Does Your Business Wi-Fi Slow to a Crawl When You Need It Most?

For many small and medium-sized businesses, the internet is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s essential. From taking card payments on your tills, processing bookings, and running cloud-based systems, to offering guest Wi-Fi to customers, your whole operation often depends on a stable connection.

But what happens when your Wi-Fi slows down at the worst possible time? Staff can’t log in, card machines time out, and customers get frustrated. The good news is that many of the most common problems can be fixed with a few simple checks.

Here are three areas to look at today if your business Wi-Fi isn’t performing as it should:

1. Check Your Router Placement

Where you position your router has a huge impact on how well your Wi-Fi works.

• Avoid hiding it: Routers tucked away behind the bar, under desks, or next to metal shelves will lose signal strength.
• Keep it central: Place it high up and as close to the centre of your building as possible. Think of the signal radiating outwards like a lightbulb — walls, fridges, and microwaves all block or weaken that “light.”
• Do a quick test: Walk around your business with a phone or tablet connected to the Wi-Fi. Note where the signal drops (one bar or less). If it’s in key areas like your till or booking desk, router placement could be the issue.

2. Look for Congestion and Interference

Wi-Fi networks share “channels.” If you’re based in a busy area — for example, on a high street or in an office block — nearby networks can overlap and slow you down.

• Check your channel: Free apps such as Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or WiFi Explorer (Mac/Windows) show which channels nearby routers are using. If you’re on the same one as several neighbours, switching can help.
• Upgrade to dual-band or mesh Wi-Fi: Many older routers only use the 2.4GHz band, which is slower and more crowded. Newer dual-band routers add 5GHz, which is faster but shorter range. Mesh systems go further, creating multiple access points across your building.
• Simple test: If your Wi-Fi is slow in the evening but fine in the morning, that’s often a sign of congestion as more people in the area go online.

3. Separate Guest and Business Networks

Letting customers connect to your main Wi-Fi might seem convenient, but it’s risky:

• Security: Guest devices could expose your systems to viruses or malicious software.
• Bandwidth: Customers streaming videos can consume valuable bandwidth, leaving your card machines struggling.
• Solution: Most business-grade routers allow you to create a separate “guest” network. This keeps customers on their own connection while protecting your tills, card machines, and business data.
• Quick check: Log in to your router’s admin page (often at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 – check the label on router to confirm). Look under Wi-Fi or Wireless settings for “Guest Network.” If you don’t see the option, your router may be due for an upgrade.

When to Call in the Experts

If you’ve checked placement, congestion, and networks but your Wi-Fi still isn’t up to scratch, it may be time to look deeper. Faulty cabling, outdated routers, or poor internet provision can all be behind the scenes.

That’s where we come in. At Deck8 Ltd, we specialise in helping Leicester-based businesses get the most from their technology. Whether it’s securing your network, setting up a mesh Wi-Fi system, or ensuring your tills and card machines always stay connected, we’re here to help.

Contact Us to discuss your business Wi-Fi needs.