Internet and wireless devices are on the hype, nowadays. Every electronic device is wireless and connected to the internet through Wi-Fi. However, sometimes the connection through the Wi-Fi might give you a headache. One moment you are dominating the online gaming while streaming the same game on YouTube; suddenly you can barely load a simple website. Does your Wi-Fi drop down often? Have you ever experienced like that? I have, and I am sure most of you also experienced the same issue. Therefore, what causes such problems and how to fix it? Here are the cause and solution.
Test Your Connection
Before going for the Wi-Fi connection, you must make sure that the ISP is not cheating on you. If you have a desktop or laptop computer, test the connection by plugging your device directly to the router with Ethernet cable.
While testing, if you do not get the speed you were promised, then the problem is with your ISP. So, simply contact your ISP, they can remotely perform diagnostics. If the problem persists, there might be a problem with wire or something else that the support unit of your ISP will solve it. However, if the internet works as it should with Ethernet, there is a problem with your WI-FI.
Further, if a particular website is inaccessible, use the website like Down for Everyone or Just Me to check if the website is down for everyone or just you. Then run the speed test, while connecting with Ethernet. However, keep in mind; Ethernet connections have higher speeds, so there will be small drop on Wi-Fi connections.
Update Your Firmware
Well, sometimes-older version of firmware might be causing Wi-Fi drop. So make sure that your router’s firmware is up to date. Along with essential security patches, their updates often comes with bug fixes, making Wi-Fi speed faster. If your firmware is up-to-date, then simply reboot the device to clear cache or reset the device or software.
Check Bandwidth Consumption
Sometimes, the cause of Wi-Fi drop might be a huge consumption of bandwidth. Well, if you find that the drop is periodically or certain times of day, it probably, might be other device or software is easting your bandwidth. Some virus, malware, etc. could be eating your bandwidth. Therefore, it would be better if you check who’s eating your Wi-Fi bandwidth directly from router or third-party program. If you find any device that you do not recognize, it’s better to remove them.
Switch Wi-Fi Channels
The Wi-Fi routers broadcast on many channels, and two different frequency bands. There are 13 standard different channels used worldwide. Earlier, router broadcast on at 2.4Hz, however, new routers come with 2.5Hz frequency also. There are high chances that nearby Wi-Fi network or other electrical equipment is already broadcasting at your network’s frequency. So, overcrowding might cause the slowdown or drop on the speed of the Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi Router Placement
Indeed, the placement of the router is also responsible for better connections. Your surrounding also makes a significant impact on the quality of Wi-Fi networks. The wireless signals passing through us can be disturbed, slowed down or in some cases totally blocked. Concrete wall, metals can block the signal very easily.
Besides, the electrical interference from other devices likes, radio, microwaves, wireless telephones, etc. can also be one reason your Wi-Fi is slow.
Network’s Security
After the thorough investigation, you find that some suspicious devices are connected to your network. Even though you remove them, they keep coming. They have gained unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network. It is time to tighten your Wi-Fi’s security.
Well, there is plenty of configuration to secure your network, some are quite expensive and regular monitoring is needed, which is impossible for the household. However, you can configure basic security options. Change your router’s default admin login. This is often set to the user: admin and password: admin. Further, keep a strong password for Wi-Fi.
Upgrading Old Router
At last, if you are using the same router for a long time, it is time to upgrade. With rapidly changing technology, the devices become absolute very soon. So, older devices can be easily exploited.
Well, at last, make sure all of the above points are in your control. And also keep in mind, that Wi-Fi and internet connection have a little bit different in delivering the speed. So, it always good to use the ethernet connection, if possible. Keep upgrading your devices, from time to time. Don’t let your Wi-Fi drop down again. Happy surfing!
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