Is Your Office Layout Slowing Down Your Wi-Fi?

Your Internet Speed Isn’t the Problem - Your Office Layout Might Be

If your business in Grand Rapids has been plagued by spotty Wi-Fi, frozen Zoom calls, or slow upload speeds, you might be thinking it’s time to upgrade your internet plan. But before you call your internet provider, take a closer look around your office.

You may not have an internet speed issue at all.

In many cases, it’s not the service coming into your building that’s the problem—it’s what happens to the signal once it gets inside.

At IT Systems, LLC, we’ve helped dozens of local businesses troubleshoot and improve their network performance without touching their internet plans. And 9 times out of 10, it starts with the layout of the workspace.

The Hidden Problem with Office Layouts

Modern office designs often prioritize aesthetics or practicality for teams, but very few consider Wi-Fi signals.

Your Wi-Fi router sends out radio waves that get weaker the farther they travel and the more obstacles they encounter. Walls, furniture, filing cabinets, and even people can block or weaken these signals.

Here are a few common layout issues that kill connectivity:

Routers placed on the floor or behind furniture
Networking equipment hidden inside a server closet
Long hallways separating workstations from signal sources
Large metal objects near access points
Cubicle dividers made with reflective materials

These physical barriers reduce signal strength, especially in larger offices or buildings with thick walls or concrete construction.

Think Placement, Not Speed

We’ve seen companies pay for 1GB internet packages but still struggle to stream a Zoom call from a conference room. Why? Because their router was buried under a desk or shoved in a closet.

Here’s how to quickly assess your setup:

1. Check Router Location - Is it on the floor? Move it up. - Is it in a closet? Get it into the open. - Is it in a far corner of the office? Try a central location instead.

Ideally, routers should be mounted high on a wall or placed on a shelf with as few barriers as possible.

2. Test Wi-Fi from the Edges Grab your phone or laptop and run a speed test near your router. Then walk to the farthest point in the office and run another.

If your download speed drops by more than 50%, your signal isn’t reaching evenly.

That doesn’t mean your internet is slow. It means your layout is working against you.

What to Do If You Have Dead Zones

If you’ve found weak spots in your office, the fix might be easier than you think:

Option 1: Add a Wi-Fi Extender These devices pick up your existing signal and rebroadcast it, giving you more range.

Option 2: Use Mesh Wi-Fi or Multiple Access Points This is a more advanced solution but offers better coverage. It creates a seamless network across your space, and your devices automatically connect to the strongest point.

Option 3: Have a Pro Assess It Sometimes the most cost-effective thing you can do is bring in an expert. We offer Wi-Fi audits for small businesses in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Wi-Fi Rage Is Real (And Avoidable)

We’ve all been there: you’re presenting to a client on a video call and your screen freezes mid-sentence. Or you try to send a large file and watch the progress bar crawl at a snail’s pace.

That frustration? It’s real.

And it doesn’t just make your team unproductive—it makes them miserable.

If you find yourself constantly troubleshooting or rebooting your router, it may be time for an upgrade.

Not all routers are built the same, and older ones simply can’t handle the demands of modern offices.

Check the year your router was made. - If it’s pre-2020, it likely doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6. - Wi-Fi 6 improves speed, capacity, and performance—especially in crowded office environments.

Other signs it’s time for a new router: - Devices frequently disconnect - The router overheats - You can’t connect multiple devices without issues - Your router doesn’t support dual-band or mesh systems

Don’t expect a $60 home router to support 15+ business devices and heavy video usage. Investing in a business-grade router is one of the most cost-effective IT decisions you can make.

Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Stay Connected

At IT Systems, LLC, we specialize in making your technology work better—without overcomplicating things.

If your Wi-Fi has been holding you back, start by evaluating your office layout. Then take a look at your equipment. You might be surprised how quickly things improve.

And if you’d like a second opinion, we’re here to help.

Serving Grand Rapids, MI and surrounding areas, we offer on-site Wi-Fi audits to small businesses.

Let’s get your signal strong and your frustration low.

Need help with Wi-Fi performance or office connectivity? Reach out to IT Systems, LLC today to schedule your free audit.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Phishing Email Security for Small Businesses in Grand Rapids, Michigan

By Greg Johnson • February 13, 2026

Phishing emails are one of the most common and costly cyber threats facing small businesses in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These attacks are designed to trick employees into revealing passwords, approving fraudulent payments, or clicking malicious links that compromise company systems. For many small businesses, phishing is not a technical failure, it’s a human one. Understanding how these scams work and how to protect your team is one of the most important cybersecurity steps you can take. What Is a Phishing Email? A phishing email is a fraudulent message designed to appear legitimate. It often impersonates: A software provider A coworker or manager A vendor A bank or payment platform A service like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace The goal is simple: Steal login credentials Redirect payments Install malware Gain access to sensitive company data Modern phishing emails are highly convincing. They often use real logos, accurate formatting, and urgent language that pressures employees to act quickly. Why Small Businesses in West Michigan Are Prime Targets Many small business owners assume hackers only target large corporations. In reality, small businesses are often more attractive targets because: They have fewer security layers Teams operate with high internal trust Financial processes are less segmented Attackers use automated tools that cast wide nets In West Michigan, we frequently see phishing attempts aimed at healthcare offices, schools, nonprofits, professional services, and trade-based businesses. Size does not protect you. Preparation does. What a Phishing Attack Can Cost a Small Business The impact of a successful phishing attack can include: Account takeover Fraudulent wire transfers Payroll diversion scams Data exposure Operational downtime Reputational damage Even a single compromised inbox can expose vendor communications, client data, and financial workflows. The cost is rarely just financial, it’s operational. Why Employee Awareness Is Just as Important as Security Tools Email filtering tools block many threats. But not all of them. Phishing works because it exploits human behavior: urgency, authority, and routine. An employee sees: “Your password expires today.” “Invoice attached.” “Wire transfer needed before 3pm.” They react quickly. That’s what attackers rely on. Technology helps. But your team is the final line of defense. How to Protect Your Team from Phishing Attacks 1. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA prevents stolen passwords from being enough to access accounts. 2. Use Advanced Email Filtering Basic spam filters are no longer sufficient. Modern tools analyze behavior patterns, impersonation attempts, and domain anomalies. 3. Secure Your Email Domain (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) Proper domain configuration helps prevent spoofing and impersonation. 4. Provide Ongoing Security Awareness Training Annual training isn’t enough. Phishing evolves constantly. Employees need regular reminders and real-world examples. 5. Monitor Login Activity Unusual login attempts, impossible travel events, or repeated failed logins should be flagged and investigated quickly. Real Examples of Phishing We’ve Seen Locally Without naming names, we’ve seen: Fake DocuSign emails requesting credential re-entry Payroll change requests appearing to come from company leadership “Microsoft password expired” alerts Vendor invoice impersonation with slightly altered email domains Each one looked legitimate at first glance. How IT Systems, LLC Helps Grand Rapids Businesses Reduce Phishing Risk At IT Systems, LLC, phishing protection is not just about installing software. We help businesses: Configure secure email environments Implement multi-factor authentication Monitor suspicious activity Provide employee awareness guidance Respond quickly when incidents occur Security works best when tools, training, and monitoring work together. Frequently Asked Questions About Phishing Emails How do phishing emails bypass spam filters? Attackers constantly adapt tactics to avoid detection. Some phishing emails use legitimate compromised accounts, which makes them harder to detect. Can small businesses really be targeted? Yes. Many phishing campaigns are automated and target thousands of small businesses at once. Is Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace secure enough by default? Both platforms provide strong security foundations, but proper configuration, MFA, and monitoring are critical for full protection. What should we do if an employee clicks a phishing link? Immediately reset passwords, revoke sessions, review login history, and assess potential data exposure. How often should phishing training happen? At least annually, with periodic reminders and updates throughout the year. Strengthen Your Email Security Phishing emails don’t always look suspicious at first glance. If your business hasn’t reviewed email security or employee awareness in the past year, it may be time to take a closer look. 👉 Talk with our team about strengthening your email security.