If your wireless network connection isn’t working, there are a few steps you can take to try to identify the issue and get it fixed. Before we get started, here are some basic concepts for troubleshooting a wireless network:
• Common networking protocols, such as 802.11/a/b/g/n/ac, are used in most home and business networks today.
• Wireless networks use radio waves to send and receive data.
• Good signal strength (measured in dBm) is vital for reliable network connections.
• Interference from other electronic devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, can disrupt the signal and cause poor connections.
Now let’s look at some of the steps you can take to fix your network if it’s not working.
1. Check your hardware connections:
The first step you should take is to make sure that all of your hardware is connected properly. With wireless networks, this includes your modem, router, and any other access points (such as range extenders) that you may have. Make sure that all of the cords are plugged in securely and check the power indicators on each device to ensure they are powered on.
2. Check your signal strength:
When you are trying to troubleshoot a network issue, signal strength can be a helpful indicator. If you have a laptop or tablet, you will likely have a built-in wireless utility that can give you information about the signal strength. If you’re using a desktop computer, you can usually purchase a USB WiFi adapter that will allow you to check your signal strength. If the signal strength is low (lower than -60 dBm), this could indicate a problem with the router or the placement of the router in relation to the other devices on your network. If this is the case, you may need to move the router to a more central location in your home or office.
3. Reboot your devices:
It may seem simple, but rebooting your modem, router, and any other devices on your network can often be the quickest way to get everything up and running again. All you need to do is unplug the power cable from each device, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in. This should reset all of the settings on the device and may help to get the network running again.
4. Check for firmware updates:
Sometimes network issues can be caused by an outdated firmware version on one of your network devices. If you haven’t kept up with updating the firmware, then this could be the root of your problem. You can usually check for updates from the manufacturer’s website or from the device’s menu system.
5. Change the channel:
Wireless networks broadcast on specific channels, and if two networks are using the same channel, then this can cause interference and slow down your connection speed. To reduce this, you can try changing the channel on your router from the default setting to one that is less crowded in your area. You can usually find this setting in the router’s menu system.
6. Increase the distance between your devices:
If you have multiple devices on your network, then it is possible that they are interfering with each other. To reduce this interference, try increasing the physical distance between the devices. This can help to reduce the amount of signal overlap and improve your network performance.
7. Check for viruses or malware:
In some cases, network issues can be caused by malicious software on one of your devices. Make sure that the computers and devices on your network are protected with antivirus and anti-malware programs and run frequent scans to identify and eliminate any potential threats.
8. Contact your ISP:
If all else fails and your network still won’t work, then you may need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance. Depending on the type of connection you have (DSL, cable, fiber, etc.), they may be able to provide further help diagnosing and resolving the issue.
Hopefully these tips have helped you to identify the cause of your network issue and get your connection up and running again. If not, or if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact a professional IT technician for assistance.