips to improve your Wi-Fi at work

A stronger Wi-Fi signal to help smooth your workday

If your workplace Wi-Fi is slow or keep dropping out, there may be a good explanation.

Over time, technology advances and businesses grow. You might have hired more people, added more devices, changed your layout, or simply outgrown your current setup. Perhaps your modem has quietly sat in the same spot for years and now it’s time to give it some attention.

The good news? There are some simple things you can do to help boost your Wi-Fi signal and improve your business internet experience.

Here are seven easy ways to help strengthen your Wi-Fi performance.

1. Check your modem’s location

It might seem obvious, but where your modem sits can make a big difference to your Wi-Fi. Is it currently in a cupboard or under a desk? Perhaps it’s hidden behind filing cabinets. Any of these scenarios can block or weaken the signal it’s receiving to connect you to the internet.

• Consider placing it somewhere central to help the signal spread out evenly across your workspace.
• You can also place your modem up higher, such as on top of a shelf or office cupboard. This is usually better than the floor.
• Make sure it’s out in the open and avoid hiding it behind metal, glass, electrical equipment or thick walls.

For larger premises, like a café with outdoor seating or a warehouse with separate offices, a central location is even more important. You might want to consider adding a Wi-Fi booster or mesh system to help boost coverage further down the track.

2. Look out for signal blockers

Some building materials can really interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Common culprits include:

• Brick or concrete walls
• Metal sheeting (like in industrial units)
• Glass panels (especially tinted or double-glazed ones)

If you’re in a space with lots of these materials, try moving your modem to a clearer area. Or, place it near a doorway to reduce the number of walls the signal has to pass through. This can help improve your Wi-Fi signal and coverage.

3. Give your modem a quick reset

If your workplace Wi-Fi has suddenly slowed down or devices are dropping out, a simple reset can often help.

Turn your modem off at the wall, wait around 30 seconds, then turn it back on and wait a few minutes. This can clear temporary glitches and lets the modem reconnect with a fresh start. It’s a quick win that many forget about.

4. Check which devices are connected

Over time, your Wi-Fi might be supporting more devices than you realise. If your team has grown, or you’re working from home where personal devices are also connected, that can mean more devices are connecting than before.

It can help to log into your modem settings and check what devices are currently connected to your Wi-Fi. Think about disconnecting any that aren’t needed. This includes old printers or phones and even guest devices from months ago. They can all contribute to slowing down your business internet connection.

Also, look out for ‘smart’ devices that can use up bandwidth even when you’re not actively using them, such as:

• connected TVs
• security cameras
• IoT tools (like smart lights or sensors)

If your network is handling dozens of devices (like in a co-working space or retail store), managing these connections can help improve your Wi-Fi performance.

5. Consider creating a guest network

If your business Wi-Fi is used by both staff and customers (like in a café, clinic or shared office), it’s a good idea to set up a separate guest network.

This keeps your business-critical tools on one connection, and guest traffic on another.

For example, if a customer is streaming music or a movie in the waiting room, a guest network will help ensure this doesn't slow down your experience on the network that support your critical business systems - like payment systems.

You can usually do this in your modem settings. Simply create a ‘guest’ network and add a different password.

6. Pick the best Wi-Fi frequency

Most modern modems offer two Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

• 2.4 GHz covers a wider area and works better through walls.
• 5 GHz is faster over short distances and has less interference.

If you notice dropouts or weak signals in parts of your work premises, you could try switching between bands. Many devices do this automatically, but some also allow a manual choice. You should check with your provider before making any changes.

It’s also important to be clear what Wi-Fi band your devices use as this can differ between devices. For example, some IoT devices may only use the 2.4 GHz frequency.

7. Update your modem’s firmware

Just like a phone or computer, modems often need updates.

These updates can fix bugs, improve security and even boost performance. But they are often missed because modems are set-up, then forgotten about.

It helps to check the manufacturer’s website or your provider’s support tools to see whether this needs to be done manually or is performed automatically.

8. Check your cables

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the Wi-Fi. It can be the cables connecting everything behind the scenes.

• Make sure your modem is plugged in securely.
• Check there are no loose or damaged cables.
• If you’re using wall sockets or splitters, try connecting directly to the wall to test if there’s a difference.

Keep your business running smoothly

Improving your workplace Wi-Fi doesn’t always mean upgrading your plan or buying new gear. With a few checks and tweaks, you can often get better performance using what you already have.

If you’ve optimised your Wi-Fi set up and your internet still isn’t keeping up with your business needs, it might be time for a change. Perhaps it might be time to consider a new modem or router or an internet plan that’s more suited to your business needs.

Discover the signs it may be time to upgrade your business internet solution or explore how to choose the right internet plan for your business