Summer 2018 Newsletter

Cornerstone Group © 2018 If you’re experiencing slower than expected performance from your home’s Wi-Fi network, it could be the result of wireless interference. This typically comes from three types of sources: 1. Walls and floors blocking wireless signals The construction materials in your home can greatly affect wireless communication speed and range. Materials such as wood and glass don’t have much of an effect. However, denser materials such as concrete, brick, and metal can make it difficult to connect. These denser materials can also slow your network speed or even completely block wireless signals from reaching certain parts of your home. Large furniture items such as filing cabinets or book- shelves, as well as appliances like stoves or refrigerators, can also interfere with Wi-Fi. You may be able to solve the problem simply by moving your router to a different location. 2. Appliances and electronics emitting radio frequency interference Wi-Fi interference can also come from other electron- ics and appliances that aren’t connected to your wireless network but use the same 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies to communicate. Examples include cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and baby monitors. Microwave ovens generate radio frequency noise as a byproduct, so if yours is located close to your Wi-Fi router, you may notice a network slowdown or get disconnected only when you’re using your microwave. Again, try relocating your router. 3. Other Wi-Fi networks using the same channel as your own Wi-Fi network Interference from competing Wi-Fi networks is especially common in apartment build- ings and other densely populated areas. Wi-Fi networks broadcast on channels, so when nearby Wi-Fi networks are set to use the same channel, they’ll constantly be competing with each other for limited bandwidth. To rectify this situation, see if your router is able to automatically find the least crowded Wi-Fi channel. If not, you may want to upgrade to a new router with this feature. To learn more about maximizing your Wi-Fi signal, call 888.758.8976. What are Common Causes of Wi-Fi Interference? Switch to Paperless Billing and Help Reduce Paper Use Less really can be more. Because when you sign up for Paperless Bill- ing from SKT, you’ll do your part to help reduce paper use in the U.S. and save some trees. The statistics from www.statistic brain.com are staggering: • 9,125,000,000 tons Annual amount of paper used in the U.S. • 4,000,000,000 Total number of trees cut down yearly for paper use • 42 Percent of wood harvested that goes to paper production • 16 Percent of landfill solid waste comprised of paper When you combine Paperless Billing with Electronic Bill Payment , you’ll help reduce paper use even more, plus you’ll spend less time paying bills and less money on checks and stamps. There will also be less clutter on your desk or kitchen counter. What more could you want? To sign up for Paperless Billing or get further details, call 888.758 8976.