5 common WiFi issues and how to solve them

Here are the most common WiFi problems on small business that rely on their Internet Provider modem as the center of their network:

1. Devices not getting an IP Address

• Reason: The only wireless access point is the one built into the Internet Provider modem.  The modem has only 50 addresses on the scope and a long lease period.

2. WiFi Connected but no internet access

• Reason: The DNS services are not properly configured or the modem is already too busy servicing too many devices therefore your device will not obtain proper routes to the websites or services you are requesting.

3. Internet connects but takes long time to load

• Reason: DNS service too busy on the modem or too many devices connected and network not configured for QoS (Quality of Service)

4. Weak signal bars in certain areas of the office

• Reason: Too many wifi routers in the area; using standard channel that conflicts with other devices;  Big appliances (microwave, fridge, etc) in between the device and the WiFi access point.

5. WiFi disconnects very often:  ​

• Reason: WiFi access point located in enclosed area or connection established in a channel used by other nearby devices.

As more and more business implement BYOD "Bring your own device" they come to realize that in lack of a solid network infrastructure, it feels more like BYID "bring your internet down".  So why does this happen?

As said before, most small businesses rely only on the modem installed by the Internet Service Provider. Which could work for 1 or 2 employees but once you connect several devices (wired and wireless) the so called "business class" modem just can't handle it.
Each modem has a complex combination of different services that are normally handled by a server:

• DHCP - The service that allow each computer to have an address in a network
• DNS - The service that tells devices if they should search in the local network or go out to the internet for each request
• WiFi Access Point - The service that allows computers to connect to the network in wireless mode whether on the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band or both.
• WiFi Authentication Server - The service that encrypts the connection between the Wireless Access points and each device to keep the data transmission safe
• Firewall - Service that prevent's internet attacks from accessing the system

Now that we have identified the problem, let's talk about the solution:  at iEple, we focus on providing small and medium business with solutions that are designed to sustain large corporations but keeping the pricing affordable.

At iEple Business Computer Services
Our standard network deployment for small and medium business includes:

1. Router and Security Appliance (or firewall):  Blocks threatening connections with powerful reporting tools for security and accountability.  It can also serve as web filter, user access control and VPN for safe connections for remote employees.
2. Gigabit Managed Switches: Just like the human body needs a reliable nervous system, businesses need networking equipment that is secure, durable and ready to grow.
3. Business Class WiFi access points with automatic roaming:  Correctly located access points guarantee consistency on connections even when you are walking across the building; our access points have state of the art technology that hand over connections to the closest AP without interruption and without having to change networks manually.

Sounds like a lot of hardware but in reality some times it only requires two devices and believe it or not there are options that start in the lower $100's yet capable of fulfilling the job when professionally installed and configured.

Call us or reach out in any way you prefer and discover the benefits of having professionals with corporate and enterprise background setup your business with the latest technology at affordable prices.
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