SCRTC NEWS
Become a Wi-Fi
wizard How to keep connection speeds high and frustration low
As smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, streaming players and other devices get more advanced with new features and capabilities, the need for a strong and steady Wi-Fi connection is getting more important all the time. While SCRTC technical support staff members are always happy to help, here are a few common problems you can troubleshoot on your own: EXTENDING THE SIGNAL’S REACH Adding a router to your internet connection extends the power of broadband throughout your home by turning the signal into radio waves, which devices pick up. And remember, the location of your router affects the functionality of your Wi-Fi. RUNNING INTERFERENCE Router interference can come from some of the strangest places, including metal objects positioned near the router. The metal mesh embedded in plaster walls in some older homes can limit the signal. Even household items that aren’t connected to the internet can affect your Wi-Fi performance, such as the microwave, fluorescent lights, cordless phones and some external computer monitors. Bluetooth devices like your keyboard, mouse and headset can also have an effect. CLOSENESS MATTERS The location of the router really does matter. Make sure your router is close enough to the device you want to use. The farther away you get from your router, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal will become. SYSTEM OVERLOAD? Every device connected to your Wi-Fi network shares your home’s total bandwidth. So, when your family is using several connected devices, some users may experience slower performance or buffering when streaming. To work through this issue, you may need a Wi-Fi mesh system or a higher broadband package. Contact SCRTC at 270-678-2111 or visit us at scrtc.com to find out more about higher-speed packages.
Employee spotlight Tara Spradlin is a service dispatch technician, a role that involves sending service orders and trouble tickets to the technicians in the field and managing billing for those orders. She says she has especially enjoyed interaction with SCRTC’s members during her 22 years with the cooperative, starting right after graduating college when she was 22. “This is a wonderful company with wonderful employees who truly care for one another and for all of the members,” Spradlin says. “With nearly 50 technicians in the field, we work throughout the day to answer customer calls regarding service orders,” she says. “I’ve always thought it was one of the most exciting departments to work in. It’s such a fast-paced environment with a lot of multitasking involved. And we are continuously learning new things.” Spradlin and her husband, Chris, have three adult sons: Luke, Trevor and Travis. Their dog, Roxie, is the only girl in the family.
South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative
May/June 2020 | 5
