When you need help now, the best way to get it is to use the Telkom self-service portals and tools.
How to set up your WiFi hotspot
- Select ‘Settings’ on the home screen
- Scroll down and select ‘Wireless & Networks’
- Select ‘Tethering & Portable hotspot’
Click on ‘WiFi hotspot’ and thereafter ‘WLAN switch’ to enable the WiFi hotspot
Option 1: Select ‘WLAN switch’ to enable the WiFi hotspot
Option 2: ‘Keep the WiFi hotspot’ lets you select how long you want the WiFi hotspot to be active
Option 3: ‘Set up WiFi hotspot’ allows you to edit the details for your WiFi hotspot
Option 4: ‘Connected users’ shows the number of active connections - Rename your ‘Network SSID’ to recognise it easier
- Set your security to ‘WPA2 – PSK’ to set up a password for your hotspot
- Create a unique password to prevent unauthorised access to your device
How to improve your WiFi range
Step 1: Look at what could be impacting your WiFi signal
Distance: The further the distance between your device and modem, the weaker your WiFi signal will become. Typically, the WiFi icon on your device will give you a good indication of the quality and strength of your WiFi signal. The more bars, the stronger the signal.
Obstructions: Some physical objects, or the use of certain materials in your office can hinder your WiFi signal strength. Examples include the number of walls in your office building, the thickness of the walls, concrete slabs and steel found in rooms, floors and roofs.
Interference: Other WiFi signals and electronic devices can disrupt your WiFi signal. This includes WiFi hotspots, refrigerators, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, alarm sensors, garage doors openers and drones. The correct placement or reconfiguration of your modem can help eliminate interference. Credible applications, such as WiFi Analyser, can be used to determine signal strength and channel use.
Step 2: Install WiFi range extenders
If you still have a poor WiFi signal after addressing the factors in step 1, you may want to consider installing WiFi extenders, adaptors, or access points/mesh networks. The option you choose would depend on your budget and the extent of your WiFi needs.
- WiFi extenders: Ideal for smaller office spaces with poor signal in certain rooms.
- Powerline adaptors: If you need to extend your internet connection to several offices, powerline adaptors are a good choice.
- Access points and mesh networks: You can install wired access points (APs) in areas where you don't have sufficient WiFi coverage. You can add additional APs for the installation of a mesh network. A WiFi mesh network is the ideal solution for large or multi-story offices.
How to make the most of your internet connection:
- Wirelessly connect multiple devices: A WiFi hotspot at the office can wirelessly connect multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, to one internet connection. This allows the entire office to do anything online at the same time and on the same connection.
- Automatically sync mobile devices: Mobile data is perfect for when your staff are out and about, but it can be up to four times more expensive than fixed line data. When you are at the office, it makes more sense to use the internet data as the cost per MB (megabyte) is lower.
- Access your Telkom Internet data bundle from anywhere: With the Telkom Integrated Data services your sales-staff are able to access the Telkom Internet fixed data bundle from any mobile device, such as WiFi router, Tablet or 3G USB modem, via a Telkom Internet SIM. This means that your staff will be able to connect and use the internet when the DSL is not working. You can also use the Telkom Integrated Data service when you are on the move.