What is the fastest way to separate an internet problem from a Wi-Fi problem?
Compare a wired test at the router with a Wi-Fi test in the problem area. If wired performance is healthy but Wi-Fi falls sharply, the carrier is probably not the primary constraint.
- Test at the same time of day
- Pause large backups and downloads
- Record download, upload, latency and jitter
- Repeat from more than one location
What usually causes poor business Wi-Fi?
Coverage, interference, channel design, overloaded access points and old client devices cause more business Wi-Fi problems than raw internet capacity.
| Symptom | Likely area to inspect |
|---|---|
| Fast near the access point, slow elsewhere | Coverage or building materials |
| Poor only during busy periods | Capacity or channel contention |
| Calls break up while walking | Roaming configuration |
| Every wired and wireless device is slow | Internet circuit or gateway |
When should a business request a wireless survey?
A survey is appropriate when coverage spans multiple floors, buildings, warehouses, outdoor areas or applications that cannot tolerate interruptions.
- Schools and campuses
- Warehouses and manufacturing
- Hospitality and guest networks
- Voice over Wi-Fi
- Outdoor operational areas