A Wi-Fi Upgrade Checklist Before You Buy New Access Points

Use this checklist to avoid the most common and costly mistakes. Print it, or copy it into your project plan.

1. Know what you have

• List every device that connects, including printers, scanners, cameras, and tablets.
• Note which Wi-Fi standards and bands each supports.
• Note which devices must stay on 2.4 GHz.

2. Measure the problem

• Record speed and signal in problem areas at busy times.
• Use a Wi-Fi analyser to map channel usage and neighbouring networks.
• List specific complaints: dropped calls, slow uploads, dead zones.

3. Check the wired side

• Confirm the internet plan is fast enough for peak use.
• Check switch ports, speeds, and Power over Ethernet budget.
• Check cable quality. Old cable can limit modern access points.
• Plan for 2.5 Gbps or faster uplinks where access points support them.

4. Decide what to buy

• Choose a standard (Wi-Fi 6, 6E, or 7) based on your device inventory.
• Choose a management style: standalone, controller, or cloud.
• Check licence and subscription costs over three to five years.
• Confirm warranty and support terms.

5. Plan placement

• Draw a floor plan and mark walls, materials, and where people sit.
• Decide how many access points you need for capacity, not just coverage.
• Plan cable routes and mounting positions.
• Consider a professional site survey for larger sites.

6. Check rules and security

• Confirm 6 GHz rules for your country and indoor or outdoor use.
• Plan separate staff, guest, and IoT networks.
• Plan WPA3 where supported, and strong passwords.

For Uganda, the 6 GHz rules check in step 6 means the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC): confirm what is currently permitted for indoor use before ordering 6E or 7 hardware.

7. Test and roll out

• Pilot with one or two access points first.
• Re-measure in the same problem areas and compare.
• Roll out in phases, and keep the old network available briefly.
• Document settings, channel plan, and passwords.

Continue with How Wi-Fi Bands Affect Your Office and Wi-Fi for Small Business: Separating Staff, Guest, and IoT Traffic.

Next Steps

A checklist prevents buying the wrong hardware; a survey prevents installing it in the wrong places. Our Networks & Infrastructure team runs both, so your upgrade budget goes where it counts.

Request a Free Site Survey before your next access point purchase.