Campus Wi-Fi is one of the most important (if not the most important) services on a college campus. It’s how students connect to the internet, do their coursework, and stay connected with their friends and family. But when it doesn’t work properly, it can be a major headache for everyone involved.
The growth of automation has allowed for students and staff alike to execute tasks easier and more efficiently, but network setbacks can create issues and problems. To ensure your staff and students are staying headache free, here are six reasons your network is struggling to perform and more so – what to do about it.
Network Setup
Having your network setup properly is not as easy as many think. A common problem we see is that the organization doesn’t have enough access points (AP’s) to cover the whole area needed. Not only that, but AP’s need to be properly spaced out and placed in areas where there is the least amount of interference.
If you don’t have enough AP’s or they aren’t properly placed, your campus Wi-Fi will undoubtedly struggle to perform to its highest potential.
Outdated Equipment and Infrastructure
Both the equipment and infrastructure used can be a tell tale sign of why your Wi-Fi may be struggling to perform.
Outdated equipment isn’t just limited to the software your campus Wi-Fi is based on. The equipment itself could be outdated. Switches and routers that have been used for years without being updated or replaced could be clogging your performance.
This outdated equipment can lead to plenty of problems, including but not limited to:
- Packet loss
- Higher latency
- Lower speeds
But even if you have the latest and greatest equipment, it won’t do you any good if your infrastructure can’t handle it. If your network is using an analog signal, it’s going to struggle to keep up with the demands of today’s digital world.
Increase in Connected Devices
In recent years, there has been an explosion of connected devices on Campus Wi-Fi networks. This is due to the rise in popularity of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices that need internet access.
The problem with this increase in connected devices is that most Wi-Fi networks weren’t designed to handle that many devices. This can lead to slower speeds, higher latency, and more dropped connections.
To combat this issue, you need to make sure your Wi-Fi network is designed for the future and can handle more devices than you are currently using.
Lack of Proper Wi-Fi Management Tools
Your Wi-Fi may be struggling to perform because you don’t have the proper Wi-Fi management tools in place. Without these tools, it’s impossible to properly monitor and manage your Wi-Fi network. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including:
- Not being able to see who is using your Wi-Fi and how much data they are using
- Not being able to see what devices are connecting to your Wi-Fi and at which times of the day.
- Not being able to properly troubleshoot issues when they arise
All of these problems can lead to a decrease in the performance of your Wi-Fi network.
Limited Budget
One of the most common reasons campus Wi-Fi networks struggle to perform is because of a limited budget. When it comes to Wi-Fi, you get what you pay for. If you don’t invest in a quality Wi-Fi network, you’re going to have a hard time providing your students with the quality of service they need to complete tasks and communicate effectively.
Investing in a quality Wi-Fi network may seem like a lot of money upfront, but it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Inefficient IT Services Provider
Another reason your Wi-Fi may have performance issues is by having an inefficient IT solutions provider, or by not having one at all. Without properly managed IT services, your systems won’t have the constant monitoring, upgrading, and maintenance that they require to perform properly, and support all of the students and staff requiring the network to perform their work.
These are just a few of the reasons your network may be struggling to perform. If you’re having trouble with your Wi-Fi, it’s important to take a look at all of these factors and see if there’s anything you can do to improve the situation.
ANC’s Strong Performing Campus Wi-Fi
If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi network that will struggle to perform, look no further than ANC. We offer a variety of Wi-Fi solutions that are designed to meet the needs of even the most demanding campus Wi-Fi networks.
We understand the importance of top-performing Wi-Fi on campus. ANC has supported campus Wi-Fi for decades, in some of the most prominent schools in the area. If you have any more questions, we are happy to assist. Click here to learn more about our IT Support for Campuses and if you would like to schedule a free assessment with one of our Account Executives, please fill out the Contact Us form to schedule an appointment.
