Tag: tips

How to Plan Your IT Budget: A Practical Guide

Posted on by Jake Boase

We understand the critical role that budgeting plays in the success of any business. IT budgeting is not just about allocating funds; it’s about strategically planning and managing resources to drive innovation and growth. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the importance of IT budgeting, key components, common challenges, strategies, best practices, tools and resources, case studies, and specific considerations for small businesses and large enterprises. By the end of this article, you will have a deep understanding of how to master the art of IT budgeting for success in 2024.

The Importance of IT Budgeting

IT budgeting serves as the foundation for the digital transformation and sustainability of any organisation. It allows businesses to align their technology investments with their strategic goals and objectives.

A well-crafted IT budget ensures that the necessary resources are allocated to support current operations while also fostering innovation and future growth.

Additionally, it provides a roadmap for prioritising projects, managing risks, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market. Without a comprehensive IT budgeting plan, organisations risk inefficiency, missed opportunities, and potential financial setbacks.

Effective IT budgeting also promotes transparency and accountability within an organisation.

By clearly outlining the allocation of funds for various IT initiatives, stakeholders gain insight into how resources are being utilised and the expected return on investment.

This transparency fosters trust and confidence among team members, executives, and external partners, ultimately contributing to a cohesive and collaborative work environment.

Moreover, it enables informed decision-making, as leaders can evaluate the cost-benefit analysis of different technology investments and make strategic choices that drive business growth.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT budgeting is not just a financial exercise; it’s a strategic imperative.

By recognising the importance of IT budgeting, organisations can harness the power of technology to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional value to their customers.

Key Components of IT Budgeting

A well-structured IT budget comprises several key components that collectively define the allocation and management of resources for technology-related initiatives.

These components include hardware and software expenses, personnel costs, training and development, maintenance and support, cybersecurity measures, infrastructure investments, and contingency funds.

Each component plays a critical role in shaping the overall IT budget and requires careful consideration and strategic planning.

Hardware and software expenses encompass the procurement and licensing of technological tools and systems necessary to support business operations.

Whether it’s investing in new servers, upgrading workstations, or licensing enterprise software, these expenses form the foundational elements of the IT infrastructure.

Personnel costs account for the salaries, benefits, and training of IT staff responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining technology solutions within the organisation.

It’s essential to consider the human capital required to drive innovation and support the day-to-day IT operations.

Training and development form a vital component of IT budgeting, as ongoing skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition are essential for staying abreast of technological advancements.

Allocating funds for training programmes, certifications, and skill development initiatives ensures that the IT workforce remains competent and capable of leveraging emerging technologies to drive business outcomes.

Maintenance and support expenses encompass the costs associated with servicing and maintaining existing IT assets, as well as ongoing technical support and helpdesk services to address user queries and issues.

Cybersecurity measures form a critical component of the IT budget, given the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches.

Investing in robust security solutions, threat intelligence, and compliance measures is essential to safeguard the organisation’s digital assets and protect sensitive information from potential breaches.

Infrastructure investments encompass the upgrading or expansion of network infrastructure, data centres, cloud services, and telecommunications systems to support the evolving needs of the business.

Finally, contingency funds serve as a buffer to address unforeseen expenses, technology failures, or emergency situations that may arise during the course of IT operations.

Including a contingency fund in the IT budget demonstrates foresight and preparedness, mitigating the impact of unexpected events on the overall technology ecosystem.

By understanding and meticulously addressing these key components, organisations can develop a comprehensive IT budget that optimises resource allocation, fosters innovation, and supports the strategic objectives of the business.

Common Challenges in IT Budgeting

While IT budgeting is a critical aspect of organisational planning, it is not without its challenges.

Common obstacles in IT budgeting include:

  • Inadequate alignment with business objectives
  • Insufficient data for informed decision-making
  • Resistance to change
  • Evolving technology landscapes
  • The need for cost optimisation

Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that IT budgeting initiatives are effective, sustainable, and capable of driving business growth.

Inadequate alignment with business objectives often stems from a disconnect between the IT department and other business units.

It’s essential to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration, clearly communicating the value of technology investments, and aligning IT initiatives with the broader strategic goals of the organisation.

By establishing a shared vision and understanding of how technology can drive business outcomes, IT budgeting efforts can be more closely aligned with the overarching objectives of the business.

Insufficient data for informed decision-making can hinder the accuracy and effectiveness of IT budgeting.

Without access to comprehensive and reliable data on technology usage, performance metrics, and future requirements, organisations may struggle to make well-informed budgetary decisions.

Implementing robust data collection and analysis processes, leveraging business intelligence tools, and collaborating with IT service providers like us here at ATS Connection, can enhance the availability of data-driven insights, enabling more informed budgeting decisions.

Resistance to change is another common challenge in IT budgeting, particularly when it comes to adopting new technologies or restructuring existing systems.

Overcoming resistance to change requires effective change management strategies, clear communication of the benefits of technological advancements, and the involvement of key stakeholders in the decision-making process.

By fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, organisations can mitigate resistance and drive successful IT budgeting initiatives.

The evolving technology landscape presents a constant challenge in IT budgeting, as rapid advancements and emerging trends necessitate agility and flexibility in resource allocation.

Organisations must stay abreast of technological developments, assess the potential impact on their operations, and adapt their budgeting strategies to incorporate innovative solutions that drive competitive advantage.

This requires a proactive approach to monitoring industry trends, engaging with technology partners, and anticipating future IT requirements.

Furthermore, the need for cost optimisation and efficiency in IT budgeting cannot be overlooked.

Organisations are under pressure to deliver maximum value from their technology investments while managing costs effectively.

This requires a careful balance between innovation and cost control, identifying opportunities for consolidation, automation, and resource optimisation to streamline IT expenditure without compromising performance or security.

By recognising and addressing these common challenges, organisations can enhance the effectiveness of their IT budgeting processes, drive continuous improvement, and position themselves for long-term success in the digital era.

Strategies for Effective IT Budgeting

Developing and implementing effective strategies is essential for successful IT budgeting.

These strategies encompass a range of practices, approaches, and methodologies aimed at optimising resource allocation, fostering innovation, and driving value for the organisation.

By adopting these strategies, businesses can enhance the effectiveness of their IT budgeting initiatives and position themselves for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

One of the key strategies for effective IT budgeting is to establish a clear and comprehensive understanding of the organisation’s technology needs, priorities, and future objectives.

This involves conducting thorough assessments of existing IT infrastructure, engaging with key stakeholders to gather insights on technology requirements, and aligning the IT budget with broader business strategies.

By gaining a deep understanding of the technology landscape and the specific needs of the organisation, businesses can develop targeted and purposeful IT budgeting plans that drive tangible outcomes.

Another essential strategy is to prioritise investments based on their strategic impact and potential for long-term value creation.

Not all technology initiatives are equal, and it’s crucial to evaluate and prioritise investments based on their alignment with business objectives, potential return on investment, and capacity to drive competitive advantage.

By focusing on strategic priorities and high-impact projects, organisations can maximise the value derived from their IT budget while minimising unnecessary expenditure on low-impact or non-essential initiatives.

Furthermore, embracing agility and flexibility in IT budgeting is imperative in the face of rapidly changing technology landscapes and market dynamics.

Traditional budgeting approaches often lack the adaptability required to respond to emerging trends, customer demands, and competitive pressures.

By adopting agile budgeting practices, such as rolling forecasts, continuous evaluation of technology investments, and iterative budget adjustments, organisations can remain responsive to change, seize new opportunities, and mitigate risks in their IT operations.

Collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders, including business leaders, department heads, and technology partners, are fundamental to effective IT budgeting.

By fostering open communication, soliciting input from diverse perspectives, and involving stakeholders in the budgeting process, organisations can ensure that the IT budget reflects the collective insights and priorities of the entire business.

This collaborative approach enhances the relevance and impact of technology investments, fosters buy-in from stakeholders, and promotes a shared commitment to driving technological innovation and growth.

Moreover, leveraging data-driven insights and performance metrics is essential for informed decision-making in IT budgeting. By harnessing the power of data analytics, business intelligence tools, and performance monitoring systems, organisations can gain valuable insights into the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of their technology investments.

This data-driven approach enables fact-based decision-making, facilitates continuous improvement, and empowers organisations to optimise their IT budgeting processes based on empirical evidence and real-time performance indicators.

By embracing these strategies for effective IT budgeting, organisations can elevate their approach to resource allocation, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth in today’s technology-driven business landscape.

Best Practices for Successful IT Budgeting

In addition to adopting effective strategies, integrating best practices into the IT budgeting process is essential for achieving sustainable success.

These best practices encompass a set of principles, methodologies, and approaches that are proven to enhance the accuracy, transparency, and impact of IT budgeting efforts. By adhering to these best practices, organisations can optimise their budgeting processes, drive value from their technology investments, and position themselves for long-term success.

One of the best practices for successful IT budgeting is to establish a governance framework that defines clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes related to technology investments.

This governance structure ensures that IT budgeting efforts are aligned with the overall organisational strategy, and that decisions are made in a transparent and accountable manner.

By defining clear accountability and decision rights, organisations can streamline the budgeting process, mitigate potential conflicts, and drive greater alignment between technology investments and business objectives.

Another key best practice is to adopt a continuous planning and forecasting approach that enables organisations to adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and business priorities.

Traditional annual budgeting cycles often lack the flexibility required to respond to dynamic business environments.

By embracing continuous planning practices, such as rolling forecasts, scenario analysis, and iterative budget adjustments, organisations can remain agile, responsive, and proactive in their IT budgeting efforts.

Moreover, integrating risk management practices into the IT budgeting process is essential for mitigating potential threats and uncertainties that may impact technology investments

By conducting comprehensive risk assessments, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and developing proactive risk mitigation strategies, organisations can safeguard their technology initiatives from potential disruptions, security threats, and financial risks.

This risk-aware approach enhances the resilience and sustainability of IT budgeting efforts, ensuring that technology investments are protected from potential adverse events.

Transparency and communication are fundamental best practices for successful IT budgeting.

By maintaining open and transparent communication channels, providing stakeholders with visibility into the budgeting process, and soliciting feedback on technology investments, organisations can enhance trust, alignment, and collaboration across the business.

Transparent communication fosters a shared understanding of the rationale behind budgetary decisions, promotes accountability, and strengthens the overall governance of IT budgeting initiatives.

Furthermore, embracing a culture of innovation and experimentation is essential for driving successful IT budgeting.

Organisations that encourage and reward innovation, experimentation, and the exploration of new technologies are better positioned to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technological exploration, businesses can identify new opportunities, adapt to market changes, and drive strategic value from their IT budgeting initiatives.

By integrating these best practices into their IT budgeting processes, organisations can elevate the effectiveness and impact of their technology investments, drive innovation, and position themselves for sustained success in the digital era.

Tools and Resources for IT Budgeting

In today’s technology-driven business landscape, a wide array of tools and resources are available to support effective IT budgeting. These tools encompass software solutions, frameworks, templates, and industry resources that provide valuable support in planning, managing, and optimising technology investments.

By leveraging these tools and resources, organisations can streamline their budgeting processes, enhance decision-making, and drive greater value from their IT initiatives.

One of the key tools for IT budgeting is budgeting software, which provides comprehensive capabilities for creating, managing, and analysing technology budgets.

These software solutions often offer features such as budget templates, scenario modelling, variance analysis, and collaboration tools that streamline the budgeting process and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of financial planning.

By leveraging budgeting software, organisations can automate repetitive tasks, gain real-time visibility into budget performance, and make data-driven decisions to optimise their technology investments.

In addition to budgeting software, organisations can benefit from leveraging financial management systems that integrate budgeting, forecasting, and performance management capabilities.

These systems provide a holistic view of financial data, enable scenario planning, and facilitate the alignment of technology investments with broader business objectives.

By integrating financial management systems into their IT budgeting processes, organisations can enhance the accuracy, transparency, and strategic impact of their technology budgets.

Frameworks and methodologies, such as the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework and COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies), provide valuable guidance and best practices for IT budgeting and governance.

These frameworks offer principles, processes, and control objectives that help organisations align their technology investments with business strategies, manage risks, and optimise the performance of their IT operations. By adhering to established frameworks, organisations can enhance the maturity and effectiveness of their IT budgeting processes.

Furthermore, leveraging industry resources, such as research reports, benchmarking studies, and best practice guides, can provide valuable insights and benchmarks for IT budgeting.

These resources offer comparative data, trend analysis, and industry benchmarks that enable organisations to evaluate their technology investments against peer organisations, identify opportunities for improvement, and stay abreast of emerging trends in IT budgeting and financial management.

Finally, engaging with technology partners, consulting firms, and industry experts can provide valuable support and guidance in IT budgeting. These external resources offer expertise, insights, and best practices that can help organisations navigate complex budgeting challenges, identify cost-saving opportunities, and develop innovative

To maximise on your IT budgeting for 2024 get in contact with us to see how we can help save you money while offering you the support you need. Call us on 01903 255159 or email us as contact@atsconnection.co.uk

5 reasons to outsource your cyber security

Posted on by Matt Jones

For the majority of businesses, maintaining a solid security position is a significant challenge. All businesses are at risk of becoming victims of the advanced cyberattacks that are growing more prevalent. Businesses often use new technologies that concentrate on prevention, detection, and remediation to lower this risk. 

But this technology alone won’t stop a cyberattack; it needs to be used by knowledgeable security experts. To make sure their business is as secure as possible, many companies opt to outsource this to a reliable third party. This post will go over 5 reasons for outsourcing cyber security by businesses.

Access to cyber security experts

Many businesses rely on their internal departments to manage both their infrastructure and cyber security. This can be a daunting endeavour, leading to a weak security posture and a stressed-out workforce, depending on the size of the business and the workload of the IT department. 

This is made worse by the fact that there is now a scarcity of cybersecurity professionals, which makes it challenging for organisations to hire them.

A business has access to a group of cyber security experts when they outsource their cybersecurity to a reliable third party. 

Their expertise guarantees that they will be able to precisely identify and address weaknesses in a business’s security set up, and most significantly, they are knowledgeable about the most recent cyberthreats and the most effective defences against them.

Reduced costs

Employing a new security specialist or retraining existing staff may be very expensive for businesses of all sizes. 

It might be challenging to justify hiring someone specifically for security for smaller businesses. A business will still have to pay for cyber security solutions in addition to the expense of hiring or training personnel. 

While the cost of outsourcing a business’s cybersecurity is often a fixed monthly sum that covers the technology as well as access to the team of cyber security experts.

Anytime a business weighs the expense of outsourcing security, they should also take into account the typical cost of a cyberattack because this can help determine the return on investment.

Decrease workload

If your business has internal IT staff, there’s a good chance they’re already swamped with support requests and managing the IT infrastructure. 

They frequently end up having insufficient time to focus on finding the ideal security solution or monitoring threats once the solution has been put in place. 

When cybersecurity is outsourced, a third-party supplier is in charge of the solution’s strategy, execution, and monitoring. As a result, internal IT departments have more time to devote to developing IT solutions that advance the company and enhance the experiences of both customers and other employees.

Improved incident response time

It is essential for a business to act swiftly after being the target of an attack to limit further damage and downtime. An internal IT team might not be aware of a cybercriminal entering a network or system over the weekend until Monday am. 

The threat actor will have enough time as a result to migrate laterally via a network and cause greater harm. For instance, Russian nation-state hackers can penetrate a network in under 18 minutes.

Numerous cybersecurity service providers provide protection, detection, and remediation around-the-clock to guarantee that, once an assault happens, someone is prepared to act quickly. 

Additionally, it is less expensive than hiring an internal crew to work on the weekends and through the evenings to provide round-the-clock security.

More advanced technologies

Numerous cyber security technologies, such as endpoint protection, email protection, autonomous detection, and many more, are made to perform particular tasks. 

Because it would be too expensive and time-consuming to provide training for every available option, an internal IT staff would not have experience with all of these cutting-edge technology. 

If a business outsources their cyber security requirements, it will be protected by a team of experts with knowledge of a variety of cutting-edge cybersecurity tools. This team will be able to reliably provide insights into which technologies are worthwhile for a business to invest in.

FREE cyber security audit

Looking to outsource your Cyber Security?

The importance of investing into security is vital. With more advanced threats happening each day, can you afford not to?

Office 365 Nonprofit UK

Posted on by Jake Boase

Microsoft globally gives around $2 million dollars every day in software which is being used by nonprofit organisations. This is Microsofts way of supporting non-profit organisations which are usually charities.

Microsoft Office 365 Nonprofit UK, ‘Microsoft 365 Business’ is now free for ten users and discounted for any above that.

What is Microsoft 365 Business?

Microsoft 365 Business is a subscription based, cloud service which is designed for small to medium sized organisations. It combines the familiar Office 365 with advanced security and device management which helps your team work anywhere with any device.

What’s included?

A Microsoft Office 365 Nonprofit UK subscription includes;

Office apps
You get the premium versions of Word, Powerpoint, Excel, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access which can be installed on all devices.

Email and calendaring
You receive business class email and calendaring software to define and coordinate your business.

Data protection controls
Admins can revoke access on devices incase an organisation device is stolen or lost as well as erase all data on the device.

File storage and sharing
An included 1TB of cloud storage means you can access your data anywhere and on any device.

Cyber-threat protection
Guard yourself against unsafe attachments, suspicious links and malware.

Administration and deployment
Admins can manage new PCs, users and devices faster than ever,

Dependability and support
Includes 99.9% financially backed up-time guarantee and 24/7 online and phone support.

What is the difference between Office 365 Nonprofit UK and Microsoft 365?

Microsoft Office 365 Nonprofit UK has slightly more features than its predecessor mainly including better device management and security features.

Office 365 and Microsoft 365 feature comparison

Is my Nonprofit eligible?

To be eligible you need to be a registered UK charity to be enrolled onto any nonprofit programs. The exact words from Microsoft are as follows;

“UK organisations must be nonprofit or non- governmental organisations with recognised charitable status in their respective location: England and Wales, registered with the UK Charity Commission and/or registered with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as tax exempt; Scotland, registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and/or registered with HM Revenue & Customs as tax exempt; or Northern Ireland, registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) and/or registered with HM Revenue & Customs as tax exempt.” 

Check if you are eligible here

How do I register?

The process is very simple, you can visit the official Microsoft page where they explain the details here. You’ll be put into a queue where you await your validation. If you ticked all the boxes then you’ll receive an email with a link to your Microsoft Nonprofit Portal where you can begin assigning users and see any Nonprofit offers.

You can learn more about Nonprofit donations and discounts by visiting Microsoft’s FAQ page

Other plans

Microsoft offer free and discounted alternatives to non-profit organisations. To find out more then register your charity at Charity Digital Exchange.

There are currently three free plans and two discounted plans which meet the needs of various sized charities.

Free offerings;

  • Office 365 Nonprofit E1 (unlimited users)
  • Office 365 Nonprofit Business Essentials (300 maximum users)
  • Microsoft 365 Business (10 free users)

Discounted offerings;

  • Office 365 Nonprofit Business Premium (300 maximum users; includes the latest version of Office Desktop on 5 devices)
  • Office 365 Nonprofit E3 (unlimited users; includes the latest version of Office Desktop on 5 devices)

Summary

If you are a nonprofit charity based in the UK then choosing one of the options above is probably the smartest thing todo. Microsoft have shown their intentions to support charities in whatever way they can allowing charities to direct spending to better their cause.

There has never been a better moment for Office 365 Nonprofit UK organisations to take advantage of free and reduced services.

Call today to chat with one of our team members if your organisation would like more information and is interested in Microsoft’s nonprofit offerings. We’re always happy to assist!

We support all sorts of charities and offer all our services under our charity discount scheme! View more on how we support charities by visiting our charity support page.

Get in touch

Why is my WiFi so bad?

Posted on by Tobias Gillott

Do you have issues connecting to the internet in some parts of your home? Does browsing the web become a chore? Is your line just slow to begin with?

There are many reasons why your WiFi signal could be slow and generally not work, below we’ll be looking at some of the reasons and how you could go about to fix the problems.

Router positioning

Some people like to hide their routers in cabinets and other enclosed spaces to keep their home clear of wires and boxes. Unfortunately enclosing routers is one of the main reasons for slow WiFi speeds. 

This is because the signal has to pass through material which ultimately slows it down, as routers distribute a wavelength depending on the speed. 2.4GHz is the standard frequency that routers distribute on because it has a wavelength that can pass through walls. This wavelength when it collides with an obstacle such as a wall shortens which ultimately hinders the maximum data flow.

The way to fix this issue is very simple. Place the router in an open place preferably raised off the floor and roughly in the centre of the property. This will have an even amount of signal all over the property. Or alternatively place the router close to a device that you want the best speeds on, we also suggest using an ethernet cable if possible.

Keep the router updated

Another easy option would be to keep your router updated on the most recent firmware and hardware. Most modern routers are able to update themselves firmware wise however can be limited by their hardware. 

Routers are mainly made to give out the maximum signal that is available at the time and when the signal improves the router can’t keep up and isn’t giving out your full potential signal strength.

If you think that your router isn’t giving out the best WiFi it should be giving then perhaps it’s time for a replacement. If you are with a large ISP then most likely you can ask for a newer version router, they’ll more times than not try to avoid sending you a new one and say that your speeds are fine so slightly more persuasion may be required. Also you should be careful not to be signed into a new contract especially if it’s more expensive than your current one.

Antenna configuration

Depending on what router that you have you may still have antennae on your router. Most modern routers have an antenna inside of it but if you have purchased a much more powerful router then most likely they will have multiple antennae which can be configured.   

If you do have antennae on your router you may not know but they should be configured in a particular way for the maximum effect. The best signal comes out of the sides of the antenna not the top or bottom, this means that you can point the antennae accordingly to maximise the coverage of your home. This links with router positioning as well as having the router in the optimal spot with antennae facing towards high usage devices.

So what you want to do is have the antennae facing straight up or with the side towards a priority device. That’s it, it’s a very simple fix and can be altered at anywhere.

Stop wifi leeches

The need for accessible WiFi nowadays is greater than ever and if you have personal WiFi best make sure that it is encrypted and has a strong password because if you think your neighbours aren’t going to use it you’d be wrong. 

Usually all the passwords that are given to you by default are very strong so you shouldn’t need to worry too much about intruders getting onto your WiFi unless they get hold of the card with all the details. 

Many people don’t know but you can change your WiFi details such as the name and the password by typing your routers IP into a search engine while connected to it. Which may be a good idea if you have had the same password for a long time or if you want something slightly more memorable.

If you are changing your password remember to create the strongest one you can by doing the following;

  • Include a combination of lower and uppercase characters
  • Avoid common passwords like 123456, qwerty and so on.
  • We recommend eight characters minimum for any password. Short passwords can be brute forced.
  • Avoid personal details like your name or any dates.
  • Never write you password down on anything physical. If you can’t remember it store it in a password manager.

Some routers may provide a guest network which can be turned on from the settings page which creates a separate connection with different details. This is the best option if you have multiple guests connected to the WiFi.

Use repeaters, extenders or boosters

We have a much more detailed article of all the different options that you have here. Really to find the best option for your home you may need to survey your property to see where the weak spots are and figure out how many extenders that you might need. All the options that you have use different ways of connecting and vary in price.

Now, you may get into all sorts of confusion when searching for WiFi boosters etc due to the amount of devices on the market! So here are ones we tend to recommend:

The above items vary in price but hopefully that gives you a good idea on where to start.

If you are interested, here at ATS Connection we can give you an expert opinion on the best option for you. Well even set everything up for you!

Your property location

If you live in a rural area you are most likely going to get worse speeds than those in towns and cities. This is because most of these locations still use copper cables to connect the properties from a cabinet that receives fibre. 

ISPs don’t see a profit in upgrading these rural areas and instead prioritise towns and cites first, this is understandable when looking from a business standpoint but for the consumer can be very irritating. There are other ways of connecting your property instead of outdated copper wires. One of the best solutions that we personally have had with those in rural areas is mobile broadband. How they work is they use a mobile signal much like your mobile phone. Instead an antenna is put at a high point of your property that goes to a router with a mobile SIM inside.

Use a different wifi channel

Similar to lanes on a highway there are multiple WiFi channels which a WiFi router can broadcast from. Most countries have six standard channels which WiFi uses and very commonly your router will use channels one and six. 

This creates a jam on the line as many packets of data are trying to use the same channel which will create a backlog and slow your connection down. The solution for this is to find out which channel is the least occupied and manually switch your router to it. To do this;

  1. Log into your router as admin.
  2. Go to settings and find Wireless Settings
  3. Find an option that has Channel and most likely the setting will be on auto.
  4. Switch to the desired channel.
  5. Save your settings and wait for a few minutes for it to switch.

Prioritise applications

Some applications like streaming services or online gaming use a lot of bandwidth and if there are many things connected to your router at once it can slow down your speeds. Luckily modern routers provide a quality of service (QoS) which allows users to prioritise certain applications over others.  This stops other people from interrupting your streaming session when on the same network.

This is also done within the router admin panel. Although some admin panels are far from intuitive and can be difficult to change these settings. If you have any doubts about any changes that you are making be sure to research your changes before applying or contact your ISP directly.

Use the latest wifi technologies

The newest wireless standard 802.11ac and WiFi-6 offers a superior download and upload speed compared to its older counterparts. Make sure that your router is compatible with the latest WiFi standards and that other devices in your home are able to receive the same WiFi standard otherwise this exercise may be pointless.

To find out what standard your router uses you could contact your ISP or find a manual either digitally or physically. If you do have a non compatible router then perhaps its time to upgrade, some ISPs depending on how long you’ve been with them may send you an upgraded router for free otherwise you might have to purchase one yourself.

If you are starting from scratch then unless you are on a very strict budget you should get the best option that you can get even if it’s a bit more expensive as then you will have an exceptional WiFi connection and are relatively future-proofed. Routers generally should have a lifespan of five years as that is how long it usually takes for a new WiFi standard to be released. Also you should look for routers that come with extra perks like the previously stated quality of service and guest networks.

Switch your routers frequency

Your router comes with two standard frequencies, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. You are most likely using a 2.4GHz frequency when connected to your router as it is the most versatile at long distances although is slower than 5GHz. 5GHz is the faster option with one major downfall, distance. 5GHz frequency’s have an extremely short range and have no penetration so the router would have to be in clear sight and close to the device that you want to receive the best signal.

Most routers combine the frequencies to keep things simple but the two can be separated again in the admin panel for the router usually under wireless settings. We recommend that you use both frequencies in conjunction to avoid any dropouts if you leave the range of the router.

Reboot your router

The classic expert IT advice of turning it on and off does solve most problems even potentially your WiFi troubles. A reboot clears the routers memory and can jumpstart any new firmware updates to install.

To restart your router find a small hole usually on the back of the router which you may need a pin or similar object to press down and hold for a few seconds before releasing. Alternatively you can pull the plug on your router completely disconnecting it from any power.

If your router does start installing a new update then be patient for it to finish even if not all its services are available. Also ever intentionally disconnect it from any power while its updating as this could cause permanent damage to the device.

Wired connection

Wired connection will always be superior to wireless connections because there are no obstacles for the cable like walls or ceilings. They are also the best way to test your internet line speed.

If so far your internet is still very slow then we recommend testing your line speed. To do this use an ethernet cable and plug it in to the router and a device with an ethernet port like a laptop or desktop. Then use a website like Ookla to check your speed. Checking your speed multiple times throughout the day is the best way to make a fair test as certain times of the day will have peak times when there are lots of active people at once.

If you’re not reaching a speed that you think you should be, contact your ISP and explain the situation and give your test results to further your claim.

Change your DNS

The Domain Name System is used to convert domain names such as www.google.com to an IP address. Most likely your modem is configured by default to your ISPs DNS server, whose performance may not be the best.

Don’t worry though most routers let you change the default DNS which is one of the easiest ways to boost your WiFi speeds. If you do want to change your DNS there are a couple suggested public servers you can use such as Googles server (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflares server (1.1.1.1)

Purchase a better plan

More often than not you pay for what you get and depending on how much you spend you’ll receive an average speed. If your current plan just isn’t enough for your needs then no matter what you do you’ll never be able to improve it unless you pay for a better plan.

If you’ve been on the same plan for ages then maybe you should take a closer look and see if the speeds that the ISP provide is enough and if it’s time to get a better plan.

If you’re lucky or good at picking your providers then you may be in luck. Some providers offer loyalty schemes and you may get better prices for other packages they offer.

Purchase a better plan

If nothing else has worked so far then perhaps it has nothing to do with you and instead a fault on your ISPs side. If nothing that you’ve done has helped you should consider calling your ISP directly where they will attempt to find the problem and resolve it.

ISPs receive loads of calls everyday so getting through to them can be difficult at times, they might not be able to resolve the issue right away depending on the problem that they find so it might require some patience.

We hope this article has helped you in some way. If you’re still unsure of any of the points in this article feel free to call us at 01903 357002 or alternatively email us at hello@atsconnection.co.uk

How to stay productive?

Posted on by Jake Boase

Staying productive


Whether you’re still working from home or have been able to safely return to the office, the way society works is forever changing. So it’s important for everyone to take a step back once in a while and review the way they work to ensure maximum productivity is reached.

Luckily, technology advancements give us a head start, but are you taking full advantage of the tools available?

We’ve pulled together 9 helpful tips below on staying productive in an ever-changing work environment, while still looking after yourself and avoiding burnout.

View PRODUCTIVITY PDF here

How to test broadband speed

Posted on by Matt Jones

We live in a world which near enough everything uses some form of internet signal. Confirming that out internet signal is one of the most impotent aspects when it comes to your business and how it functions. So the question is, how do you test your internet speed?

To test your broadband speed you can use our broadband speed check tool to get a snapshot of your current download and upload speed. There’s no charge, so do as many tests as you like. We encourage you to do as many as you can (and at different times/days) to build a more accurate overall picture of the speeds you are getting and gives your provider and insight as to what is happening.

One thing to keep in mind is speed tests are not definitive nor do they show you what speeds you should be getting. Multiple variables can come into play that effect your broadband speed.

This test is designed for broadband connections of all types, including mobile broadband and smartphones, and is compatible with all major web browsers on desktop, mobile, and gaming platforms.Ready to buy a new broadband package? Enter a postcode to see the best deals in your area.

How does the broadband speed test work? 

Our broadband speed test measures is performed by measuring the time it takes for the server to reply to a request from the user’s client. The client sends a message to the server, upon receiving that message, the server sends a reply back. The round-trip time is measured is measured in ms (milliseconds). This test is repeated multiple times with the lowest value determining the final result. This provides a simple, clear, real-world measurement of broadband speed. 

The test provides accurate measurements of download and upload speeds for any type of broadband connection by dynamically assessing the speed and automatically adjusting in order to achieve the maximum throughput of the line. Data transferred during the test is not saved to your computer.

Is the broadband speed checker free?

ATS Connection’s internet speed test is completely free and always will be. We feel it’s important for all internet users to be able to get a quick internet speed result so they can see what speeds they are receiving. Not sure what speed you should be receiving? Call us on 01903 357002 to find out.

What is the best way to test internet speed? 

Before using the broadband speed check you should close all other programs and disconnect or switch off any other devices in your household. When possible, connect to the broadband router with a network (ethernet) cable. If using Wi-Fi you should stand next to the router and not use any signal boosters. Speeds can vary during the day, so test at different times to get a more accurate picture of your broadband speed. Remember to take a note of both download and upload speeds.

Why is the speed I get different from the speed advertised?

Get told one thing from your broadband provider and getting something different on there speed results? There are a number of reasons why the speed test may report a different figure to the speed advertised when you signed up for the broadband.

Home broadband is advertised with an “average” download speed which is achieved by 50% of customers, but of course, your connection could be slower (or faster) than average depending on various variables in the environment. 

But there are other reasons why the connection might be slower than expected. Software running on your device and other users sharing the connection will all impact the test. Wi-Fi can be slower than a cabled connection, while old house wiring can affect home broadband speeds (try to be sure your router is plugged into your main BT master socket). Your supplier may also prioritise different types of broadband traffic. And mobile internet is heavily dependant on having a strong signal and can be noticeably slower in busy areas. The router your broadband provider has supplied you could also be an older version or even a cheap underperforming router.

What now?

So you have ran the speed test multiple times but are still finding your speeds are less than what you were told by your broadband provider? While there are multiple variables that can come into play, you are entitled to your minimum download speed (more information here) offered by your provider. In fact, you can now easily get out of your contract if it is proven that you are not receiving the speeds mentioned to you when signing up.

Broadband can be a problem for many households, especially rural. But ATS Connection offer lighting fast speeds at a cost effective price, while offering local support for the times you need us. Check out our broadband information page here.