Struggling with Poor Wifi Coverage? Techniques to Solve Those WiFi Woes

WiFi black spots, intermittent service and buffering are all fairly common issues in Singapore, partly due to the dense structure of the concrete and reinforced steel buildings here. There are a number of different techniques that we can implement to ensure you have seamless coverage throughout your home.
 

The best option is to have hard-wired WiFi access points in strategic locations

This can be achieved using existing data points or, if these are not available, we can usually convert telephone sockets into data points. Computers and televisions can also be hard-wired into data points for maximum internet performance. If your home doesn’t have any such sockets then an option would be to lay new cables
and position data points where required.
 
 

What about a mesh network?

Another option is to implement a “mesh network”, such as Google WiFi. In the right situations, mesh networks can be very effective. However, it is essential that the mesh “nodes” are within good WiFi range of each other so that they can piggyback the signal. Concrete walls can hinder this so it may be necessary to install additional nodes in corridors and stairwells to bridge the signal between rooms or floors; it can be tricky finding a place with power, and costs increase considerably adding nodes. Find out more about why mesh network aren’t always the answer in our “Mesh Networks: Everything you Need to Know” blog post.
 

Wifi extenders and boosters

As a last resort, wireless repeaters or extenders can be installed. These don’t produce great results as repeaters use half the bandwidth to receive signal and half to transmit and extenders often use the building power cables to
convey the signals and this technique cannot handle high-speed data.  For this reason, we do not recommend extenders and boosters for reliable extension of WiFi, especially if you are wanting to steam TV etc.

How to ensure you have good WiFi in your new home

You may be able to reduce the pain of troublesome Internet (and costs) if you consider WiFi coverage before you move in and during your property search. So, what should you look for and consider?

• Fibre Ready
  Fibre optic broadband is the latest Internet standard. It delivers ultra-high speeds (1Gbps +) through an island- wide fibre network, directly into your home, ensuring a richer broadband experience. Not all properties are kitted out yet to have a fibre service, so it is worth checking if your new property has an existing NetLink Trust termination point.

 

• Data points (and phone sockets)
  Look out for data points or phone sockets in each room as we can utilise the cabling to get excellent coverage, far more reliable and effective than retail wireless extender and repeater equipment.

 

• Budget for cabling
  Some properties don’t have data cabling and it can be tricky to get good and stable wireless throughout, especially large black and white houses. It is worth getting a quote for wiring and asking the landlord to cover the costs before you sign the contract (as it is adding value!).

 

• Renovation plans
  If you are renovating, it is the ideal time to plan your WiFi, don’t leave it until you move it! Tekkie Help works with a number of architects and interior designers from the building planning stage to ensure that the necessary cabling is installed in the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing way.

 
WiFi optimisation can be complex – there is no universal solution. If you need help optimising your home network, or are currently looking to renovate your home and want to ensure you have seamless connectivity, why not get Tekkie Help to assist? We can come and conduct a complimentary, no-obligation site survey to provide our recommendations to enhance WiFi coverage. Just call us on 81138682. You can visit www.tekkiehelp.com/wifi-optimisation for more information.