TECH TROUBLESHOOTING!

The whole family needs to use Wi-fi throughout the house, but sometimes it’s weak or non-existent. How can we improve this?

Wi-fi black spots, intermittent service and buffering are all fairly common issues here 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 access points in strategic locations. This can be achieved using data points, or we can sometimes 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 such sockets then an option would be to lay new cables and position data points where required.

Another option is to implement a “mesh network”. In the right situations, mesh networks can be very effective, however, it is essential that the mesh “nodes” are within Wi-fi 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.

As a last resort, wireless repeaters or extenders can be installed. These don’t produce optimum results as repeaters use half the bandwidth to receive signal and half to transmit, and extenders plug into the wall and use the power cables to transmit the signal, which aren't capable of taking high speed data. Wi-fi optimisation can be complex – there is no universal solution.

If you need help resolving your internet issues, give Tekkie Help a call on 8113 8682 and quote “Expat Living” for a complimentary site visit and advice on the most appropriate solution. tekkiehelp.com