Businesses of all sizes depend on reliable, fast internet to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. The speed of your internet has a direct impact on your business’ productivity and bottom line, so improving connectivity is a positive move to give your business the competitive edge.
Whether your business relies on internet to process payments or share files, it’s important to make sure your internet is performing at its best so that you can deliver the best possible experience to your customers and staff. Factors like your network capacity, your hardware setup and the type of line connecting your business to the internet can all impact the speed of your internet.
Checking your current internet performance
Waiting for your devices to complete simple commands because of a low connection can be frustrating. There are a few checks you can do to see how your internet is performing, which can help identify any issues that may be disrupting your connectivity so that you can improve your internet speed.
Run a speed test
Checking your upload and download speed is a good way to gauge internet performance before taking further action. There are several online tools you can use to check your internet speed, including the Telstra Speed Test. It’s recommended that internet speed is tested at different times of the day to compare peak and off-peak usage periods.
Check your area’s coverage
If you have devices that run on the mobile network, like wireless EFTPOS or HICAPS devices, Telstra’s Coverage Maps can show you if there are any coverage issues in your area. If you are in an area with limited coverage, there are signal boosters available that can help improve your connectivity at a particular premises.
Troubleshoot for issues
The Smart Troubleshooting Tool can help identify issues on your network, taking you through a step-by-step diagnostic so you know exactly what needs to be fixed to get your internet up to speed.
How to improve connectivity
If you’ve checked your connectivity and found that your internet speed is underperforming or you have limited coverage, there are a few changes you can make to improve your Wi-Fi signal and boost your internet speed.
Position your devices for the best coverage
Sometimes a modem’s position can impact signal performance. Physical barriers between your modem and devices, like metal or wood for example. can affect your coverage. To get stronger Wi-Fi signal, find a position ideally located near the most internet activity and clear of any walls or obstructions.
Make sure you’re up-to-date
Updating your router periodically can help ensure the network is optimised and up to speed. Sometimes the default settings of a router can also impact the way it prioritises internet traffic, so it’s a good idea to review the settings and adjust it to suit your needs.
Boosters and extension devices
If your internet is dropping out or your devices have low connectivity, a Wi-Fi booster can help you get a better Wi-Fi signal and speed up your internet. Network coverage extension devices amplify the network signal to extend the area your devices can work in. We offer several network extension devices that can help boost your connectivity, including the Telstra Smart Antenna and the Telstra Go Repeater.
Call in the experts
At Telstra Business Technology Centre, we can run a network capacity audit to identify areas that can be improved, and advise you on a solution that is completely tailored to your business. We’re here to help. Contact us to help get your internet up to speed today.
