You’ve invested in Wi-Fi routers so you can access emails, collaborate in real-time, browse Facebook, and watch YouTube videos at blistering speeds. But when your Wi-Fi refuses to work the way it should, the frustration sets in and you begin to contemplate smashing your router into pieces. Avoid that temptation with these five easy ways to troubleshoot common Wi-Fi
Range constraints
Wi-Fi works via radio waves that are broadcast from a
central hub, usually a piece of hardware known as a router. To avoid a weak
signal in your office, make sure:
- Your
router is placed in a centralized location and not tucked away in the
corner.
- Your
Wi-Fi antennae are either in a fully horizontal or vertical position for
optimal signal distribution.
Note that Wi-Fi range constraints can also occur from
interference, so if your office is situated in a highly populated area, try
changing your router’s channel.
Slow speeds
Despite a high-speed or fiber optic internet connection,
slow load times can still occur for a number of reasons. To optimize speeds,
try the following:
- Make
sure your router is located in the same room as the devices connecting to
it.
- Install
more routers to better accommodate a high number of connected devices.
- Close
bandwidth-intensive applications such as Skype, Dropbox, YouTube, and
Facebook.
- Disable
your router’s power-saving mode.
- Create
a new router channel to avoid network bottlenecks.
Connection issues
We understand how frustrating it can be when the Wi-Fi
network shows up on your device but still won’t connect. Before you give up,
these solutions might help:
- Determine
whether your Wi-Fi connection is the problem or if your internet is down
by plugging your laptop directly into the router via an Ethernet cable. If
you can’t get a connection, then Wi-Fi isn’t the culprit.
- Factory
reset your router with a paperclip or a pen and hold down that tiny button
for about 30 seconds.
- Try
rebooting your device.
Unstable connections
Random hiccups in your Wi-Fi connection are normal from time
to time. However, if they become a constant nuisance in your office, try the
following quick fixes:
- Move
your router to a different spot or even a different room.
- Avoid
having too many routers in the same location, as that can confuse your
device.
Network not found
Router glitches can result in your Wi-Fi network not
appearing at all. Two solutions that can resolve this problem are:
- Disconnecting
the router from the power source and waiting at least 30 seconds before
reconnecting it.
- Replacing
an old router; if it’s over three years old, you’re probably due for a
replacement.
When you experience Wi-Fi issues, these tips will help you
avoid serious downtime. But if you’d rather have a dedicated technology
provider take care of your hardware needs, give me a call and I’ll be happy to
help.