5 Steps to Fix Your WiFi
Before Calling Your Provider
Internet connection is such a big part of our lives that it has become like electricity: You notice when it’s gone. Whether you use WiFi for running a smart home, gaming online, or streaming movies, a disrupted connection can be devastating. But before you call your service provider, try these simple troubleshooting steps to fix your WiFi.
1. Reset
A faulty network router is usually the cause of WiFi trouble. A soft reset to your router will typically fix your WiFi connection issues.
To perform a soft reset, unplug the router from the power outlet and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in. The wait is crucial in this step, as routers need time to continue operations after power is restored.
2. Dead Zones
Make sure your router is placed in the best location for your home. Picture the router as a blanket, where will you get the most coverage for your home under that blanket? Keep it in a centralized spot, away from appliances, and free from metal shelving or filing drawers. Or place it in the room where you use WiFi most.
If you have a split level or large home and the WiFi signal is spotty in certain areas, you could look into signal boosters (such as these Google WiFi Nodes).
3. Dropped Connections
WiFi disconnecting at random or when multiple devices are online? Or when you use your microwave? This could point to interference’s coming from other networks or devices.
Changing your router’s channel may help! You can use a WiFi analysis app (like NetSpot or WiFi Analyzer) to show you every wireless network nearby. If your network is overlapping with others nearby, switching to a less popular channel in your router settings can help.
If you suspect your microwave is the culprit, and if it’s an older model, try switching the router to a higher frequency (higher than 2.5 GHz). In order to do this, you will need to log into your router’s configuration interface. Enter the IP address in your web browser (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Enter the username and password for the router if you are prompted by a login page. If you don’t know these, the default username and password are usually printed on the back of the router. Once you’re in, find Wireless settings in the menu. In the 802.11 band selection field, select 5 GHz. Click Apply to save the new settings.
4. Crashing Often & Only Restarting Helps
Finding yourself performing frequent soft resets? Your router may need a hard reset or it could be on it’s last leg. A hard reset might delay replacing the router entirely. Most routers have a “Reset” button that you can push with a paperclip. Hold this button down for 30 seconds and the router will default to factory settings. Refer to this guide to set up your now defaulted wireless router: How To Set Up A Wireless Router
If that doesn’t work, your router is essentially on it’s death bed. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s time to buy a new router. Or return it if the warranty is still valid.
5. Too Many People on Your WiFi?
Create temporary guest access to your WiFi instead of giving visitors permanent access to your network. Guest WiFi networks offer your house guests easy access to the internet without giving them access to your other connected devices (computers, printers, etc).
Newer routers have the option to host temporary internet users. Just like when you go to a hotel or other public places that allow multiple devices to connect.
Still not working?
If none of these steps helped fix your WiFi connection, it’s time to throw in the towel and contact your provider. Has your business outgrown your ISP and you’re looking to make a switch? GreenStar Solutions has strategic partnerships with 100+ providers in the U.S. We offer a complimentary Infrastructure Review to baseline your current voice and data costs, and to design and provide an overview of the cost savings or the efficiency gains available to your company. Learn more here.
You can call us at 844-424-7827, or email us at sales@greenstar-us.com to start a discussion.
