5 Easy Things You Can Do To Improve Wi-Fi Performance

A slow or unreliable Wi-Fi connection can be frustrating—whether you're streaming, working, or managing a business network. In this article, we’ll cover five simple but effective ways you can use to optimize your Wi-Fi performance, improve stability, and get the most out of your wireless setup.

How To Improve Wi-Fi Performance

1. Adjust MBR on each WLAN or SSID to eliminate low data rates and improve overall network performance

   Minimum Base Rate (MBR) refers to the minimum data rate a client can use to associate to the wireless network. Allowing low data rates can cause clients to have issues roaming to other APs as they stay connected to an AP at low rates even though they have moved further away from that AP and closer to another AP that can provide better speeds. The recommended minimum data rate is 12 Mbps for most wireless networks and 24 Mbps for high density environments like offices and classrooms

   
   

2. Don’t Use the Manufacturer Default  of 80 or 160 Mhz Channel width.

   Avoid using the manufacturer’s default channel width of 80 or 160 MHz unless it's absolutely necessary and the environment supports it. While wider channels offer higher data rates, they are more susceptible to interference and can cause significant overlap in crowded RF environments. In most enterprise or multi-AP deployments, 20 or 40 MHz channels are more stable and efficient, especially in the 5 GHz band. Using narrower channels helps reduce co-channel interference and allows more devices to operate simultaneously without contention. Always assess the environment with a site survey before selecting channel width settings.

   
   

3. Limit the Number of SSIDs to 3 or 4

   Limiting the number of SSIDs to 3 or 4 is a best practice for optimizing wireless performance, especially in enterprise or high-density environments. Each SSID adds management overhead and increases airtime consumption due to the beacons being sent from the each AP for each SSID every 100ms and other broadcast traffic. Too many SSIDs can lead to unnecessary RF congestion, reducing the available bandwidth for client data. Keeping the SSID count low helps maintain cleaner airtime and improves overall network efficiency. Focus on using VLANs and access controls behind fewer SSIDs to serve different user groups instead of broadcasting multiple networks.

   
   

4. Implement Traffic Rate Limit for the Guest Wi-Fi

   Implementing traffic rate limits for guest Wi-Fi is essential to preserve network performance for primary users. Without limits, guest devices can consume excessive bandwidth through streaming, downloads, or updates, negatively impacting critical business applications. A good starting point is to cap guest users at 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload per device—enough for general browsing and light usage without straining the network. Rate limiting ensures fair usage and prevents any one user from monopolizing available resources. It also adds a layer of control and security by keeping guest traffic separate and contained.

   
   

5. Create a dedicated vlan for AP management traffic

   Creating a dedicated vlan for AP management traffic is a best practice for both security and performance. By isolating management functions, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access to access points or the wireless controller.

   It also separates AP management traffic from user data and guest services, helping to minimize broadcast and multicast congestion. Access points frequently exchange control information with neighboring APs over the air, which can clutter the network if not properly segmented. This VLAN-based segregation simplifies troubleshooting, improves network organization, and ensures cleaner, more efficient communication between infrastructure devices.

   
   

Wi-Fi optimization isn’t just about faster speeds—it’s about creating a stable, reliable user experience. With a few strategic changes and regular assessments, your wireless network can operate at peak performance, now and in the future.