It’s not uncommon to experience slow internet, but it isn’t necessary either. We are going to be breaking down all the reasons your internet connection could be slow and the solutions to these problems. After all, almost all businesses rely on their internet connection as a fundamental foundation for the rest of the IT and software/hardware.
You’re using the wrong equipment
We never like to blame the equipment, but sometimes your kit could be the reason you are experiencing a slow connection. Many businesses will choose domestic WiFi as they are typically cheaper, but this can impact your business. WiFi built for homes supports the use of phones, laptops, things like online streaming, etc… they are not designed to support the amount of equipment (printers, card machines, laptops, phones, and other devices) a business is going to be using.
Your WiFi network needs to be strong enough to support the entire network of a business, not to mention secure enough but we’ll get to that later. WiFi built for businesses such as Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti offers incredible speeds as well as the strength to support all of these devices. The option for wireless access points also allows you to maximise your connection and get full WiFi coverage throughout your entire building despite its size or venue.
 Your fibre to the cabinet isn’t good
FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) There are no copper cables involved which makes this a super reliable and a solution that the UK and the rest of the world are moving towards.
Some of the benefits of FTTP are…
- The speeds that are possible on a fibre optic cable are vast
- The speed is independent of the quality of the line, or how far from the telephone exchange etc you are. If you buy a 550Mb speed package that is the speed you will get
- The whole system has been designed for data transfer from the ground up, so it’s much more reliable than copper cables
- The cost is about the same as the copper cable-based connections, with a much more reliable result
Previously if you wanted a fast, highly reliable service you would have to get a leased line (also a fibre optic cable) and costs would be £100’s per month. The rollout of FTTP across the UK is growing, with it only being available for certain and limited areas, it is now a widely available solution that more and more people are turning to.
In 2022 about 1 in 50 of the addresses that Astaris supplies internet to could have an FTTP service
in 2023, this is rapidly increasing to about 1 in 30 and is expected to be about 1 in 20 by the end of the year.
If you’d like to know if it’s available at your location get in touch with our team, depending on your postcode and location, we can let you know if this option is available to you.
Your boosters and wireless access points are in the wrong place
Having wireless access points and boosters is a great way to make the most of your internet connection and enable your connection to stretch further across your venue.Â
Placing them strategically with minimal barriers is key to getting the strongest connection possible, if in doubt always consult a professional and make sure your investment is doing as much as it can to provide a stable network.
You’re not completing updatesÂ
It’s one of those things that needs to be kept on top of, not updating your equipment and software can really slow you down, and it may not always be the internet connection but the devices that are slow. It ensures all the relevant updates including security are all up to speed.
On the topic of security – choosing a WiFi that is designed for businesses is really important when it comes to processing data securely. Data transmitted over the internet can include sensitive customer information such as card details and personal information, so it’s important to keep this safe, as well as sensitive internal information that can be sent back and forth.
Having a secure connection ensures that both you and your customers are safe, especially if you are offering free public WiFi for your customers, they should be able to use a connection that is free from the risks of cybercrime.
If you have any questions about updating your internet connection or need any advice, our expert team of IT engineers are always happy to help.
