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Trouble shooting intermittent connectivity
A device that drops an internet connection from either a wireless or wired router at your business can be embarrassing, whether it’s your employees who are using the connection or paying guests visiting your business.
WiFi Drop outs are commonly the result of where your hardware is located or other devices interfering with the signal, but it can also result from internal software problems or even a damaged infrastructure cable.(ask us about our no obligation network site survey)
Here are some troubleshooting tips we recommend to quickly get to the root of the problem and get your internet connection back up and running uninterrupted.
Wireless Router
- Move your wireless router closer to where the device you’re trying to use it with is located, or vice versa, as you may be on the fringe of where your device can receive a signal from your wireless router.
- Move your wireless router to an elevated position that’s a few feet off the ground. If your router is on the ground, that often means the signal has to pass through more obstacles to make contact with your device. Also, remove as many objects as possible between your wireless router and your device.
- Move the wireless router away from other devices that send and receive wireless signals, as these signals can interfere with your router’s ability to send a signal and your device’s ability to receive it. This includes baby monitors, cordless phones, Mobile phones and any other wireless devices.
- Change the wireless channel. Your wireless router has a number of channels available for it to broadcast on, and it may be that the channel you’re using isn’t as efficient as another channel. Check your wireless router’s instruction manual for exactly how to go about changing your router’s channel.
Wired
- Check the Ethernet cable you’re using to connect to your device. If the cable has cuts kinks or other physical damage, you should replace the cable.
- Push the cable connecting the device to the router firmly into place on each device to make sure the connectors aren’t loose.
- Loose connectors can fluctuate between making a connection and not making a connection, giving the impression that you have a larger problem than you really do.
- Reset your wired router by disconnecting the device from the router, then disconnecting the wired router from AC power. Wait for one minute, then plug the router back into AC power and reconnect any network cables. Wait for the router to boot up, then connect it to a device and test your Internet connection to see if it’s still dropping.
WiFi Network Upgrades
Updating an enterprise WLAN to meet today’s business needs is complicated. Follow these guidelines to make sure your wireless network provides reliable and secure connectivity.
If you’re looking to upgrade your current WLAN, you may be under the false impression that it’s just a matter of swapping out old hardware with new. In reality, there’s a great deal more to it. This is especially true if your users demand enterprise-grade speed and reliability.
If you’re long overdue for an update to your wireless infrastructure, it’s safe to say that requirements from the past will be vastly different from what’s needed today. WiFi in the enterprise has become a trusted connectivity method and users demand solid coverage and ample throughput. Additionally, the sheer number of mobile devices – many of which will connect to a WLAN – is expected to increase substantially for years to come. Moreover, you should become familiar with the latest WiFi technologies before planning your new WLAN.
It all comes down to the fact that a WiFi networking upgrade in 2018 is far more than just a simple “rip and replace.” You need to carefully identify key weaknesses in your current WLAN architecture and design ways to address them. This includes ensuring the right equipment is in the right place so that your WiFi users have the best connection experience with the lowest amount of interference and congestion. It’s also important to look at the types of WiFi devices connecting to the network in order to address accessibility and security.
By taking the time and effort to build the proper framework for your new WLAN, you can ensure users are happy and business requirements are met, please ask us about our no obligation network audit.
Source Network Computing 2018
WiFi 101
WiFi has emerged as the single most popular wireless network protocol of the 21st century. WiFi technology powers most home networks, many business local area networks and public hotspot networks.
The range of a WiFi network depends primarily on the number and type of wireless access points (including wireless routers) used to build it.
A traditional home network having one wireless router can cover a single-family dwelling but often not much more. Business networks with grids of access points can cover large office buildings. The cost to build and maintain these networks increases significantly as the range increases
Common Issues With WiFi Networks
No technology is perfect, and WiFi possesses its share of limitations. Common issues people face with WiFi networks include:
- Security – Network traffic sent across WiFi networks passes through open air making it prone to snooping from malicious strangers. Several kinds of security technology have been added to WiFi over the years to help address this problem, although some work better than others.
- Health concerns – Some people claim that extensive exposure to wireless radio signals like those from WiFi networks cause headaches, nausea and other physical issues. Many industry experts assure the public that WiFi is safe, but controversy persists as claims one way or the other are difficult to prove.
- Signal range – A basic WiFi network with one wireless access point reaches at most only a few hundred feet (100m or less) in any direction. Expanding the range of a WiFi network requires installing additional access points configured to communicate with each other, which becomes expensive and difficult to support, especially outdoors. As with other wireless protocols, signal interference (from other wireless devices, or from physical obstructions such as walls) can lower the effective range of WiFi and its overall reliability.