In today's highly competitive environment, many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) rely heavily on the Internet to run daily operations, improve efficiencies and increase the bottom line. But some challenges go along with such dependability. Companies use the Internet to communicate with customers, organize video conferences, promote their products or services, conduct research and even run internal systems using cloud-based software.
However, results from the market research firm IDC reveal that internet inefficiencies can cost businesses to lose annual revenue up to 20 to 30%. Slow WiFi in the workplace decreases sales, revenue, productivity and employee morale.
A fast Internet connection enables your team to work and home to function optimally in everyday life. So many of us have become dependent on electronic devices, mobile phones, tablets and laptops that we can’t live without them.
Before upgrading your Internet connection, consider other factors such as cable status, router condition, WiFi generation and the number of multiple devices connected at any given time.
So, how do you know if you need faster Internet? Here are a few common signs that it's time to upgrade your Internet speed instead of your hardware or software.
1. You Have Multiple Devices Connected to the Internet
If you have a router older than WiFi 5 or 6, it will run at much slower speeds. The problem probably originates from someplace else. It could be that the Internet needs more capacity to accommodate the number of devices that need to be connected. Conducting an Internet speed test may help you determine the potential cause.
2. Backups and Online Syncs Are Slow or Fail
If you backup files, sync or transfer large files or use cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, it may be time to upgrade your Internet speed. These types of applications rely on a fast connection for smooth operation. If you can't upload images or download software updates quickly, your Internet speed might need to be updated.
3. Video Conferencing and Collaboration is Anything but Productive
Collaboration platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex are now standard ways to communicate and collaborate in the workplace. If your Internet connection is slow, it will impact the quality of virtual meetings. And if you notice that online conferencing platforms frequently lag, you should reach out to your internet service provider to explore different internet packages with speeds that are optimal for this type of application.
4. You Need More Speed
If your Internet speed is slower than it used to be, it could be a sign that your router can only handle some of the extra traffic added to your network over the years. Newer routers have MU-MIMO – Multiple Users, Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs — technology to handle more devices on your network simultaneously. MU-MIMO routers actively transmit and receive data over WiFi for better performance.
5. Your Connection Drops Out In Some Parts of The Office
Although WiFi signals can reach a certain distance within any building, they may drop altogether in some places. It could happen anywhere, including stairwells, nooks or in a specific spot in your office. Purchasing a long-range router or mesh wireless system can help provide the long-range WiFi signal you need.
6. You Just Got Fiber Internet in Your Area
Fiber Internet has become the new standard for a faster, more stable internet connection. In fact, it reaches higher speeds than your average DSL connection. This type of connection utilizes fiber optic technology, which is designed to carry data as efficiently and quickly as possible.
Transmitting an ultra-high-speed light signal via fiber optic cables is what makes Fiber Internet work. Most fiber Internet service providers offer symmetrical download and upload speeds, so your upload and download speeds will be the same.
Best Ways to Ensure A Speedy Connection
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Select a provider that offers a minimum of 25 Mbps download speed (Most experts now recommend at least 100 Mbps)
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Purchase a router rather than rent one
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Make sure the router is placed in a central location
Conclusion
Knowing if it's time for an upgrade to give you more bandwidth for your Internet connection can be challenging. If you need help communicating with your peers, conducting Zoom calls, streaming, accessing cloud applications or quickly backing up your data, contact us at Consolidated Communications today so we can upgrade your Internet speed. We are dedicated to moving businesses forward with the most reliable fiber communications solutions. Our experts will help you determine if you need to upgrade your Internet.