Optimize Your WiFi Connection – Computer Tip of the Day

optimize your wifi connection computer tip of the day

These days, portability is king. WiFi has allowed devices to be mobile and connected. It also brings several headaches when it doesn’t work or when the signal strength is weak. Luckily, there is something you can do to optimize your WiFiĀ without spending a dime.

Router Placement

Your router broadcasts WiFi signals in a spherical field. To get the most coverage, place your router closest to the center of the area you want to cover. Avoid placing it behind walls and floors as this will weaken signal. Thick layers of concrete, metal, or stone will also hinder WiFi signal strength.

Update Drivers and Firmware

Download and install firmware for your routers from the router manufacturer’s website or through the control panel for your router. Keeping up to date will ensure that your router has all the latest software and is free of all known bugs and performance issues. Likewise, be sure your wireless card drivers on your PCs are up to date.

Choose the Right Channels

WiFi can be slowed by other networks communicating on the same channel. When your device connects to a wireless network, it is automatically set to ā€œlistenā€ to the channel of that network. Your computer also ā€œhearsā€ noise from all other networks broadcasting WiFi on that channel. Most WiFi operates on a 2.4GHz band. Within this frequency, there are three available channels to operate on (1, 6, 11). Youā€™ll want to choose the band with the least amount of traffic from other networks. You can use an app like WiFi Analyzer for Android to scan networks and determine what channel they are operating on.

Upgrading your network infrastructure can be as simple as adding a single range extender and soon you will see huge performance increases. Contact usĀ to see how we make your WiFi perform itā€™s best.

Questions to Ask When Outsourcing IT Support

questions to ask when outsourcing it support

it support

Just about every business needs IT support to operate smoothly and efficiently. While some businesses opt to have an entire IT department on site, manyĀ choose to outsource IT support to receive the same quality services at a lower cost.

If you’re thinking about outsourcing IT support, here are two questions you should ask service providers.

Do you have experience serving businesses in my industry?

Technology needs for businesses differ from industry to industry. For example, a business in theĀ restaurant industry won’t have the same technology needs as a business in the finance industry.

Before you hire an IT support company, you should ask whether the IT experts have experience serving businesses in your industry. The answer to this question will help you ensure your technology needs will be met to a T.

What sort of customer service can I expect?

As you may know from experience, disasters can strike at any time. Therefore, you want to outsource IT support to a company that offers excellent customer service.

You should ask about the time frame in which you can expect technology issues to be resolved. That way, if your server crashes, you won’t be left wondering when the IT technicians will be on site to deal with the issue. Look for service providers that offer 24/7 customer service.

More and more businesses are transitioning to outsourced IT support due to the quality services and lower costs.

For more information about the questions you should ask when outsourcing IT support, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Why Small Businesses Need Network Support

why small businesses need network support

Network support

All businesses need email, phone calls, computers, and live chats to ensure operations run smoothly. While small businesses need these tools as much as large businesses, they do not always recognize the benefits of network support.

Here are some of the many reasons small businesses needs support.

Business as Usual

Technology forms the backbone of the vast majority of businesses. Accordingly, if the hardware and softwareĀ fails, the business also fails.

For example, if the web server for the business’ eCommerce website crashes, the small business won’t be able to sell its products and services as it normally does. Until the website is back up and running, the business will lose many sales to its competitors. Also, the business may lose its reputability in the eyes of any consumers who visit the eCommerce website while it is down.

Therefore, small businesses need support to ensure all hardware and software runs smoothly at all times.

Excellent Customer Service

One reason small businesses need network support is to provide excellent customer service. Email, live chats, and phone calls are all excellent tools to provide help desk support to customers. If your small business relies on these tools, it is important that they remain functional and glitch-free at all times. Fortunately, it will keep these tools in good order so that you can provide quality customer service 24/7.

Network support is a must for all businesses, both big and small. For more information about the importance of network support for small businesses, don’t hesitate to contact us.

How to Save on IT Support for Small Businesses

how to save on it support for small businesses

it support

Technology is a must for all businesses, both big and small. However, many small businesses don’t have the funds to spend a fortune to fulfill these technology needs.

If you’re the owner of a small business, here are a few tips that will help you cut costs forĀ IT support.

Managed IT Support

One way small businesses can cut costs is going the route of managed IT support. Many startup owners mistakenly believe that IT support must come in the form of an IT department. While it’s nice to have IT experts on site at all times, keep in mind that you must pay these employees a salary.

Managed IT support saves small businesses money by charging a comparatively inexpensive monthly cost. With managed IT support, small businesses receive high quality services at a low price.

Choose a Scalable Service

Another way you can save on IT support for small businesses is choosing a scalable service. Scalability means you can increase or decrease the level of services for which you pay. The bandwidth of the average small business fluctuates significantly from month to month.

In the months when you have a low bandwidth, scalability will allow you to pay for what you use, nothing more and nothing less. If the bandwidth needs of your small business rise significantly the next month, you will be able to scale up the services accordingly without any hassle.

For more information about how you can save on IT support for your small business, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Network Cable Installation Question: When is it Time to Install New Cables?

network cable installation question when is it time to install new cables
network cable installation

High-quality network cable installation helps ensure that your business runs smoothly and securely.

If you currently have cables installed throughout your business, connecting various devices such as desktop computers and servers, you may be wondering when you’ll ever need to install new cables or call in for replacements. The following are a few situations that may require new cabling:

  • Office changes. Your office space is expanding, and you need to add new devices to your network.
  • Worn out cables. Your existing cables may show signs of wear and tear. Maybe the jacketing is falling apart or the cables are connecting only loosely. Sometimes, you can have repairs performed on cables. Other times, it’s best to replace them completely.
  • Needed upgrades. The types of cables you use affect your network’s speed and performance. If your data gets transmitted too slowly or inconsistently, or if it sustains losses while in transmission, it’s possibly a sign that you need new cables. (Although keep in mind that other defects in your network, unrelated to cabling, can also result in network performance problems.)
  • Sub-par set-up. Your cabling may have been initially installed in a sub-optimal way. Your cables may be subject to extreme temperatures, humidity, and interference from sources of electricity. In this case, it’s a good idea to re-install your cables or at least fix the areas of your installation that are most problematic.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and further discuss our network cable installation services. Even if you aren’t sure that you need new cables, you can benefit from a review of your network health. We can help you check that your cables are installed in an optimal way, connected properly to your devices, and labeled thoroughly so that you understand the function of each cable.