Improving Your Office's WiFi Coverage

Since YAPI relies on WiFi to transfer data from your iPads to your server, the quality of your wireless connection is important to using YAPI seamlessly.  Without a strong WiFi network in place, forms and patient data can't get to where they need to go (to your server) which can hold back your team's workflow.  To avoid these issues, check out our recommendations below to improve your wireless network's range and efficiency. 

Note: While we note examples of products you can use to improve your WiFi below, YAPI is not affiliated with these products.    Always consult your IT professional to determine which products work best for your practice.

Table of Contents

 

Improve Your Router's Range

Typically, a wireless router should be centrally located in your office to ensure the best range possible. Place the router on a flat surface, off the floor, and clear of other objects.

Check for Weak Spots

Wireless networks are often affected by obstacles that block the  WiFi signal from reaching all areas of your office. Downloadable apps like Network Analyzer Pro (for iPhones) or WiFi Analyzer (for Android) can help you check for weak spots, displaying the strength of your signal as you to walk around your office.

You can then fix a problem area - where the signal is weakest - by moving your router closer to that area.

 

Properly Position Your Router's Antenna

The antennas shipped with most routers are small and broadcast your WiFi signal in all directions. To get the best out of these types of antennas, position yours so that it's standing straight up.  If you need to improve the antenna's range, you can purchase a “high-gain” antenna that broadens your coverage area or a high-gain directional antenna that focuses your signal in a specific direction, allowing you to aim it where it’s needed.

Install a Wireless Repeater

If you need to cover a large area with a wireless signal and your router (or a high-gain antenna) isn't enough, a wireless repeater (also known as a range extender) can help you boost your signal. A repeater is easy to install and doesn’t require any additional wires or connections.  If your office is exceptionally large, you can even install multiple repeaters across your practice for full, uninterrupted coverage.

 

Avoid Interference

Even if you have the best equipment, other devices and WiFi networks can interfere with your signal, keeping it from performing at its best.  

Check the Traffic on Your Router's Channel

WiFi Networks operate on channels and if multiple businesses in your area are all using the same one as you, this can slow down your WiFi speed.  To check for open channels that don't have as much traffic, you can use downloadable apps like Network Analyzer Pro (for iPhones) or WiFi Analyzer (for Android), the same ones used for checking your WiFi signal above:

Then, simply switch your router's channel to one without as much traffic.  (Check your router's manual for how to do this.)  If you don't want to download a WiFi analyzer, you can also experiment with your signal by changing the channel on your router and seeing if your wireless connection improves.

Check Your Cordless Phones

If your practice uses cordless phones, find out which frequency they use.  Cordless phones using the 2.4 GHz frequency can interfere with wireless networks but you can solve this issue by manually changing their frequency to 900 MHz or 1.9 GHz.

Test Microwaves for Energy Leaks

Similarly, microwaves and wireless networks operate on nearly the same electromagnetic frequency (between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz).  If you have a microwave in your office (like in a break room or hallway) check for energy leaks and replace it with a newer one if necessary.

 

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