Wi-Fi Site Survey

Office Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi AdviceWi-Fi DesignWi-Fi HelpWi-Fi IssuesWi-Fi ProblemsWi-Fi Site SurveyWireless Network
Why Does My Office Wi-Fi Keep Disconnecting Randomly? (Even Though the Signal Looks Strong)

We’ve all been there at some point. The signal looks strong, but the Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting. It’s an extremely common business complaint. 

Many companies immediately jump to blame their ISP – Surely it must be the broadband provider! But this isn’t necessarily the case every time a member of staff reports random disconnections. 

Our Wi-Fi engineers often find that the broadband is actually working perfectly – And the problem instead lies with the office wireless network. 

Modern businesses and offices now rely on cloud applications, Microsoft Teams, VoIP phones, VPNs and remote desktops. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?), this also means that Wi-Fi issues are exposed much quicker than they would if employees were only using the internet for browsing the web. 

Did you know that ‘strong signal’ and ‘good Wi-Fi’ are not the same thing? Well, now you do. 

This article is going to explain the most common causes of disconnecting Wi-Fi in the office and how professional Wi-Fi experts can go about diagnosing the problem.

What “Random Disconnects” Actually Look Like

What does a ‘random disconnect’ look like in real world terms in a modern office or business? Your IT Managers might be getting reports of:

  • Microsoft Teams calls freezing for a few seconds before reconnecting
  • Zoom meetings dropping unexpectedly
  • VPN connections disconnecting while working remotely
  • Cloud software logging users out unexpectedly
  • Remote Desktop sessions disconnecting
  • File uploads stopping midway through
  • Wi-Fi printing intermittently failing
  • Mobile phones switching to 4G because Wi-Fi briefly stopped responding

Of course, IT Managers might also be getting much more vague complaints that are less specific to a current issue but sound a bit like: 

  • “The internet keeps going funny.”
  • “Everything just pauses.”
  • “It’s fine most of the time.”
  • “Only happens in certain meeting rooms.”
  • “It works after I turn Wi-Fi off and back on.”

The problem with intermittent Wi-Fi faults like this is that they are often harder to identify as they don’t leave behind much evidence or any obvious problem other than “the Wi-Fi is hanging.”  

Why Signal Bars Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Your signal bars might be full, but that doesn’t automatically mean that the Wi-Fi your device is receiving is as strong. 

Imagine 5 people in the same room, all shouting. Everyone in the room can hear each other clearly, but actual communication is difficult. 

Signal strength is really only measuring how loudly the Access Point can be heard. What it doesn’t measure or show you is:

  • Congestion – Lots of devices all competing for bandwidth
  • Interference – Building infrastructure (like walls and ceilings) blocking the signal
  • Packet loss – When tiny packets of information get sent from your device but don’t reach their destination
  • Latency – How long it takes data to travel from your device to the router and back again

Wi-Fi airtime is the total amount of time wireless devices spend transmitting data over your network’s radio frequency. Because Wi-Fi is a shared medium where only one device can transmit at a time on a channel, the devices in your office must take turns. Slower devices take longer to transmit the same amount of data, consuming excessive airtime, so one older device can slow down a whole network. 

For all these reasons, a busy office network can have excellent signal, but poor performance. 

The Most Common Causes of Disconnecting Wi-Fi in an Office

Poor Wi-Fi Roaming

Devices can often cling to an Access Point for too long, instead of moving to one with a better location. This is known as a “sticky client.” This could look like a colleague walking around the office with their laptop connected to an AP at the opposite end of the building. 

Modern enterprise systems help devices to roam efficiently – But they only work if they are correctly designed and deployed. 

Poor Wi-Fi roaming can cause:

  • Delays
  • Dropped calls
  • Temporary loss of connectivity

Channel Interference

Channel Interference can happen when nearby offices use overlapping channels, or when there are multiple neighbouring Wi-Fi networks. 

Co-channel interference occurs when separate devices or networks use the identical frequency channel simultaneously. Adjacent channel interference happens when devices operate on overlapping or closely neighboring frequencies, causing signal “bleeding”. While co-channel forces devices to share airtime and wait their turn, adjacent channel is usually more disruptive as it corrupts data.

Things like the office microwave can also cause interference with Wi-Fi networks as they run on the same frequency band. 

Bluetooth congestion also causes channel interference issues. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi share the crowded 2.4 GHz unlicensed frequency band. When multiple devices attempt to transmit data on overlapping frequencies simultaneously, packet collisions occur. Devices then drop connection or slow down to retransmit lost data. Bluetooth mitigates this via Frequency Hopping, but heavy congestion in small areas causes interruptions.

Channel planning is a really important step when designing Wi-Fi networks, but is often overlooked.

Too Many Devices on One Access Point

Whilst one AP may technically be able to support many devices, performance does depend on the workload. If employees are heavily using video conferencing then this is going to consume significantly more airtime than, for example, email would. 

You may also find that employees congregating in a meeting room suddenly creates a spike in demand. Guest devices can also increase contention. 

Adding another AP might seem like the simple solution, but in order to work effectively it must be designed correctly. 

Incorrect Power Settings

An Access Point (AP) does not need to run at full transmit power because a loud, high-powered signal can cause client communication imbalances, creates overlapping interference, and ruins wireless roaming.

A lower power setting often yields better Wi-Fi performance because:

  • Two-Way Communication Balance – The receiving device needs to be able to transmit back to the AP, so if the AP is transmitting at full power and reaching a device that’s too far away to return the signal, it can cause dropped packets, high retry rates and lag.  
  • Preventing “Sticky” Clients: Devices like phones tend to latch onto the strongest Wi-Fi signal they can hear. If an AP broadcasts at full power, a client will stay connected to a distant AP even when walking right past a closer one, resulting in terrible performance and inefficient roaming.
  • Minimizing Interference: Powerful signals bleed through walls. In multi-AP environments, high power leads to overlapping coverage and Co-Channel Interference (CCI), effectively clogging up the available airtime.

So whilst IT Managers might respond to “poor Wi-Fi” by turning up the power on AP’s, that might actually cause more problems. Professional tuning helps to provide a better balance and thus, better Wi-Fi performance for the office. 

Consumer Wi-Fi in Business Environments

Many SME’s (and even some bigger companies!) think they can get away with consumer Wi-Fi with ISP-provided routers and domestic mesh systems. But these are designed for homes, not offices. 

Just sticking in a plug-in Wi-Fi extender and powerline adapter is not going to work in an office with dozens or even hundreds of users moving around throughout the day. 

An office needs business Wi-Fi, designed for a business environment. 

Firmware or Controller Issues

9 times out of 10, Wi-Fi problems come down to configuration issues. However, occasionally our Wi-Fi engineers see problems arise from:  

  • Firmware bugs
  • Failed updates
  • Incompatible client devices
  • Controller software problems
  • Hardware faults

It is very important to keep up with updates, but in a controlled manner where firmware updates are monitored and checked rather than just automatically installing every new release straight away. 

How Wi-Fi Professionals Diagnose These Office Internet Problems

How do us Wi-Fi professionals identify the problems in a troublesome office wireless network? We have a lot of tools at our disposal to diagnose Wi-Fi problems and lead network design. 

Here are some of the tools we use as Wi-Fi engineers to help fix your wireless network. 

Wi-Fi Heatmaps

Used to:

  • Measure coverage.
  • Identify dead zones.
  • Detect excessive overlap.

Spectrum Analysis

  • Finding non-Wi-Fi interference.
  • Identifying hidden RF noise.

Client Analysis

  • Looking at roaming behaviour.
  • Retry rates.
  • Disconnect events.

Packet Captures

  • Understanding authentication failures.
  • DHCP problems.
  • DNS delays.
  • Application behaviour.

Channel Planning

  • Selecting optimal channels.
  • Reducing interference.
  • Balancing utilisation.

Whilst your IT department might tell you to turn it off and on, diagnosing Wi-Fi is rarely about guessing. It relies on precise measurement and knowing what to do with that data in order to design and deploy the most efficient network possible for your business or office. 

Why Rebooting Often “Fixes” Things

It’s the age old joke, isn’t it – Just turn it off and on again! Ta-dah! It’s miraculously fixed. But is it, really? Let’s take a look at why rebooting often looks like it’s solved the problem. 

When we reboot something, or turn it off and on again, here’s what’s actually happening:

  • Temporary memory is cleared
  • Clients are disconnected and then reconnected
  • Radio utilisation is reset
  • Congestion is temporarily reduced
  • Stuck processes are cleared

In the short term, great, it seems to get things back on track. But underneath the surface…

  • Poor coverage remains
  • Interference remains
  • Incorrect design remains
  • Roaming problems remain

And that’s exactly why the problem usually returns a few days later, if not sooner!

Can You Troubleshoot It Yourself?

Sometimes your IT team will be able to fix it. Sometimes even a well-versed-in-Wi-Fi colleague will manage to get things working better. Things that members of your team can very much keep on top of are:

  • Occasionally rebooting your networking equipment
  • Carefully updating firmware
  • Considering careful placement of hardware (e.g. not putting AP’s in cupboards or above metal ceilings)
  • Separating guest traffic from the main network
  • Using a wired connection wherever it’s practical to do so
  • Not relying solely on signal bars or internet speed tests

If problems remain, then it may be time to dig a little deeper. 

  • Exactly where are issues occurring? 
  • Are particular issues happening at certain times of day?

When things don’t improve with the obvious fixes and troubleshooting ideas, then it may be time to call in the professionals to help you get to the bottom of your office Wi-Fi problem.

When It’s Time for a Professional Wi-Fi Survey

Signs that you should call the Wi-Fi experts and arrange a Wi-Fi Survey are:

  • Staff that complain every week about the Wi-Fi
  • Video meetings regularly failing
  • Phones disconnecting when moving around the office
  • Warehouse scanners losing connection
  • Barcode scanners pausing
  • VoIP calls breaking up
  • Worsening Wi-Fi as the business has grown
  • Multiple DIY fixes not helping
  • You’re moving office
  • You’re refurbishing existing premises

A Wi-Fi Survey might be viewed as an unnecessary expense, however, the price of a Wi-Fi Survey is significantly less than the hidden productivity losses caused by unreliable Wi-Fi. 

Conclusion

Reliable Wi-Fi is rarely about simply buying expensive hardware, but more about intelligent network design. 

A strong signal does not guarantee reliable performance, and there are many factors to consider when designing and deploying a wireless network for an office or business. 

Employees shouldn’t need to even think about the Wi-Fi – They should be able to simply get on with their jobs with a wireless network that supports their productivity. 

Investing in the right Wi-Fi design from the outset can save significant time and frustration in the future. 

If your office is experiencing persistent wireless issues, then please do contact our expert Wi-Fi engineers here at Geekabit to arrange an independent assessment of your network. 

FAQ Answers

Why does my Wi-Fi disconnect even when I have full signal?

Signal strength only indicates how well your device can hear the access point. It doesn’t reflect interference, congestion, packet loss or roaming issues. It’s entirely possible to have full signal while experiencing unreliable connectivity.

Can too many devices cause Wi-Fi to disconnect?

Yes. Every device shares the available wireless airtime. As more devices compete for access—particularly those using video conferencing or large file transfers—performance can suffer, leading to delays or temporary disconnections.

Why do Microsoft Teams calls keep dropping on Wi-Fi?

Video calls are sensitive to even brief interruptions. Roaming issues, interference, congestion or packet loss that go unnoticed during web browsing can quickly disrupt Teams calls, causing freezing, poor audio or dropped meetings.

Should I buy more wireless access points?

Not necessarily. More access points can improve coverage, but if they’re positioned or configured incorrectly they can actually increase interference and make performance worse. Network design is just as important as the number of access points.

Can my broadband be fine but my Wi-Fi still be the problem?

Absolutely. Many businesses have fast broadband connections but experience poor wireless performance because of interference, poor coverage, outdated equipment or incorrect configuration inside the office.

Does rebooting my Wi-Fi actually solve the issue?

Rebooting can temporarily improve performance by reconnecting devices and clearing temporary faults, but it rarely addresses the underlying cause. If problems return regularly, further investigation is usually needed.

How do professionals diagnose Wi-Fi problems?

Professional engineers use specialist tools to create coverage heatmaps, analyse radio frequency interference, review client behaviour, capture network traffic and assess channel usage. This allows them to identify the root cause rather than relying on guesswork.

What’s the difference between interference and weak signal?

Weak signal means your device struggles to hear the access point. Interference occurs when other devices or nearby networks compete for the same radio frequencies, disrupting communication even if the signal itself appears strong.

How long does a business Wi-Fi survey take?

The duration depends on the size and complexity of the premises. Small offices may take a couple of hours, while larger buildings or warehouses can require a full day or more. The survey includes detailed measurements and recommendations.

Can older laptops or phones cause Wi-Fi problems?

Older devices can struggle with modern wireless standards or remain connected to distant access points for longer than they should. While they’re not always the root cause, a mixture of old and new devices can highlight weaknesses in a poorly designed network.

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
Collaboration ToolsHybrid WorkingTeamsWi-FiWi-Fi AdviceWi-Fi DesignWi-Fi HelpWi-Fi InterferenceWi-Fi IssuesWi-Fi ProblemsWi-Fi Site SurveyWi-Fi SpeedsWireless Network
Why Your Microsoft Teams Calls Keep Breaking Up Despite Having ‘Good Wi-Fi’

The lights are green, the dashboard is clear and all signal data points to ‘Good Wi-Fi’ – Yet your IT Manager is still tearing their hair out from colleague complaints about Teams calls freezing and dropping out. 

This is frustrating from both sides – The employees and end users experiencing Wi-Fi issues and a drop in productivity, and the operations teams dealing with their complaints. 

If you’re sat in your modern London office, frustrated with: 

  • Teams calls freezing
  • Audio breaking up
  • Video lagging

But the Wi-Fi ‘looks fine,’ then it’s time to dig a little deeper. Wi-Fi performance is about so much more than signal bars. 

So what is the actual problem? Why can the quality of Teams calls be so poor when the Wi-Fi signal strength appears strong?

Why Wi-Fi Signal Strength Doesn’t Tell The Whole Story

Most people judge Wi-Fi by the bars on their device. Hey, we’re not judging, it’s a logical place to start. However, a strong Wi-Fi signal does not necessarily guarantee good performance. 

There are a few things that can impact Wi-Fi performance that wouldn’t show up on how strong the signal bars are. These include:

Latency 

Wi-Fi latency is the delay (measured in milliseconds or “ms”) it takes for data to travel from your device (e.g. smartphone or laptop) over the wireless network to a router, reach its destination on the internet, and return. 

It dictates your connection’s responsiveness, rather than its overall data capacity. This is different to speed or bandwidth which says how much data you can upload or download. 

Latency is the real time reaction, and what causes a lag – For example, a delay in a Teams call. Latency is the time it takes for a ‘packet’ of data to make the round trip from and back to your device. 

Packet Loss

Wi-Fi packet loss occurs when small packets of data traveling over a wireless network fail to reach their destination. 

Data travel over Wi-Fi is vulnerable to disruptions. Packet loss is when instead of arriving smoothly, the missing data drops, causing noticeable issues like lag or glitchy audio on Teams calls.

Interference

The disruptions to a data packet’s journey can be caused by a number of different types of interference. These include:

  • Physical and Structural Obstructions such as walls, metal furniture, and floors. These can degrade wireless signals, making data struggle to reach your device. 
  • Wireless Interference: Other electronics such as microwaves and Bluetooth devices operate on similar radio frequencies which can distort your Wi-Fi signal.
  • Network Congestion: This is when too many devices are attempting to use the Wi-Fi at the same time. This can overload the router, causing it to drop packets in order to try to manage the traffic. 
  • Channel Overlap: Neighbouring networks in busy modern London offices can overlap with your own Wi-Fi channel, which can cause corruption to data packets or lead to them dropping altogether. 
  • Outdated Hardware: Older routers or network drivers can struggle to process large volumes of data, causing Teams calls to lag or drop. 

Congestion

Wi-Fi congestion happens when too many devices try to share the same wireless network, saturating the available bandwidth. This bottleneck causes: 

  • Slow loading times
  • Buffering video
  • Lag 

It is driven by excessive data demand, high device density, or overlapping radio frequencies. These are commonplace in busy environments like modern London offices, hence why Teams calls can freeze or drop even when the Wi-Fi appears to be working. 

Why Teams Calls Are More Demanding Than Other Applications

There are ways of using Wi-Fi that are more taxing than others. Things like browsing websites and checking email are forgiving and allow multiple users to use the Wi-Fi effectively at the same time. 

Teams calls, however, require continuous real time communication and low latency as we mentioned above. Even the smallest interruptions or disruption can cause:

  • Frozen video
  • Poor audio
  • Dropped calls

Now picture modern hybrid working environments that we are seeing more and more of in businesses. These flexible working models where employees can split their time between the office and remote working mean more Teams calls and online meetings between colleagues. 

This has the potential to put a real strain on office wireless networks that were previously only used for web browsing and checking emails, and is a real problem for IT Managers and Operations Teams to have to deal with. 

So what are the root causes of Teams call problems in terms of Wi-Fi specifics. 

Common Causes Of Teams Call Problems In London Offices

For IT Managers and Operations Teams it can be really tricky to identify the root cause of Teams calls dropping out, when on the surface the Wi-Fi looks okay. Here are some common causes that would be a good place to start. 

Wireless Congestion

Wi-Fi congestion happens when too many devices try to share the same wireless network, saturating the available bandwidth. It also happens when numerous neighbouring Wi-Fi networks compete for airtime.

This is a particularly common problem in multi-tenant office buildings which are frequently found in London City and Canary Wharf as well as other busy city centres. 

Poor Access Point Placement

When our Wi-Fi engineers are called out, we unfortunately see a lot of cases where Access Points have been installed in convenient locations instead of where they are actually needed.

This includes certain locations being frequently overlooked, such as meeting rooms for example. 

They key is to get a good balance between Coverage and Capacity. Coverage is the reach of your Wi-Fi signal (how far it goes), whereas Capacity is how well the network handles multiple connected devices and heavy data usage simultaneously without slowing down.

The goal with Coverage is to eliminate any dead zones and prevent dropping out, whilst with Capacity you want to support the amount of devices trying to connect and the data throughput. 

Roaming Issues

In an ideal world, your colleague would sit at their desk and connect to a Teams call through their laptop for the duration of the online meeting. 

In the real world, your colleague connects to the Teams call on their phone and then wanders down to the staff kitchen to make a coffee, then pops to another colleagues office to pick up that file they need for the call, and then makes their way back to their desk. 

Whilst on the move like this, their device is constantly switching between Access Points, leaving scope for call interruptions. Poor roaming capabilities will lead to Teams calls lagging or dropping out. And that means frustration for them, and subsequently you as their IT Manager. 

Too Many Connected Devices

Before hybrid working environments, modern offices tended to have computers for each staff member which were connected to the internet via a wired connection like Ethernet cables. Sure, there was the off hot desk, but even these were likely to have an Ethernet cable ready tp plug in instead of Wi-Fi. 

Now, London offices are full of hot desks. Desktop computers are less common, replaced by staff members having a laptop which they can connect via the Wi-Fi wherever they are sat down. 

Now add to this a smartphone for each member of staff, plus a tablet, smartwatch and other devices. 

Our offices now contain far more wireless devices than ever before, from individual user devices to meeting room equipment and IoT devices. 

This skews the capacity vs coverage issue more towards capacity – Office Wi-Fi has to be able to support the necessary concurrent devices while preventing lag, high ping or dropped packets in high density areas (effectively reducing problems with Teams calls). 

Legacy Network Design

Office environments have changed and so have the wireless network requirements. As a network has grown organically over time, the tendency (from our Wi-Fi engineers experience) has been for IT Managers and Operations Teams to add additional Access Points to try and increase coverage. However, without the overall design strategy to match this organic growth, the infrastructure tends to struggle and this is where we see issues with modern collaboration tools like Teams. 

Why Wi-Fi Speed Tests Can Be Misleading

As an IT Manager contending with Teams calls problems in the workplace, you might start by looking at a Wi-Fi speed test. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi speed tests can be rather misleading. You might see that internet speeds are good, so assume all must be well with the Wi-Fi and the Teams calls dropping has to be due to something else. 

Unfortunately, internet speed tests can often mislead people into thinking there isn’t a problem. Wi-Fi speed tests measure throughput, but not user experience. Here are a few reasons why Wi-Fi speed tests don’t show the whole picture. 

Roaming

Wi-Fi speed tests don’t give you an indication of roaming performance. How well are users moving around the office whilst connected? Are the Access Points placed due to need and traffic? Are Teams calls dropping out in a particular place in the office? Do user devices effectively move from AP to AP or do they get stuck? These questions are not answered by a speed test. 

Packet Loss

Are things like building infrastructure (walls, floors) interfering with data packets reaching their destination? Is disruption to data packets journeys causing Teams calls to freeze or drop? What is causing these disruptions? Wi-Fi speed tests aren’t going to answer these questions for you unfortunately. 

Wireless Contention

Are neighbouring networks overlapping with your Wi-Fi channel? Are too many devices attempting to connect at any one time? The speed of your network might look great on the dashboards, but is the capacity there to meet the needs of your users? Can your network handle multiple Teams calls at the same time?

Real Time Application Performance

Teams calls require real time communication – No loss of data packets, no latency, no lag. They need the Wi-Fi speed, yes, but they also need the capacity and lack of interference to be there to avoid freezing, lagging, poor audio and dropping out altogether. 

For all these reasons, it’s very possible for your network to achieve excellent Wi-Fi speeds but still perform poorly on Teams calls. 

How Businesses Should Diagnose The Problem of Bad Teams Calls on ‘Good Wi-Fi’

If IT Managers and Operations Teams want to avoid the headache of poor Teams calls on a Wi-Fi network that appears to be ‘good’ then the first thing they need to do is stop guessing. 

That might look like calling in the Wi-Fi experts, like our team of Wi-Fi engineers here at Geekabit. The aim is always to understand how people are actually using your network, and then design and deploy the best network to meet those needs. 

Professional Wi-Fi Site Surveys

Wi-Fi Site Surveys  and Network Assessments are a key tool in analysing the performance of your network, helping to diagnose your Wi-Fi problems (even when things look good on a surface level). They also help measure our success when fixing your Wi-Fi issues. 

A Wi-Fi site survey is the most effective way to design, troubleshoot, or optimise a wireless network for homes, offices, warehouses, schools, and commercial environments.

Our expert Wi-Fi engineers work out of London, the city and Canary Wharf (as well as Hampshire and Cardiff). An on-site survey always provides the most accurate results, however for circumstances where this is not possible, we also offer predictive Wi-Fi site surveys using industry-standard modelling software.

You can find out more about our Wi-Fi Site Surveys here. 

Interference Analysis

Interference Analysis is the process of identifying and evaluating unwanted Radio Frequency (RF) signals that degrade wireless network performance. It helps pinpoint sources of slow speeds, high latency or dropped connections that could cause Teams calls to lag or drop, such as:

  • Neighbouring networks
  • Bluetooth devices
  • Microwaves

This knowledge allows for targeted network optimisation resulting in keeping those Teams calls connected and stable. 

Wi-Fi Capacity Planning

Analysing the Wi-Fi Site Survey, spectrum and client behaviour mean that our expert Wi-Fi engineers can effectively plan for your Wi-Fi capacity, making sure your wireless network fits your bespoke office needs. 

Wi-Fi capacity planning is the process of designing a wireless network to support the concurrent demands of users, devices, and applications, rather than just ensuring basic signal reach. It calculates the network’s ability to handle traffic without congestion, ensuring seamless performance even during peak usage. 

A robust capacity plan goes beyond simple coverage and translates real-world traffic demands into specific hardware and configuration requirements. This also means that those Teams calls will stop lagging and dropping out. 

Why Your Microsoft Teams Calls Keep Breaking Up Despite Having ‘Good Wi-Fi’

Remember that having good Wi-Fi signal strength (or speed) does not necessarily mean ‘good Wi-Fi’.

Modern London offices and hybrid working environments mean that modern collaboration tools like Teams have placed new demands on office networks. These new demands require in-depth analysis to ensure your network is supporting your users and thus your business. 

The main focus for IT Managers and Operations Teams needs to be on user experience rather than just Wi-Fi speed and signal strength. There can be a lot more going on beneath the surface of ‘Good Wi-Fi.’

If you or your colleagues are struggling with Teams calls freezing or dropping out, despite your Wi-Fi dashboard suggesting all is fine then it’s time to call in the experts. Our Wi-Fi engineers here at Geekabit can help guide you with Wi-Fi troubleshooting, Wi-Fi Surveys and network optimisation. 

Skip the Teams call and get in touch with our friendly team here instead. 

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
Wi-FiWi-Fi AdviceWi-Fi HelpWi-Fi IssuesWi-Fi ProblemsWi-Fi Site SurveyWi-Fi Speed TestWi-Fi SpeedsWireless Network
“Why is my office Wi-Fi slow when internet speed tests are fine?”

As an IT Manager or Director, you’d probably expect a Wi-Fi failure to look catastrophically obvious. Like sirens wailing and offline-related casualties strewn throughout the office. 

But most Wi-Fi failures don’t look like failures. Office Wi-Fi problems in London can really fly under the radar.

  • Access points? Online
  • Internet connection – Fast
  • No major outages on monitoring tools

And yet, your Teams calls drop, Zoom freezes and perhaps most importantly – Staff are complaining about slow Wi-Fi on a daily basis. What is going on? 

It’s at this point most of our clients contact us for help. Persistent Wi-Fi problems when the obvious vital signs look okay are one of the most common reasons organisations in London contact Geekabit for a Wi-Fi survey or investigation into the cause of the problem. 

“What is wrong with my office Wi-Fi? Everything Looks Fine!”

When your colleagues or staff members are constantly complaining about the office Wi-Fi it’s no fun for IT Managers at all. Especially when the IT Team are seeing:

  • Strong signal strength
  • Healthy internet bandwidth
  • No hardware faults
  • No ISP issues

On the surface, everything looks like the Wi-Fi should be performing well. But in reality, you’ve got users experiencing:

  • Poor Microsoft Teams calls
  • Random disconnects
  • Slow Wi-Fi roaming between areas
  • Applications pausing unexpectedly
  • Complaints concentrated in specific locations

So what is actually going on in these woeful Wi-Fi scenarios?

Five Hidden Causes of Poor Office Wi-Fi

1. Too Many Devices Sharing Airtime

Modern London offices tend to have:

  • Users with multiple devices all connected to the office Wi-Fi including Laptops, Smartphones and Tablets
  • Meeting room systems
  • Wireless displays
  • IoT devices

Imagine all of these devices and systems all trying to connect to the office Wi-Fi at the same time. The problem is often contention rather than coverage. Hence why the Wi-Fi monitoring systems and the user experience can differ so much. 

2. Co-Channel Interference

Many busy London offices and modern office buildings accidentally create their own interference.

Typical causes of Wi-Fi interference in office environments include:

  • Too many access points
  • Poor channel planning
  • Legacy configurations
  • Neighbouring office networks

3. Office Roaming

In many office environments, users can be constantly on the move. Replying to emails whilst making a coffee. Checking files on the network from meetings. Roaming from floor to floor meeting with colleagues. Connecting to a Teams meeting on your way back to your desk. 

Wi-Fi problems like Teams calls dropping whilst roaming can be due to:

  • Devices sticking to distant APs instead of moving with the user and connecting to the nearest 
  • Poor handoffs between floors

4. Meeting Room Wi-Fi Congestion

One meeting room can generate more demand than an entire office area. Now imagine multiple meeting rooms all trying to function at the same time.

Common symptoms of meeting room Wi-Fi congestion can be:

  • Teams issues
  • Wireless presentation failures
  • Slow guest access

5. The Building Itself

Many of our clients are London-based. Offices in the capital often have specific challenges to overcome when it comes to identifying hidden causes of Wi-Fi problems at work. 

London offices tend to consist of many potential network disruptors, including:

  • Multi-floor buildings
  • Dense neighbouring Wi-Fi networks
  • Glass partitions
  • Concrete cores
  • Users who hot-desk (and flexible working)
  • High user density in relatively small spaces

The signal bars on your monitoring systems aren’t telling IT Managers the whole story. 

Why Speed Tests Often Mislead

As an IT Manager, you might look at a speed test and see that internet speeds are good, so assume all must be well with the Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, internet speed tests can often mislead people into thinking there isn’t a problem. Here are a few reasons why Wi-Fi speed tests don’t show the whole picture. 

Internet speed ≠ Wi-Fi Performance

You might also be asking why is my internet speed, but my Wi-Fi still slow? It’s because the internet speed shown in a speed test is only the capacity of the wired connection – That is the speed of the internet coming into your office via fibre or cable. The Wi-Fi performance depends on what happens to the internet after it enters your office and goes through your router – How the Wi-Fi performs depends on the local, wireless distribution of that initial speed. 

So the speed might look fine, but how the wireless signal is distributed could be affected by:

  • Physical interference (e.g. building materials)
  • The distance the signal is travelling (are there enough AP’s and are they deployed in the right places?)
  • Hardware limitations (is the hardware up to date and still in good working order?)
  • Having to share with lots of other devices (which might be older and slower)

These things can all degrade the speed that is delivered to your devices. Your network is only as fast as your slowest link, regardless of the speed coming into your building. 

“Why am I not getting the 1Gb connection I pay for?”

You may be paying for 1Gb internet, but that may not be translating into user experience. 

This goes back to what we said above – Your network is only as fast as your slowest link. So you might well be getting 1Gb internet speeds into your building, but what is happening after the wireless signal is distributed by your router? 

There is little point in paying for 1Gb internet speeds if you don’t have the hardware capabilities to match it. It’s important that your router and AP’s have the capabilities to effectively transmit that Wi-Fi signal and speed. Older phones, laptops, tablets and other devices that use older wireless standards are also going to cap your maximum speed lower than what you’re paying for. 

What matters more than raw bandwidth when it comes to internet speeds? 

Whilst bandwidth is important, there are other factors at play when it comes to how fast an internet connection feels. 

Bandwidth is the capacity to move a high volume of data. How fast and responsively that data is delivered is influenced by:

  • Latency
  • Airtime
  • Roaming

There are many interactive applications that only need a little bandwidth, but demand instant, unhindered transmission in order to feel fast.

How Can Wi-Fi Speed Problems Be Investigated? 

Here at Geekabit, our expert  Wi-Fi engineers have a number of tools at their disposal in order to help investigate Wi-Fi problems and identify solutions.

Spectrum Analysis for Wi-Fi 

Wi-Fi spectrum analysis is the process of scanning and visualizing the invisible radio frequencies (RF) used by your wireless network. It helps network administrators, IT Managers and our expert Wi-Fi engineers to identify, locate, and mitigate interference from both Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi devices. This allows us to optimize network channels and improve speeds.

Why might spectrum analysis be necessary? The frequency bands used by Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) are unlicensed, meaning anyone can transmit signals there. While standard network scanners only see other routers, a spectrum analyzer sees all the energy in the air. This can then help inform decisions about Wi-Fi deployment in order to minimise interference. 

Wi-Fi Client Behaviour Analysis

Wi-Fi client behaviour analysis evaluates how connected devices (clients) interact with a wireless network or how people move through a physical space using their devices. 

It can be split into two main categories: Business Analytics (consumer tracking, i.e. seeing how a customer moves through a retail space) and Network Troubleshooting (looking at the technical performance in a workspace). 

Network troubleshooting is going to be most helpful in an office environment, enabling Network Administrators and IT Managers to understand device performance throughout the office, identify problem areas and thus improve network health and performance.

Client Behaviour Analysis in Network Troubleshooting would likely look at:

  • Roaming behaviour – How are devices transitioning between Access Points? Are there any ‘sticky’ clients that refuse to disconnect from weak, distant AP’s? Are there any dead spots?
  • Device capabilities – Are there any legacy devices that are slowing things down? Which clients support modern protocols (which Wi-Fi standard or frequency band are they utilising?)

Professional Wi-Fi Site Surveys

Wi-Fi Site Surveys are a key tool in analysing the performance of your network, helping to diagnose your Wi-Fi problems as well as measure our success fixing your Wi-Fi issues. 

A Wi-Fi site survey is the most effective way to design, troubleshoot, or optimise a wireless network for homes, offices, warehouses, schools, and commercial environments.

Our expert Wi-Fi engineers work out of London, Hampshire and Cardiff. An on-site survey always provides the most accurate results, however for circumstances where this is not possible, we also offer predictive Wi-Fi site surveys using industry-standard modelling software.

You can find out more about our Wi-Fi Site Surveys here. 

Wi-Fi Capacity Planning

Analysing the Wi-Fi Site Survey, spectrum and client behaviour mean that our expert Wi-Fi engineers can effectively plan for your Wi-Fi capacity, making sure your wireless network fits your bespoke office needs. 

Wi-Fi capacity planning is the process of designing a wireless network to support the concurrent demands of users, devices, and applications, rather than just ensuring basic signal reach. It calculates the network’s ability to handle traffic without congestion, ensuring seamless performance even during peak usage. 

A robust capacity plan goes beyond simple coverage and translates real-world traffic demands into specific hardware and configuration requirements. 

“Why does my office Wi-Fi look fine but still feel slow?”

In conclusion, the biggest Wi-Fi problems are often invisible.

If users in your office or workspace  are complaining about slow Wi-Fi despite healthy-looking dashboards, the issue may not be with your internet connection, access points or ISP.

As we’ve outlined above, it may be the way the wireless environment behaves in the real world. And this can be affected by various factors. 

If you have tried everything you can think of to improve your slow office Wi-Fi but things still aren’t improving, then call in the experts. Geekabit helps organisations across Central London, Canary Wharf and the City identify and solve complex Wi-Fi problems through professional site surveys, troubleshooting and wireless network optimisation. Get in touch with our friendly team today.

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
Business Wi-FiLondonOffice Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi DesignWi-Fi HelpWi-Fi IssuesWi-Fi ProblemsWi-Fi Site Survey
When New Wi-Fi Equipment Doesn’t Fix the Problem: Why London Businesses Need a Professional Wi-Fi Site Survey

Does your business struggle with poor Wi-Fi? Are your employees or colleagues always complaining about slow internet? Weak, unreliable Wi-Fi isn’t conducive to a productive and operational working environment. 

No one wants to be fielding Wi-Fi woes if you’re a busy London IT Director or Manager.

You might think that just adding an extra Access Point in might work. And maybe it does for a little while – But realistically, the underlying Wi-Fi issue remains and will resurface. 

Here at Geekabit, we see this problem a lot, especially in our London clients where office layouts, building materials and occupancy have changed significantly. 

But what it’s important to realise is that actually, it’s not always a hardware problem. Hence why another AP doesn’t fix the problem! Wi-Fi problems frequently come down to design problems. And that’s where a Wi-Fi Site Survey comes in. 

Signs You May Need a Wi-Fi Site Survey

There are a fair few telltale signs that there could be design problems with your business Wi-Fi network. These might include:

  • Teams and Zoom calls breaking up
  • Complaints concentrated in specific areas
  • Users disconnecting when moving around the office
  • Slow performance despite strong signal bars
  • New access points added with little improvement
  • Wi-Fi working at quiet times but struggles when the office is busy

These issues might have slowly grown with the business – Perhaps from a steady increase in employees and growing number of devices connected at one time. 

You may have also recently had an office refurbishment or reconfiguration, which could have shown up previously undetected dead spots or caused interference. 

A Wi-Fi Survey can help figure out where the problems are and what you can do to fix them. 

Why Throwing More Wi-Fi Equipment at the Problem Often Fails

As we mentioned above, many businesses think that deploying more hardware will fix any Wi-Fi issues. Sometimes these mask the underlying problem for a while, but unfortunately the issues will always come back. 

Some reasons why introducing more Wi-Fi hardware to a struggling network doesn’t always work:

  • Too many access points can create interference
  • Signal strength is only one part of the picture
  • Channel planning is often overlooked
  • Roaming settings may be incorrect

Modern Wi-Fi requires proper design, not guesswork. A Wi-Fi expert, like our engineers at Geekabit, can carry out a full Wi-Fi Site Survey so that networks are designed to suit the office.  

Unfortunately, we’ve seen organisations invest thousands of pounds in new Wi-Fi hardware, only to discover the issue was poor RF design rather than ageing equipment.

So before investing in new Wi-Fi hardware, consider carrying out a Wi-Fi Site Survey first, to check there are no underlying network design problems. 

What does a Professional Wi-Fi Survey show?

Wi-Fi Site Surveys are a key tool in analysing the performance of your network, helping to diagnose your Wi-Fi problems and measure our success fixing your Wi-Fi issues.

A Wi-Fi Site Survey from Geekabit will show:

  • Gaps in coverage
  • Co-channel interference
  • Roaming issues
  • Capacity bottlenecks
  • Impact of building materials
  • Channel utilisation
  • Problems with Access Point placement 
  • Future expansion requirements

A Wi-Fi site survey is the most effective way to design, troubleshoot, or optimise a wireless network for homes, offices, warehouses, schools, and commercial environments.

Our expert Wi-Fi engineers work out of London, Hampshire and Cardiff. An on-site survey always provides the most accurate results, however for circumstances where this is not possible, we also offer predictive Wi-Fi site surveys using industry-standard modelling software.

You can find out more here. 

Why London Offices Present Unique Challenges

Many of our clients are London-based. Offices in the capital often have specific challenges to overcome when it comes to managing their wireless network. 

London offices tend to consist of many potential network disruptors, including:

  • Multi-floor buildings
  • Dense neighbouring Wi-Fi networks
  • Glass partitions
  • Concrete cores
  • Users who hot-desk (and flexible working)
  • High user density in relatively small spaces

Whilst these do present challenges in London based offices, it is possible to overcome these Wi-Fi problems for your city-centre business network. 

When to Bring in a Wi-Fi Specialist

When there’s something strange, and the network’s not good – Who you gonna call?

It’s never too late to bring in an expert Wi-Fi engineer if your business network is struggling. But there are times you can proactively avoid network disruption by bringing in a Wi-Fi professional. If you’re a Facilities Manager or Office Manager, then your team will thank you for calling in the experts:

  • Before an office move
  • Before a refurbishment

By consulting a Wi-Fi expert before an office move or refurbishment, you can get ahead and plan using a Wi-Fi Site Survey to lead your hardware placement to meet the needs of the business. This helps to avoid the potential problems that stem from user crowding, dead spots and interference. 

Other times it might be time to call the cavalry and get the Wi-Fi experts in is when users are complaining about the Wi-Fi without there being an obvious cause. 

You might have tried to fix the problem yourself, but are facing failed attempts. There’s no shame in calling in a Wi-Fi professional – It’s literally our job to find the problem with your business Wi-Fi and fix it. Sometimes internal teams need a bit of independent expertise. 

Who you gonna call? You can call Geekabit and speak to one of our friendly Wi-Fi engineers.

Time to Ask for Wi-Fi Help?

If your business has already invested time and money into resolving Wi-Fi issues without success, an independent Wi-Fi Site Survey can quickly identify the real cause. 

When the obvious fixes haven’t worked, call in the experts. If you’re Head of IT or Infrastructure then you’ll know how vital it is to get this right.

Geekabit works with businesses across Central London, Canary Wharf and the City, providing specialist Wi-Fi expertise, expert wireless analysis and practical recommendations that IT teams can trust.

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
BroadbandBroadband SpeedBusiness Broadband SpeedsBusiness Wi-FiEvent Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi DesignWi-Fi InstallationWi-Fi IssuesWi-Fi ProblemsWi-Fi Site SurveyWi-Fi Speed Test
Broadband Verification Scheme Launched by Ookla

Have you ever arrived at a conference, sporting event or hotel only to be greeted by a frustratingly slow internet connection? Whether you are trying to access work emails, share a clip of an amazing goal or just laze in your room binge watching your favourite show on your smartphone, we’ve all felt that frustration at a sinfully slow connection. 

If only you could check a venue’s connection quality before you book…

Ookla, a network testing business which collects consumer data through their popular broadband testing service Speedtest.net, launched a new Speedtest Certified™ scheme last week. 

The thinking behind this new scheme is to be able to offer people and businesses verification on ‘superior connectivity.’ Think places like hotels, stadiums, event venues, office buildings, and airports. 

As a consumer, you want to know these venues are going to be able to offer an excellent connection while you are visiting. As a business, you want to be able to offer verification of that excellent connection before they’ve even arrived. 

How Can You Prove to Customers that Your Business Offers Superior Connectivity?

As a business owner, you may be one of the many properties identified by Ookla who are keen to prove their connectivity to their potential customers, demonstrating their readiness to meet everyone’s connectivity expectations and needs. 

This new service from Ookla, Speedtest Certified™, is designed to give businesses the proof they need.

The newly launched program aims to provide a “trusted badge of excellence“ to venues like hotels, stadiums, airports, event venues and office buildings. Based on Ookla’s globally recognised reputation for mobile and broadband performance measurements, this verification of excellent broadband and connectivity will help businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors and show how committed they are to aiding their customers’ digital experiences. 

How Will Speedtest Certified™ from Ookla Deliver This Verification Scheme?

The entire approach will be data-driven, enabling the provision of comprehensive and objective assessment of a venues network. The following key variables will be measured:

  • The quality of Wi-Fi radio frequency (RF) 
  • Wi-Fi network configuration
  • Wi-Fi network security assessment
  • Network performance metrics
  • ISP backhaul

If you’ve trusted Ookla’s popular Speedtest platform to manage your own connectivity, then you’ll likely be excited at the prospect of knowing just how good the internet connection will be, BEFORE you arrive at an event or hotel. In the words of Stephen Bye (President and CEO of Ookla, Ziff Davis Division) the new Speedtest Certified™ scheme will give you ‘a seal of approval you can count on’ when it comes to reliable connectivity. 

5 Star Rating for Internet Speed

Properties that meet or exceed the rigorous standards of Ookla’s Speedtest Certified™ will earn themselves a high-value certification backed by the trusted Speedtest name. This trusted Badge of Excellence will give them a star rating out of 5 for speed and will be valid for 1 year, after which the venue must be re-certified to ensure they still meet the necessary connectivity standards to keep that status. 

Not only will they be able to share their Speedtest badge of honour for superior connectivity, businesses will also have access to Ookla’s Speedtest Certified Digital Platform. Here they will be able to:

  • Access personal insights
  • Benchmark performance against other Speedtest Certified Networks
  • Receive targeted recommendations for improvements

Can We Expect the Same for Mobile Connectivity?

The initial Phase One launch is aimed at Wi-Fi connectivity and performance inside properties such as the ones mentioned above. 

Phase Two of this programme will look at assessing cellular performance testing in terms of 4G/5G mobile. It’s likely we’ll see this rolled out in the coming months. 

What if Your Business Wi-Fi Isn’t Up To Standard?

This new Speedtest Certified™ scheme launched by Ookla is great – If your business or event venue has the superior connectivity that the standards insist upon. 

What if your internet speed star rating falls short and your venue’s connectivity doesn’t meet the required standards? 

There is always something that can be done to improve your Wi-Fi network and connectivity for customers. 

If your business struggles with slow Wi-Fi, an unreliable connection or any other Wi-Fi issues, then our Wi-Fi Experts here at Geekabit can help. 

Whilst you’re probably tearing your hair out with frustration, we actually love Wi-Fi problems like slow speeds, Wi-Fi dead spots or users unable to connect – Because we know what a huge difference we will be able to make to you and your business. 

Using globally renowned specialist measuring and testing equipment, we can get to the root of the problem. Though Wi-Fi Site Surveys, Planning & Design and Wi-Fi Installation we can get your business’ connectivity working just as it should be. 

We’ve helped hotels, warehouses, corporate offices and stadiums to name just a few. We can also help with event Wi-Fi! 

So don’t put up with dodgy Wi-Fi any longer – It’s time to call in the experts. Contact Geekabit today. 

Imagery used with thanks from https://www.ookla.com/speedtest-certified

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
Business Wi-FiCat6 Ethernet CableConnectivityFibre BroadbandUbiquitiUbiquiti UniFiWi-FiWi-Fi AdviceWi-Fi DesignWi-Fi for Historic PremisesWi-Fi for HospitalityWi-Fi InstallationWi-Fi Site SurveyWireless Network
Geekabit Deploys Wi-Fi Solution to New Gastropub in Historic Space in Farnham, Surrey

This week on the blog we’re excited to share the completion of a recent Wi-Fi project for a client over in Farnham, Surrey. 

Find out how our Wi-Fi engineering experts helped to transform this remarkable historic space into a well-connected Gastropub.

The Venue

Third Monkey is a new Gastropub, Restaurant and Cocktail Bar providing high-end hospitality and fun family dining in the heart of Farnham. 

The historic building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the late 1800’s and whilst much of his original architecture will remain, the updated premises will boast 2 floors of buzzing atmosphere plus a roof terrace. 

The building has been used as The South Street Social Club in recent years, formerly known as the Liberal Club, but closed back in 2023 due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic as well as other factors. 

Now under new owners, Third Monkey and its Executive Chef are breathing new life into this notable building, bringing with it ‘refined yet relaxed’ vibes through its welcoming Gastropub on the ground floor, and a more elevated dining experience in the Restaurant and Cocktail Bar upstairs. And let’s not forget the Rooftop Terrace complete with weekend DJ’s providing a late-night destination venue for Surrey’s most sought-after town. 

You can find this exciting new venue at 46 South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RP.

Expert Wi-Fi Solution for Historic Premises Turned Gastropub

Wi-Fi Site Survey

As with all new Wi-Fi projects, we started with a Wi-Fi Survey. This is Geekabit’s key tool in analysing the performance of your network and helping to diagnose issues. 

As you can imagine, a historic building built in the 1800’s isn’t going to have been designed with Wi-Fi in mind! Unlike modern constructions, this type of building can present unique challenges for signal penetration and Wi-Fi infrastructure installation. Therefore, carrying out a thorough Wi-Fi site survey is vital.

Upon visiting, it was clear that the Third Monkey, was a completely fresh and new fit-out –
and we could get involved at the earliest stages to ensure that the possibilities for Wi-Fi
access point placement could work with the new building materials being used.

In this instance for Third Monkey, we used the information gathered during the Wi-Fi Site Survey to advise on the necessary networking equipment required as well as Fibre WAN providers. 

Wi-Fi Installation

Whilst some may think that installing Wi-Fi isn’t much more than sticking a box on the ceiling and plugging it in, there is actually a great deal more thought and expertise that goes into it if you want a successful Wi-Fi network. 

There’s little point in carrying out a Wi-Fi Site Survey to identify how to equip a historic building such as this with robust internet connectivity, if you’re not going to follow it up with expert installation.

For Third Monkey, Geekabit completed a full Wi-Fi Installation using one of our favoured brands Ubiquiti Wi-Fi and Ubiquiti network equipment. 

This Wi-Fi network deployment included:

  • Full data network installation
  • Network design
  • Data network cabinet installation
  • Termination of Cat 6 ethernet cabling
  • Setting up of network security devices
  • Commissioning of equipment, Wi-Fi configuration and optimisation, and post-installation Wi-Fi Site Survey

A big part of any Wi-Fi Installation also involves effectively co-ordinating with other suppliers and installers to enhance network efficiency and security. 

Of course, we round off any Wi-Fi deployment right back where we started – With a Wi-Fi Site Survey. This ensures we leave our clients with their optimum Wi-Fi network.

Our Wi-Fi engineers are also on hand to provide ongoing Network Support, Wi-Fi Management and Wi-Fi Guest Portal services. Another benefit of bringing in the expertise and knowledge of a Wi-Fi professional. 

Why Robust Wi-Fi is a Must for Hospitality Businesses

Despite the potential complexities that using a historic building for a modern use can have, this project shows that the two can indeed go hand-in-hand. 

We know how vital it is for hospitality businesses to have reliable Wi-Fi. A strong wireless network is not only essential for operational efficiency (ie. supporting POS systems and internal communications) but also in enhancing customer experience through Guest Wi-Fi. 

This particular hospitality venue is striving for a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, offering diverse customer experiences from casual dining to a late-night rooftop terrace. For this venue and others, seamless Wi-Fi connectivity underpins the ability to deliver high-quality service and attract a contemporary clientele, ultimately contributing to its success and reputation.

This Wi-Fi installation for Third Monkey demonstrates perfectly how you can take the charm of a historic building and bring it up to date with the modern amenities we come to expect from a high-end venue. Strong, reliable Wi-Fi is a must. 

Steve Cross, Director at Geekabit, comments: 

“We’ve been impressed by the team at the Third Monkey, who have been passionate advocates for ensuring they work with specialists in each field to create a high quality fit-out and venue that really raises the concept of the gastropub and restaurant. From an initial site survey visit, through to the entire Wi-Fi and network installation, we’ve been able to support the transformation of an historic space into a great addition to the Surrey town of Farnham.”

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi AdviceWi-Fi HaLowWi-Fi InstallationWi-Fi Site Survey
Is Wi-Fi HaLow a Better Wireless Option than Wi-Fi 5 and 6 for IoT?

Wi-Fi HaLow has quite the list of benefits when it comes to Internet of Things applications. With high bandwidth, long range, unlicensed spectrum, low power, and less complexity than Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi HaLow could well be a better option. 

What is Wi-Fi HaLow?

Image from https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-certified-halow with thanks

The Wi-Fi Alliance has coined the IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi standard as Wi-Fi HaLow, as it will be known in the wireless market. It was approved back in September 2016, and then published in the following May. 

Wi-Fi HaLow is a new version of traditional Wi-Fi, offering:

  • Long range
  • Low power
  • Low speed

Wi-Fi HaLow is most likely to be deployed within the Internet of Things market, on things such as:

  • Sensors
  • Wearables
  • M2M (Machine to Machine) applications
  • Smart buildings
  • Smart cities

What are the benefits of Wi-Fi HaLow?

Wi-Fi HaLow has the ability to connect low-bandwidth devices to IP networks, including the internet. It also supports enough bandwidth to handle HD Quality video.

Perhaps one of the great things about Wi-Fi HaLow is its usefulness in rural communications as well as offloading cell phone tower traffic. 

Whilst there are similar low-power standards, like 802.11af, there are differences. For example, 802.11af operates in the television white space spectrum in VHF and UHF bands, whereas Wi-Fi HaLow is easier to deploy due to operating in the unlicensed bands. 

There are of course similar technologies that utilise the unlicensed spectrum, but Wi-Fi HaLow also has advantages over some of them due to them being built on proprietary standards. 

The requirement of getting proprietary hardware in order to get IP connectivity to the client devices also means that some other similar technologies are more complicated to deploy than Wi-Fi HaLow.

HaLow is intended to make deploying IoT devices easier.

Why is Uptake for Wi-Fi HaLow Slow?

Despite the advantages laid out above, the uptake for Wi-Fi HaLow has been pretty slow. 

If you have a look on the Product Finder section of the Wi-Fi Alliance’s website, you’ll find only 3 companies that are listed as having certified Wi-Fi HaLow products. 

And if the uptake is so low, it begs the question…

So Why Use Wi-Fi HaLow?

The advantages we talked about above hint at where Wi-Fi HaLow can be used effectively. 

Wi-Fi HaLow Utilises Licence-Exempt Frequencies

As you are probably aware, the majority of Wi-Fi technologies, including Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, operate at frequencies in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. 

The difference with Wi-Fi HaLow is that it utilises licence-exempt frequencies that are below 1 GHz. 

Wi-Fi HaLow Has Longer Range

Due to Wi-Fi HaLow having lower frequencies, it also has longer signal ranges. Not only that, but the signal itself penetrates walls and other materials better. 

Due to these reasons, Wi-Fi HaLow can travel much further, even managing distances of over half a mile (0.62 miles to be precise). 

Wi-Fi HaLow Devices Don’t Hog Bandwidth and Need Less Power

Wi-Fi HaLow devices can use lower power radios as they’re not hogging bandwidth with high performance. In other words, the devices wireless connectivity uses very little power which in turn means that they have a long battery life. Some devices can even last more than 5 years! 

Got devices on the network that need more throughput? With Wi-Fi HaLow you can give hundreds (if not thousands) of IoT wireless devices their own band to operate in – Enabling you to reserve the higher bands for those higher throughput devices. This could in turn have a positive impact on your overall network performance.

In this way, Wi-Fi HaLow compliments traditional Wi-Fi very well by enabling your network engineers to move lower bandwidth clients off the main Wi-Fi network. 

Depending on the AP capabilities and client-device specifications, Wi-Fi HaLow can still provide enough throughput for HD-quality video cameras in some scenarios, despite being designed for lower bandwidth applications. 

Do We Have the Infrastructure for Wi-Fi HaLow?

In short, yes! It’s pretty straightforward to get going with Wi-Fi HaLow. 

Whereas other similar technologies require proprietary controllers, hubs or gateways, Wi-Fi HaLow doesn’t need any of this. 

It’s as simple as plugging a HaLow Ap into a traditional LAN and clients can connect to IP-based networks including the internet. 

Alternatively, they could choose a gateway device with 4G LTE connectivity to the WAN.

Does traditional Wi-Fi support HaLow?

Currently, the HaLow band is not supported by traditional Wi-Fi like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 

But, due to the longer range of HaLow, an AP deployed in the right location could mean signal coverage for an entire multi-floor office building or warehouse. 

Of course, that would also depend on:

  • Desired data rates for clients
  • Transmit powers
  • Antennas
  • Interference

To take the signal even further, without using a wired connection, you can also deploy Wi-Fi HaLow in a wireless-mesh mode. 

What are the Data Rates like for Wi-Fi HaLow? 

Bandwidth can be increased via channel-width options on Wi-Fi HaLow devices just like traditional Wi-Fi. Between 1MHz and 16MHz there are 5 channel widths, but not all devices support all the widths. 

When we talk about channels, the transmissions travel further the narrower the channel is, but at a slower data rate. 

For example, for a long range over the course of 1km on just 1MHz channel, with a bit of RF attenuation, you would see a data rate of approximately 150 kbps. 

With a shorter range and/ or a line of sight, you could in theory get 86.7 Mbps with 16 MHz channels and short guard intervals. 

One trial carried out at sea with no radio interference achieved 2 Mbps of UDP throughput at 3 km with line of sight. With this in mind, with ideal conditions could expect a data rate of a few Mbps for approximately 1.5 km range. 

How is Wi-Fi HaLow Affected by Interference?

Wi-Fi HaLow aren’t not the only unlicensed users and devices on the 900 MHz band. Historically, this band was rather crowded with cordless phones as well as amateur radio operators, although whilst they have the right to use the band they are not the primary users of the band and hence have to accept interference from other sources. 

Interference when using Wi-Fi HaLow is unlikely to cause significant issues in comparison to how many Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices are using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 

The competition for airtime is also a lesser concern because unlike traditional Wi-Fi devices, HaLow devices tend to deliver smaller amounts of data and less frequently. 

Is Wi-Fi HaLow Secure?

Wi-Fi HaLow is just as secure as traditional Wi-Fi devices due to supporting the same WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security and Wi-Fi Enhanced Open functionality. 

Some devices may also support the enterprise mode of WPA3 with 802.1X authentication. Some HaLow devices may also support the legacy WPA2 security even though it isn’t required for Wi-Fi Certified products.

Is HaLow ready for enterprise deployments?

Despite there being few Wi-Fi Halow devices on the market just yet, reports are saying that they are ready for enterprise deployments now. 

Our recommendation, as with any Wi-Fi network, is to carry out a Site Survey before designing and deploying a Wi-Fi HaLow network.

For many network engineers, this is a new and unfamiliar technology so it’s imperative you do plenty of live testing and analysing to make sure the network will work effectively. This is especially important if you are going to be using Wi-Fi HaLow to serve higher bandwidth clients or over long distances. 

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
4G4G Mobile Broadband4G survey4G Wi-Fi5G5G survey5G Survey LondonRailway NetworkTechnologyWi-FiWi-Fi Site SurveyWireless Network
How 4G / 5G Can Keep Railway Networks Connected

4G and 5G mobile broadband technology could be just the answer to the issues that arise from more traditional railway networks. 4G/5G can offer a more reliable connected railway system, allowing strong communication between different devices and employees. Thus, improving the user experience for both potentially frustrated colleagues trying to stay in control of routine maintenance and discouraged commuters put off from making their journey as a passenger. 

A 4G/5G connected railway network can connect trains with other devices and equipment as well as providing links to tracks, stations and operations providing a unified network with clear communications. 

What are the benefits of 4G/5G connected railways? 

As you can imagine, there are many benefits of using 4G/5G to connect railway networks. 

Maintenance

For technicians, engineering managers and other train maintenance staff, a connected system within the units themselves can help shed light on any future or potential problems with that particular unit and ensure timely maintenance before a breakdown occurs.

A railway network connected with 4G/5G may even find that their operational costs lessen through improved communication and streamlined processes. 

Revenue Opportunities 

Having reliable connectivity on trains opens up new revenue streams. Many passengers rely on a strong connection whilst travelling to continue with work, especially in this digital age of hybrid working. 

The more reliable the internet on your rail network, the better the user experience will be for passengers, which will in turn increase the likelihood of repeat travellers. 

Commuters may have a choice in how they get to where they’re going – Whether that’s rail, bus, driving, cycling or walking. If sitting on the train, connected to a reliable network, means that they can tie up any loose ends from their day before getting home then that could be just the reason they choose rail. 

Why do we need 4G/5G connected stations in our railway networks?

A fast, reliable 4G/5G network at our railway stations offer more efficient service and enhanced security. 

Efficient Service

Digital kiosks can help to reduce queues and offer passengers a quick way of buying their tickets when they are in a rush and don’t need any additional assistance. High speed 4G/5G networks ensure that these digital kiosks can get relevant updates in real-time, checking arrivals and departures status. 

Enhanced Security

4G/5G video surveillance means rail networks can monitor and track any suspicious behaviour anywhere on the train station or depot premises – Even without wires or Wi-Fi / ethernet connections. 

The 4G/5G network can transmit the data anywhere it is needed, providing timely monitoring and interventions where necessary. 

This type of data is invaluable for railway managers who can analyse what is collected from different locations and use these insights to improve operational efficiency, safety and the passenger experience. 

4G/5G Connected Trains

Passenger Experience

Not only do 4G/5G connected trains improve the passenger experience, they also open the door for more revenue opportunities. Selling data plans to your passengers and offering them access to reliable 5G Wi-Fi hotspots on trains means commuters can connect their mobile devices and laptops to a strong, reliable internet connection for the duration of their journey. 

Operations

The more reliably connected the train is, the more efficient the operations. 

Operations managers can effectively monitor the status of trains in operation by relying on accurate, real-time GPS tracking. Likewise, train operators can communicate with operations if any issues arise. Various colleagues on the railway system connected to the same reliable 4G/5G network improves communications.

Particular parts of the train can be fitted with sensors that are connected to the network. This means that the technology itself can communicate with the maintenance teams and notify when that part needs to be repaired or replaced. This helps to reduce the costs associated with delayed or cancelled trains due to unscheduled maintenance and improve service. 

Using smart cameras connected to the 4G/5G network means that train security can rely on high-speed wireless communication, particularly in locations tricky to monitor or wire to. They automatically record footage as well as identify potential suspicious activity and provide alerts to members of staff. 

Why Use 4G/5G for Connected Railway Networks?

4G/5G networks offer an ideal model for railway networks as they offer super-fast speed, low latency and reliability. 

It’s important to ensure that the 4G/5G connection available will be stable and of good quality. This is where 4G/5G testing comes in. 

Here at Geekabit we can provide 4G/5G mobile signal testing to check coverage and performance both in static locations and on the move. We can also determine which Mobile Network Operator would offer the best coverage for your user location(s). 

Geekabit can carry out a 5G survey along London roads, parts of the capital’s transport network and throughout leisure facilities in London and the surrounding areas. Other locations may be available on request, please feel free to contact us on info@geekabit.co.uk.

In today’s world, we don’t just stay in one place – Even while we’re working. We take our need for connection wherever we go – And it needs to be strong and reliable. Gone are the days where we are tethered to a desk – We need the 5G mobile coverage to be available on the go. Whether we are using a smartphone, tablet or other internet enabled device, we need to stay connected – And we need to know that the signal will be strong and reliable. 

Geekabit’s 5G survey can tell you how strong the cellular coverage is in certain areas of London, and which networks would work best for those locations. This information is invaluable.

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
Business Wi-FiHampshireWi-FiWi-Fi AdviceWi-Fi DesignWi-Fi InstallationWi-Fi InterferenceWi-Fi Site SurveyWireless Network
How Wi-Fi Site Surveys Validate Your Network Design

You could have the most expertly designed Wi-Fi network, but without a Wi-Fi Site Survey, how will you know it will actually work as intended?

When it comes to designing and installing a wireless network, the most important thing is that it meets the demands of your users. 

The great thing about a Wi-Fi Site Survey is that can test your wireless network when it’s in the design stages and predict whether it will work or not, as well as within an already deployed network that needs some changes or additions made. 

Driving your Wi-Fi network design choices and deployment with data removes the risk of your wireless network failing to meet the needs of your enterprise. 

Gone are the days where a surveyor is laden down with computer setups, trudging around like a donkey. Nowadays it’s all the latest tech and we can carry out a Wi-Fi Site Survey with just the phone in our pocket. 

Validating your Wi-Fi network has never been more straightforward. Good news if you’re about to be designing your Wi-Fi network! Not only that, but it also makes it easier and quicker for businesses to be able to survey their Wi-Fi on a regular basis, ensuring that they continue to operate reliably. This is particularly important for anything that is business critical. 

What is a Wi-Fi Site Survey?

A Wi-Fi site survey is the process of assessing a physical environment to collect real-world data about wireless performance. It involves measuring signal strength, interference, and spectrum usage, while also identifying the best locations for access points and cabling.

This data is used to design, test, and validate a Wi-Fi network — ensuring it performs reliably in the real world, not just in theory.

When do I need a Wi-Fi Site Survey?

Wi-Fi site surveys are used at multiple stages of a network lifecycle, depending on your requirements:

Wi-Fi Design Site Survey (Pre-Design)

This survey is carried out on site before you’ve started to design your wireless network. Performing a Site Survey at this point allows you to create a predictive Wi-Fi network using data captured on the survey, including RF conditions, neighbouring networks, available/ congested channels, interference and accessibility for mounting AP’s.

Pre-Deployment Site Survey

Once you’ve designed your Wi-Fi network, you can use a Wi-Fi Site Survey to test your design and simulate the performance of antenna and access points. This data is acquired by placing an AP in the relevant location(s) and then analysing the Wi-Fi, making sure that the network would function as predicted in the design. 

Post-Deployment Wi-Fi Site Survey

The role of this Wi-Fi Site Survey is to identify whether a deployed network is working as intended. That means meeting performance expectations laid out in the predictive stage of the wireless design. 

Health Check Wi-Fi Site Survey

The best networks carry out regular ‘health checks’ to make sure everything is functioning as it should. This means that any changes you need to make to your network are proactive rather than reactive. Why wait until your end users are experiencing Wi-Fi problems that could produce a costly Wi-Fi outage? A Wi-Fi Site Survey at this stage can help pick up any issues with interference, coverage and capacity, nipping any potential problems in the bud. 

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Site Survey

This is the Wi-Fi Site Survey you would carry out if you were already experiencing problems. A more reactive survey in which you can identify the underlying cause of the problems your end users are reporting. You can then go back to the design stages and re-deploy your wireless network for more effective working. 

Why Use a Site Survey to Validate Your Wi-Fi Design

A predictive Wi-Fi design is only as good as the assumptions it’s based on. A site survey allows you to validate that design using real-world data before full deployment.

This helps you:

  • Reduce risk
  • Avoid costly redesigns
  • Ensure performance meets expectations
  • Deliver a reliable user experience

Think of it as an insurance policy for your network design — confirming everything will work before you commit to installation.

What Does a Wi-Fi Site Survey Identify?

By completing a Wi-Fi Site Survey, you would find out a site survey provides critical insights that help validate your design.

Accurate Floor Plans

Accurate floor plans are the foundation of any reliable Wi-Fi design. If you haven’t physically been on site, you are relying heavily on CAD drawings or existing plans being completely up to date — which is often not the case.

During a Wi-Fi site survey, we verify that:

  • Dimensions and scaling are correct
  • Walls, stairwells, lifts, and partitions are accurately positioned
  • Any structural changes or temporary layouts are accounted for

Even small inaccuracies in a floor plan can lead to significant errors in a predictive design, resulting in poor coverage or misplaced access points. By validating the physical environment, we ensure your Wi-Fi design is based on reality — not assumptions.

Signal Attenuation and Building Materials

Not all walls are equal when it comes to Wi-Fi performance. Different materials — such as plasterboard, brick, concrete, glass, or metal — affect signal strength in very different ways.

A Wi-Fi site survey allows us to measure real-world signal attenuation, helping to determine:

  • How much signal is lost through specific walls and obstacles
  • How far Wi-Fi signals will realistically travel
  • Whether the predictive RF model accurately reflects the environment

Relying on estimated values or “best guesses” can lead to underperforming networks. By measuring attenuation on site, we can fine-tune your design to ensure accurate coverage and consistent performance.

Access Point Locations

Identifying the correct access point (AP) locations is critical to achieving reliable Wi-Fi coverage and capacity. While predictive designs provide a strong starting point, they cannot account for every physical constraint within a building.

A site survey enables us to:

  • Validate proposed AP locations in a live environment
  • Identify obstacles such as ducting, machinery, or structural features
  • Assess mounting options and cabling accessibility
  • Adjust placement to optimise coverage and performance

This stage ensures that your design works not just in theory, but in the real-world environment where it will be deployed.

Neighbouring Networks and Interference

One of the biggest limitations of predictive Wi-Fi design is that it cannot fully account for external interference. Nearby networks, devices, and environmental noise can all have a significant impact on performance.

During a Wi-Fi site survey, we can detect and analyse:

  • Neighbouring Wi-Fi networks
  • Channel congestion
  • Non-Wi-Fi interference sources
  • Background RF noise levels

This allows us to optimise channel planning and network configuration, ensuring your wireless network performs reliably even in busy or high-density environments.

Without validating these factors on site, even the most carefully designed Wi-Fi network can fail to deliver in practice.

What do you need for an accurate Wi-Fi Site Survey?

The Wi-Fi Site Survey is your chance to see how your network design could come to life. Really, the testing is the fun part! The most important parts of a successful Wi-Fi Site Survey are:

Accurate floor plans

Proper scaling is critical — even small errors can significantly impact design accuracy.

The right tools

Modern survey tools allow fast, accurate data collection using portable devices.

Relevant channel scanning

Focus only on the frequencies and channels your network will use.

Accurate data capture

Incorrect positioning or tracking can lead to unreliable results.

Proper attenuation measurement

Signal loss should be measured across obstacles to ensure accurate modelling.

Survey Methods

Different environments require different survey approaches:

  • Stop-and-Go
    Used in hazardous or complex environments where precision is more important than speed
  • Continuous
    A traditional method requiring manual input throughout the survey
  • Autopilot
    A faster, more efficient method with automated data collection
  • GPS-Based Surveys
    Ideal for large outdoor environments with limited reference points

Trust the Experts

If Wi-Fi Site Surveys have got your head in a spin, then why not leave it to the experts? Our trained Wi-Fi professionals here at Geekabit are experts when it comes to wireless site surveys. 

Operating out of Hampshire, London and Cardiff, our Wi-Fi experts are on hand to assist with all stages of Wi-Fi deployment – From the initial design and Pre- and Post-Deployment Site Surveys to Health Checks and full installations. 

Get in touch with our friendly team today and we’ll be more than happy to help. Or head to our website to find out more about the Wi-Fi Site Surveys Geekabit have to offer. 

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest
Business Wi-FiWi-Fi AdviceWi-Fi DesignWi-Fi InterferenceWi-Fi Site SurveyWireless Network
How to Give Your Wi-Fi Network a Health Check

You might think that once you’ve got your Wi-Fi network all set up and running, then that’s it done. But it’s not! Having a reliable wireless network involves ongoing maintenance and health checks to make sure that it’s performing at its optimum level.

There are plenty of variables in a wireless network that could change. Things like user demand or changes in the radio frequency that could have an impact. Seemingly simple things like rearranging your office furniture, onboarding new employees or using more applications requiring bigger bandwidth can all be negative factors affecting your Wi-Fi network.

Ongoing, regular surveys can help you catch these changes before they start to cause you too many problems.

So what do you need to do to keep your wireless networking functioning effectively?

 

Monitor New Client Devices

Just as when you are in the design and planning stages, it’s vital to know the number of users that are connected at any one time, and what devices they are connecting to the network with. Your network performance depends on this!

This could likely change with company growth or if your business has seasonal staff where connections peak and trough.

It’s also worth bearing in mind how old the devices are. Older laptops, for example, won’t work so well with today’s modern networks. And vice versa!

You can counteract this by semi-regularly updating your devices to align with your network.

Likewise, if your network was originally deployed a while ago, without being monitored or updated it will fail to work with modern devices to their potential.

You need to also monitor the applications being used and ensure that the bandwidth matches the demand. Organisations like schools that now have a plethora of laptops connecting wirelessly to the school network need to have strong, reliable Wi-Fi. Hospitals also have high bandwidth demand with the ‘workstations on wheels’ that are now prevalent.

The more end users you add to your network, the more bandwidth you will need.

In simple terms – Make sure you are monitoring new client devices. Make it your business to keep track of how many devices are connecting to your network and make sure you can meet the Wi-Fi demand consistently. Your business operations depend on it.

App Usage and Progression

As we all know, technology is constantly evolving. Device manufacturers are always striving for the fastest, most powerful offering to stay ahead of their competitors.

This means that apps and software also move fast to keep up. This constant evolution means that you need more and more data with every update. Thus, the requirements of your Wi-Fi network are likely to change and be modified accordingly.

Wireless is often the first choice – If not the only choice! So you need to make sure your business Wi-Fi offering is up to scratch.

 

Physical Changes in the Office Landscape

You might not think too much about rearranging the office, but this could have a significant impact on your coverage area and how your access points function.

Tweaks like going from open plan to individual offices (or the other way around) will change the way your AP’s perform in your office space.

Interior walls (or lack of them) will affect the radio frequency and how it attenuates. You might be thinking, surely removing partition walls to make an open plan office couldn’t cause Wi-Fi problems. Ut actually it could! The RF will be able to travel further without any attenuating interior walls, meaning it could start contending with other channels and cause interference.

Any physical changes in your office environment need to be surveyed to see if and how it will affect how your Wi-Fi network functions. This means you can make the necessary adjustments before problems arise.

 

Identify Common Causes of RF Interference

Following on from physical changes in your office environment, you need to also be aware of other possible causes of RF interference.

Once possible source of interference on your Wi-Fi network could be noise from neighbouring networks. Other AP’s in range of your coverage area could cause RF interference, especially if their power levels are turned up.

Wi-Fi interference is when you have AP’s that are operating on the same or adjacent frequencies. This can cause interference or contention on these channels, or Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS). If your network is experiencing this type of interference, you could see your ability to send or receive data significantly reduce or even completely disabled.

You can also get non–Wi-Fi Interference from devices that use other radio networks. Things like microwaves, monitors, blue tooth or surveillance cameras could all cause interference problems.

 

Your Business Depends on your Wi-Fi Network

If you’ve gone to the effort of designing and planning the optimum network for your business, then don’t waste that work by not monitoring and maintaining it.

Even the best networks will need tweaks and changes over time, to make sure it can keep up with the demands of new users and modern devices.

Regular monitoring or ‘Wi-Fi health checks’ can help identify problems while they’re still small – Allowing you to get them sorted out before they start causing your business serious issues. Don’t wait until the IT department are inundated with calls from frustrated, unproductive employees.

If you think your wireless network is in need of a health check, why not give us a call here at Geekabit? Our wireless experts have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and solve your Wi-Fi problems, improving the reliability and functionality of your business Wi-Fi.

by admin
FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest