What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is technology that connects devices, such as tablets, smartphones or laptops, to the Internet without the need for a physical wired connection. This network technology transmits radio signals to and from your Smart Hub so that you can browse webpages, stream videos or conduct business transactions.

Why is Wi-Fi important?
When connecting by Wi-Fi, you benefit from the freedom and convenience of accessing the Internet throughout your business on Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as tablets or smartphones, that do not have wired connections. You can also benefit from connecting to shared devices, such as your printer, throughout your business.

What are some factors that affect Wi-Fi?
Here are some factors that affect your Wi-Fi performance:

Your neighbours

Wi-Fi signals operate only on certain radio frequencies. Congestion on these frequencies is problematic because of high density living. Wi-Fi networks can become overcrowded, just like traffic on highways. The number of neighbouring Wi-Fi networks around your business can affect Wi-Fi performance.

Your business

When listening to music on the radio, the sound quality is not only dependent on how close you are to the radio but also on the number of walls the sound must pass through. Wi-Fi acts in a similar way. For Wi-Fi signals to travel from your Smart Hub to where you are using your device, it must pass through your walls and floors. Building materials like concrete and brick will reduce your Wi-Fi signal strength.

Your devices

The number of devices, the age of your devices and what you do on your devices are all factors that affect your Wi-Fi performance. Wi-Fi technology allows ‌your Smart Hub to communicate with one device at a time.
If you have multiple Wi-Fi devices operating at the same time, each device must wait for their turn to communicate. Some older tablets and smartphones communicate at a slower rate and can slow down your entire Wi-Fi network.
Like using water from the same pipe to run the dishwasher, take a shower and care for your lawn, all your devices share Wi-Fi bandwidth. Some applications, like uploading large files to your cloud storage, are bandwidth intensive and will hog more of the Wi-Fi network, leaving less available for your other devices.
Other devices in your business emit disruptors to your Wi-Fi network because they operate on the same radio frequency as your Wi-Fi signals. A few examples include microwaves, cordless phones and wireless speaker systems.

Wi-Fi speed and coverage explained

Understanding the difference between internet speed and Wi-Fi speed is important. Internet speed is the speed stated on your internet plan. Think of internet speed as the “pipe” that enters your business. Once inside‌, your devices that access the internet are connected to the Smart Hub via Wi-Fi.

In the case of Wi-Fi connected devices, your internet is distributed and shared amongst all the Wi-Fi devices you use. The Wi-Fi speeds you get depend on various factors that are explained in this article.

What is Wi-Fi coverage?
Wi-Fi coverage is the quality of your signal over a certain distance that enables you to connect your personal devices to the internet seamlessly.

Wi-Fi coverage is similar to music playing from a speaker. The closer you are to the speaker, the clearer you can hear the music. Like listening to music, your Wi-Fi signal is stronger (and faster) the closer you are to your Smart Hub. As you move farther away from your Smart Hub, Wi-Fi signals lose intensity, and the quality of your connection decreases. At some point, you might move far enough that you will simply be out of range and have no Wi-Fi signal at all.

How much coverage is provided?
There is no simple rule to calculate the amount of coverage Smart Hub will offer. For everyday use, like surfing websites, streaming videos or sharing photos, your Wi-Fi network will provide great coverage throughout your business.

The speeds you can achieve within various coverage areas varies with distance from the Smart Hub along with other factors.

Your Smart Hub will be able to provide coverage throughout your business. On average, maximum speeds and best coverage are achievable within 2000 sq ft* around your Smart Hub. As you move into farther coverage zones, your speeds will slow down.

The size of each coverage zone depends on your usage and unique building characteristics. Here are some of the key factors that impact your Wi-Fi coverage and speeds:

Your surroundings

Construction materials that block Wi-Fi signals

E.g., concrete, brick and heated floors

Electronic devices that emit interference to your Wi-Fi signals

E.g. microwaves, cordless phones and bluetooth speakers

Decorations that reflect or distort Wi-Fi signals

E.g. mirrors and fish tanks

Your setup and usage

Distance from your Smart Hub

The closer, the better!

Location of your Smart Hub

Off the ground, generally on a table
Clear of electronic obstacles

Your personal device's age and technology limitations

Older smartphones and some newer smart TVs have fewer Wi-Fi antennas

Your Internet speed plan

Number of devices in your business using Wi-Fi at the same time

Optimize your Wi-Fi

Positioning your Smart Hub:

Place the Smart Hub above ground and near a window and on an elevated surface such as a table or shelf. If you have a multi-story business, the highest floor is best.
To ensure the best experience, we suggest moving your Smart Hub throughout your business and conducting a speed test (https://telus.com/speedtest) at each location with only one device connected to the hub and the hub connected to it by ethernet cable. The location that gets the fastest download speed should be where your Smart Hub is placed.
Foliage can impact the speed of your Smart Hub connection. Try moving the device around following the steps above if you notice a drop in speed in springtime.
Avoid placing the Smart Hub on the floor, in basements or enclosed areas like closets or cabinets. Also avoid placing near mirrored objects, fish tanks or objects that may obstruct the signal.
If it’s in a location surrounded by electronic items (see a list of items under Minimize radio interference below), move it away from these items to ensure good signal strength

Minimize radio interference
Some devices may cause interference with your Wi-Fi signal if they are within close proximity (8-10 feet) of your Smart Hub. If possible, try removing or turning off sources of potential interference. Try to locate the following away from your Smart Hub and Wi-Fi devices:

Cordless telephone base station
Other wireless modems or routers
Dense or metallic objects (file cabinets, brick walls etc...)
Copper or other metallic pipes
Appliances such as: microwave ovens, air conditioners and television sets
Garage door openers
Building materials
Bluetooth devices
Wireless speaker system
Baby monitors
Wireless security cameras
Certain monitors and LCD displays

Sharing your Wi-Fi bandwidth
Your Wi-Fi bandwidth is shared across all connected devices at your location. Using up this bandwidth can impact the speed and performance of your device.

Some devices connected to your Wi-Fi may automatically use bandwidth. If you do not require your device to be connected, turn it off to help free up bandwidth.

If you find you are consistently using more than your plan allows, consider upgrading your plan.

Wi-Fi congestion
Sharing the same frequency can slow down or disrupt your Wi-Fi service. This is particularly problematic in multi-dwelling units where a neighbour’s Wi-Fi can be operating on the same frequency.

If you continue to experience congestion issues, contact us to discuss other solutions.

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