Wireless Performance: More Than Distance
3 Factors for Wireless Performance: Quantity, Distance & Quality
Most of the time problems with wireless performance are attributed to distance from the gateway. This certainly plays a role but the quantity of access points is often the real issue. Most homes and businesses rely on the access point built into the gateway provided by the ISP (Xfinity, etc.)
The provided gateway isn’t capable of handling more than a couple devices at one time. This is true even if every device were right next to it! Most people have more than 15 devices (yes you do) in their home much less business. The solution is to add several access points. Less devices on each access point equates to better performance.
And as you would expect there are plenty of products available for this problem. But caution is advised!
Common Solutions:
Xfinity Wi-Fi Extenders (and all other extenders):
Just like everything else Xfinity does, these will leave you unsatisfied. Extenders are based on repeating the Wi-Fi that was already bad, these give you full bars and empty performance.
Mesh Systems:
Eero, Google and all of the other mesh based systems currently out there are a vast improvement over Wi-Fi repeating systems. There are situations where they fix the apparent problem and all is good. But. They to are overwhelmed in locations with several devices trying to stream at once.
Sidebar Solution:
If you already bought a mesh system we can utilize the devices. Instead of connecting them to each other through their mesh abilities, we’ll run network wires to them and configure them as such. Most of these devices I’ve seen are reasonably capable and this helps bring out their strengths.
Correct Solution: Hardwired Dedicated Access Points
The only long term and scalable solution to provide robust wireless access are access points that are hard wired to your gateway and positioned throughout your home or office.
Keys to Great Wi-Fi:
Quantity: I would rather have several modest access points than 1 high performance unit.
Distance: Adding several access points usually solves the distance issue.
Quality: We’ll find devices that fit your needs and budget.
Let me know how I can help.