These days, you simply can’t survive without a WiFi connection. Businesses need fast, secure, and reliable internet to get work done and satisfy customers. Unfortunately, there are a number of common WiFi problems that can arise unexpectedly, driving down office productivity. And if you don’t have a way to fix them fast, they can lead to serious downtime.
The good news is resolving most WiFi issues isn’t that complicated. By making just a few adjustments, you should be able to get your internet back up and running again. More importantly, you can get back to work.
To help you out, we put together a list of five common WiFi problems, along with troubleshooting tips for your convenience.
1) Range constraints
WiFi works via radio waves that are broadcast from a central hub, usually a piece of hardware known as a router. But when there are range constraints, the signal being picked up is weakened. Typically, this results in slow or no internet.
How to fix:
-Make sure your router is placed in a centralized location and not tucked away in the corner.
-If your router has external antennae, reposition them so they are either in a fully horizontal or vertical position for optimal signal distribution.
-Double-check that there isn’t anything obstructing the router.
It’s worth noting that WiFi range constraints can also occur from interference. So, if your office is situated in a highly-populated area, try changing your router’s channel. Additionally, you can look into installing a WiFi booster to extend the range of your wireless network.
2) Slow speed
Having a high-speed or fiber-optic internet connection can go a long way toward improving internet performance. However, slow load times can still occur for various reasons. If you notice web pages and applications are dragging, there are several things you can (and should) do to optimize speeds.
How to fix:
-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.
3) Connection issues
Internet connection issues are among the most common WiFi problems that businesses experience. They’re also the most frustrating, especially when a WiFi network shows up on your device but still won’t connect. In such cases, there are a few ways to take action.
How to fix:
-Ensure you’re using the correct password for your WiFi network.
-Try rebooting the device you’re working on.
-If it’s a single device that’s having issues, reset the network connection by turning it off and then back on.
-Determine whether your WiFi 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 WiFi isn’t the culprit.
-Do a factory reset on your router with a paperclip or a pen and hold down the tiny reset button for about 30 seconds.
4) Unstable connection
Random hiccups in your WiFi connection are normal from time to time. It’s inconvenient, but oftentimes it’s unavoidable. However, if your internet keeps dropping out and it becomes a constant nuisance in your office, it’s worth trying different fixes to see if you can limit disruptions.
How to fix:
-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.
-See if there’s a pattern, such as when a specific piece of equipment is used.
-If it’s a single device that keeps losing internet, reinstall or update the network card.
5) Network not found
Another one of the most common WiFi problems is a network not showing up. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of your device not having the WiFi enabled. However, glitches in the router itself are often to blame when your office’s network doesn’t appear on any of your devices.
How to fix:
-Try disconnecting the router from the power source and waiting at least 30 seconds before reconnecting it.
-Consider replacing your router, especially if it’s more than three years old.
Summary
The next time you experience one of these common WiFi problems in your own office, apply the tips above to resolve the issue quickly. Whether you’re struggling with range constraints, slow speed, connection issues, an unstable connection, or a missing network, you should be able to troubleshoot with ease. And in doing so, you can avoid serious downtime that would otherwise have an effect on your business.
Of course, it always helps to have a team of experts to call when you’re unable to fix WiFi problems on your own. If you’d rather have a dedicated technology provider take care of your hardware needs, contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
Originally published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
