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 us a call at 216-503-5150 and we’ll be happy to help.