News and Insights – June 2016

Wi-Fi Performance Problems: What Argentine SMBs Can Do

In June 2016, many Argentine small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) continue to struggle with inconsistent Wi-Fi performance, especially in busy offices and retail settings. Unstable connections, dead zones, and slow speeds frustrate staff and limit productivity. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This edition explores practical ways to improve Wi-Fi reliability without overhauling your entire network.

1. Understand Your Coverage and Interference

Too often, businesses place routers where convenient, not where optimal. Assess your floor plan and identify interference sources—microwaves, metal surfaces, and neighboring networks. Consider using free Wi-Fi scanner apps to evaluate channel congestion and signal strength.

2. Upgrade Aging Equipment

Still using a router from 2011? Older models may not support modern traffic loads or newer wireless standards. Upgrading to a dual-band router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) improves performance and reduces contention. Ensure your device supports at least 802.11n or better, and plan to transition toward 802.11ac.

3. Move Beyond the Consumer Model

Many SMBs still rely on consumer-grade gear. Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi solutions offer features like band steering, load balancing, and automatic roaming. Brands like Ubiquiti, Aruba, and MikroTik have affordable models suitable for growing businesses. Don’t overspend—pick based on density and range requirements.

4. Segment Wi-Fi for Guests

If you’re letting visitors share the same Wi-Fi as your employees or POS systems, you’re asking for trouble. Use VLANs or separate SSIDs to isolate guest traffic. This keeps bandwidth available and secures internal resources.

5. Test, Adjust, Monitor

Use online tools or free apps to test signal strength throughout your workspace. Reposition access points (APs), experiment with channel settings, and monitor peak usage times. A small adjustment—like raising the AP or switching from channel 6 to 11—can yield major improvements.

Bonus: Site Survey Checklist

Not sure where to begin? Here is a site survey checklist we use to assess office Wi-Fi environments.

Struggling with poor Wi-Fi in your office or branch?
hello@virtusgroup.com.ar
virtusgroup.com.ar
0800 847 887 (VIRTUS)

Tags: Wi-Fi, Networking, SMB IT, Argentina, Coverage, Access Points, Performance, 802.11ac