Most office problems that look like “the internet is slow” are really network problems: weak Wi-Fi, tangled cabling or equipment nobody has looked at in years. Here is what to check.
Cabling
Good networks start with the cables. Every point should be labelled, tested and documented, and the rack should be tidy enough that anyone can find a port quickly.
Wi-Fi coverage
Check the signal in every room, including meeting rooms and the warehouse. Place access points by measured coverage, not by where a socket happened to be. Keep a separate network for guests.
Security
Change default passwords, keep equipment firmware up to date and put a firewall between your network and the internet. Separate cameras, printers and guest devices from the computers that hold business data.
Remote access
Staff working from home or other branches should connect over a VPN, never by opening ports directly to the internet.
Who to call when it goes down
Decide in advance who looks after the network and how fast they respond. Write down your internet provider's contacts, the equipment list and the passwords, and keep them somewhere safe.
A short checklist
- Label and document every cable.
- Measure the Wi-Fi signal in every room.
- Separate the guest network from the staff network.
- Change default passwords and set up a firewall.
- Use only a VPN for remote access.
