Tag Archive for: wi-fi

5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Old Router

There is no specific length of time a router will last; your router doesn’t have an expiry date. However, it is generally accepted that a standard Wi-Fi router will last between five and ten years.

As with all technology, numerous factors affect the lifespan of a router, such as how well it is looked after and maintained, where it is kept, its workload, and more.

Another mitigating factor is age itself and whether your router works with the latest Wi-Fi standards used by your other devices. It’s no use buying the latest and greatest laptop with Wi-Fi 6E technology if your Wi-Fi router is stuck using Wi-Fi 5. It simply won’t be able to deliver the Wi-Fi speeds you expect.

In addition, age itself typically means dirt and dust. You can have a perfectly clean house (or other local environment), but over the years, dust will find its way into your router and begin slowly degrading your router hardware. Unlike most other computer hardware, a Wi-Fi router isn’t on most folks’ “take apart and spring clean” list.

Should You Upgrade Your Router When New Wi-Fi Standards Launch?

In a word, no. At least, not immediately, and there are a few reasons for this.

First, when a new Wi-Fi standard launches, it takes years for it to reach production. For example, Wi-Fi 6E launched in 2020, but it took until 2022 for most manufacturers (routers and other hardware) to start using the standard. When Wi-Fi 7 launches (expected 2024), it’ll take at least one year for devices to start using the new standard, so there isn’t an automatic rush to upgrade.

But there are some other reasons you’ll want to upgrade your router.

  1. Network Performance: A newer router should deliver greater network performance across the board. It’s not just the potential to use a new Wi-Fi standard; all the hardware in your new router will be upgraded and deliver better Wi-Fi, process data faster, handle more devices, and so on.
  2. Security: Newer routers often come with improved security features and better network management tools. If your current router is outdated in these areas, upgrading can provide both performance and security benefits. For example, a new router will likely support WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security standard.
  3. Reliability: New routers are often more reliable and less prone to issues like random disconnections or the need for frequent restarts. When your old Wi-Fi router can’t maintain a proper connection, upgrading to a new router will feel like stepping into the future.
  4. Compatibility: Your old router might not have what it takes to handle gigabit Ethernet, which will limit your Wi-Fi speeds.
  5. Future Proofing: As stated, Wi-Fi standards take a while to filter through, and that applies to your devices, too. Upgrading an old router will protect against future changes for many years to come, especially given how long a router lasts.

Even though routers last for up to ten years, there are some good reasons why you should upgrade your router in the interim. Just be sure to consider your current and future needs before ditching your old router.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from MUO SOURCE

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Should you be setting up a guest Wi-Fi network in your office?

Does your office regularly get visitors? Chances are that many of these visitors ask to connect to your Wi-Fi for different reasons. In any case, an improper Wi-Fi setup can lead to a frustrating experience for them, and worse, it can put your sensitive data at risk of falling into the hands of malicious entities. The question is, how can you ensure your Wi-Fi is set up correctly?

Why you should keep guests off the primary Wi-Fi network

While granting guests access to your primary company’s Wi-Fi may appear convenient, it’s a practice you should avoid.

Even individuals with modest technical skills could potentially breach your company’s network security, gaining access to sensitive data. This includes confidential documents, proprietary information, and even customer data. Moreover, in the event that any of your visitors’ mobile devices have been compromised, there is a risk that they could introduce malware to your entire network.

To mitigate these security risks, it’s advisable to establish a separate guest Wi-Fi network that provides internet access while maintaining a strict separation from the company’s main network. This way, guests can enjoy connectivity without jeopardizing the security and integrity of the internal network.

Methods for establishing secondary Wi-Fi access for guests

If your router is equipped with built-in guest Wi-Fi functionality (which can be verified with a simple web search), you have the option to establish a distinct “virtual” network. This approach ensures that guests can enjoy internet access without directly linking to your company’s primary network.

In case your router lacks the capability for multiple Wi-Fi networks, you can opt to deploy a separate wireless access point that operates independently of the rest of your network. This direct connection to the internet effectively safeguards your company’s private data from intrusion.

It’s important to note that guest Wi-Fi relies on your ISP connection, so it’s advisable to impose restrictions on the bandwidth usage within your guest network. If your visitors stream videos while connected to your network, your internet connection can slow down, potentially impacting your employees’ productivity. In relation to this, you might want to encourage your employees to use the guest Wi-Fi on their mobile devices to reduce the risk of them monopolizing company bandwidth for personal activities.

Bear in mind that your guest Wi-Fi should exclusively offer external users internet connectivity and nothing beyond that. While the correct configuration isn’t overly complex, it can be a time-consuming task. So if you require a team of professionals to handle this for you, or if you have any inquiries about optimizing your hardware for improved efficiency and security, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Why you should use a UPS for network hardware

Power outages are a major inconvenience to businesses. Even a few hours without electricity can lead to thousands of dollars in lost productivity and revenue. Fortunately, there’s something businesses like yours can do to reduce the effects of power outages, and that’s using an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for your computers and networking equipment. Read on to learn more about the benefits of using a UPS for your network hardware.

UPS for network equipment

Also known as a battery backup, a UPS provides backup power in case of outages. It also protects against power surges, which don’t just damage computers, but also make you lose unsaved work.

Deploying UPS units for Wi-Fi routers and modems allows you to stay connected to the internet when the power goes out unexpectedly. This strategy works particularly well if your employees use laptops, as that means you only need power for your Wi-Fi gear.

UPS-supported modems or routers help you stay online for as long as 90 minutes, which should be enough time to get your bearings before power finally runs out. With a UPS, you will still have a fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection so you can perform your tasks, save important files, and keep serving customers.

Without a UPS, your staff may have to rely on cellular data to do their work, which is not only less reliable than Wi-Fi, but also more expensive. You may even incur additional telecom costs resulting from overreliance on cellular data.

UPS systems vs. generators

Although generators are indispensable for certain businesses, they also require greater upkeep. If you invest in generators, you’ll need to employ an entire team to manage these pieces of high-maintenance equipment. This may not be something that a small- or medium-sized business can afford.

That said, generators can prove useful during extended blackouts, but UPS systems should be enough to keep your business running in the event of an emergency.

What’s more, misusing or mishandling generators can result in fatalities. On the other hand, if you misuse a UPS unit or if it breaks down, the worst that could happen is you lose a day’s work; it’s unlikely that you’ll experience anything life-threatening.

Plug in your network gear now

If your business doesn’t have locations in disaster-prone areas, you probably haven’t given much thought to installing UPS systems for your desktop computers, let alone your modems and routers. But accidents and emergencies are inevitable — and when they happen, you’ll find that having internet access is one of the most important things you need to ensure business continuity.

Think of a UPS as an investment that not just protects your systems from data loss, but also keeps your network equipment functioning in emergency situations.

To learn more about UPS systems and network equipment as well as backup and disaster recovery planning, give our team of IT experts a call today.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Easy fixes to your Wi-Fi issues

For most businesses, a reliable internet connection is no longer an option but a necessity. A fast and reliable internet connection makes for more efficient and productive operations. But what do you do when you’re faced with connectivity issues or slow speed? Below are some solutions to five of the most common Wi-Fi worries.

Range constraints
Wi-Fi works via radio waves that are broadcast from a central hub, usually from a piece of hardware known as a router. In order to avoid a weak signal in your office, make sure:

  • Your router is placed in a centralized location and not tucked away in the farthest corner of your facility.
  • Your Wi-Fi antennae are either in a fully horizontal or vertical position for optimal signal distribution.

Note that Wi-Fi range constraints can also occur from interference, so if your office is situated in a highly populated area, try changing your router’s channel.

Slow speed
Despite having high-speed or fiber optic internet, slow load times can still occur for a number of reasons. To eliminate this, try the following:

  • Make sure your router is located in the same room as your computers.
  • Have more routers to better accommodate a high number of connected devices.
  • Limit the use of bandwidth-intensive applications such as Skype, Dropbox, YouTube, and Facebook.
  • Disable your router’s power-saving mode.
  • Create a new router channel to avoid network bottlenecks.

Connection issues
It can be frustrating when the Wi-Fi network shows up on your device but you just can’t seem to connect to it. Before you give up, try these:

  • Determine whether your Wi-Fi connection is the problem or if your internet is down by plugging in your laptop directly into the router via an Ethernet cable. If you get a connection, then your Wi-Fi is the culprit.
  • Reset your router. Use a paperclip or a pen to hold down the reset button for about 30 seconds.
  • Reboot your device.

Unstable connection
Random drops in Wi-Fi connection can happen from time to time. If this has become a constant nuisance in your office, try the following quick fixes:

  • Move your router to a different spot or a different room.
  • Avoid having multiple routers in the same location as they can confuse your device.

Network not found
Glitches in the router can result in your Wi-Fi network not appearing at all. Two solutions that can resolve the problem are:

  • Disconnecting the router from the power source and waiting at least 30 seconds before reconnecting it.
  • Checking to see how old your router is; if it’s over three years old, you’re probably due for a replacement.

When you experience Wi-Fi issues, these tips will help you avoid serious downtime. But if you’d rather have a dedicated technology provider take care of your hardware needs, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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