Top 5 Wi-Fi Mistakes Myrtle Beach Restaurants Make—and How to Fix Them
From rooftop bars to beachfront cafes, Myrtle Beach restaurants rely on Wi-Fi to power everything—point-of-sale systems, music, smart TVs, security cameras, and customer satisfaction. But many locations unknowingly suffer from poor setups that cause lag, disconnects, and bad reviews.
Here are the top 5 Wi-Fi mistakes we see in local restaurants—and how to fix them before the next dinner rush.
1. Poor Access Point Placement
The Mistake: Many restaurants place their Wi-Fi router or access point (AP) in a back office, assuming the signal will reach the dining floor.
The Fix:
- Use ceiling-mounted commercial access points in central areas.
- Avoid placing APs near thick walls, refrigerators, or behind TVs.
- Use heatmapping tools to optimize placement for full coverage.
2. No VLAN Separation Between Guest and Business Traffic
The Mistake: Staff, POS terminals, cameras, and guests all using the same Wi-Fi network.
The Fix:
- Use VLANs or separate SSIDs to isolate business-critical devices.
- Block guest devices from accessing internal systems.
- Prioritize POS traffic with QoS rules.
3. Not Accounting for Outdoor Coverage
The Mistake: Forgetting the patio, rooftop bar, or outdoor waiting area.
The Fix:
- Add weatherproof outdoor access points with directional antennas.
- Ensure seamless handoff between indoor and outdoor zones.
- Don’t skimp on coverage just because it’s seasonal—guests notice.
4. Relying on Consumer-Grade Equipment
The Mistake: Using a big-box router from Best Buy for a high-traffic restaurant.
The Fix:
- Invest in business-grade solutions like UniFi, Aruba, or Fortinet.
- These systems handle higher user loads and offer remote monitoring.
- Bonus: They look better and are easier to scale as you grow.
5. Ignoring Interference from Metal and Appliances
The Mistake: Placing an access point near a walk-in cooler, stove, or metal beam.
The Fix:
- Perform a site survey to detect interference zones.
- Use dual-band APs (2.4GHz and 5GHz) to provide flexible options.
- Spread out APs to reduce overlap and signal congestion.
Bonus Tip: Secure Your Wi-Fi
Even if your signal is strong, unsecured Wi-Fi can open your business to liability and cyberattacks. Be sure to:
- Use WPA3 encryption
- Regularly change passwords
- Log and monitor usage
Need Help?
If you’re experiencing Wi-Fi dead zones, slow terminals, or frustrated guests—it might not be your internet provider. It could be your Wi-Fi setup.
At Acuuis IT, we help Myrtle Beach restaurants and bars design rock-solid wireless networks that power smooth operations and 5-star reviews.
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