How to Combat Slow Internet Speeds in Your Business

Whether you're running a small start-up or managing a growing SME, slow internet speeds can seriously hamper productivity and cause frustration across your workforce. Fortunately, there are ways to diagnose and combat slow internet speeds that ensure your business runs smoothly. In this blog, we’ll explore several strategies to help you optimise your business internet, upgrade your infrastructure, and get the most out of your business broadband.

1. Diagnosing the Problem: Is It Your Broadband or Wi-Fi?

The first step in addressing slow internet speeds is determining whether the problem lies with your business broadband connection itself or your internal business Wi-Fi network. Business broadband provides the overall connection to the internet, while your Wi-Fi allows devices within the building to access that broadband connection wirelessly.

If you notice slow speeds across all devices (whether wired or wireless), it could be an issue with your broadband provider. On the other hand, if only wireless devices experience lags while wired connections remain stable, your internal Wi-Fi network might be the culprit.

Solution: Run a speed test on both wired and wireless devices. If speeds are significantly lower than what your business broadband plan promises, it’s time to contact your internet service provider (ISP) for support or explore business broadband deals with better performance guarantees.

2. Evaluate Your Current Business Internet Plan

Many businesses outgrow their initial internet plan as their team expands and data demands increase. If your company is experiencing regular slowdowns, it may be time to evaluate whether your current business internet plan is suitable for your needs.

Business Broadband Deals: Look for broadband deals tailored to business needs, which often come with better customer service, faster repair times, and more robust performance metrics than residential broadband plans. Upgrading to a fiber-optic broadband service, for example, can dramatically improve download and upload speeds, making it easier to handle video conferencing, file uploads, and data transfers.

Solution: Conduct an internet audit to assess your current data usage. Match that with a business broadband plan that offers higher speeds and greater bandwidth to accommodate your company’s growth and digital demands.

3. Re-build Your Business Wi-Fi Network

For many businesses, the bottleneck isn't the broadband connection itself but rather an outdated or poorly configured Wi-Fi network. Here are a few steps you can take to optimise your business Wi-Fi:

Upgrade Your Router: If your router is more than a few years old, it may not support modern broadband speeds or multiple devices. Upgrading to a router designed for business environments can improve network efficiency.

Place Your Router in the Right Spot: Positioning your router in a central location ensures that the signal reaches all parts of your office. Avoid placing the router in enclosed areas or near large metal objects, which can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.

Reduce Network Congestion: If too many devices are connected to your business Wi-Fi network, this can lead to congestion and reduced speeds. Consider setting up multiple networks, such as one for guest devices and one for business operations, to balance the load.

Solution: Invest in a business-grade Wi-Fi system with features like dual-band or tri-band technology, which can manage multiple devices more effectively without impacting overall performance.

While Wi-Fi offers convenience, wired connections (Ethernet) generally provide faster and more reliable speeds. For critical systems like servers, desktop computers, or devices running cloud-based applications, a direct Ethernet connection might be a better option. Connect key devices via Ethernet to ensure consistent high-speed access to business internet, especially for tasks that require significant bandwidth such as file sharing, backups, or video conferencing.

4. Leased Lines for Consistent Performance

For businesses that rely heavily on internet uptime and consistent speeds, a dedicated leased line might be the ideal solution. Unlike standard business broadband connections, a leased line offers a direct, uncontended internet connection, ensuring the same upload and download speeds at all times. This is particularly useful for businesses that operate in cloud environments, regularly transfer large files, or rely on VoIP (Voice over IP) systems for communication.

Solution: Talk to your ISP or business broadband provider about installing a leased line. While this can be more expensive than standard broadband, the guaranteed speed and reliability often provide significant long-term value.

5. Monitor and Manage Bandwidth Usage

Even with a high-speed business broadband plan, poor bandwidth management can slow down your entire network. Streaming services, large file downloads, and unnecessary background processes can all consume bandwidth, leaving less available for critical business functions.

Solution: Implement a bandwidth management tool to prioritise important tasks like VoIP calls, video conferencing, and file transfers. Limit or block non-essential activities that consume significant bandwidth during peak business hours.

Slow internet speeds don’t have to be an ongoing issue for your business. By diagnosing your network, upgrading your business broadband plan, optimising your Wi-Fi setup, and considering more advanced solutions like leased lines, you can ensure a fast, reliable connection that boosts productivity and supports growth. Take the time to assess your business internet needs and explore the business broadband deals available to find a solution that works for you.