How to begin troubleshooting your Wi-Fi

It can be very annoying when your Wi-Fi stops working. Devices that require Wi-Fi for internet connections will lose a lot of their functionality, which can often lead to lengthy and expensive delays.

There are many ways that a Wi-Fi network can stop working. In this article, I will discuss some of the most common ways, how to identify them and how to fix them.

1. 
   

Wi-Fi and the Internet are made up of digital devices. When these devices have been running for too long, they can sometimes begin getting errors, which can cause them to lose part or all functionality.

Luckily, these are easy to solve. Simply restarting the modem or router should fix the issue. If you have multiple devices, it may be worth doing a power cycle on all of them. Just make sure not to unplug all cables, or you may end up with the next problem.

2. Incorrect Configuration

Router cable combinations can be tricky. Most internet devices are set up with each port for a specific purpose. Mixing and matching these cables can confuse your router about where to send data.

Most routers have labels on the ports to point this out. DSL ports are for Digital Service Lines and are used to receive internet via a phone line. WAN ports stand for Wider Area Network and are connected to a source network (E.g. to another Router). LAN ports stand for Local Area Network and connect to your home devices.

3. Poor Signal

A poor signal can ruin the best internet connection. It can reduce download and upload speeds and greatly affect latency. It happens when you are either too far away from the router, have objects blocking the signal between you and the router, or there is too much interference nearby.

Most devices can check for poor signal. Signal is usually measured using a signal/noise ratio; however, most devices simplify the reading with a bar measurement. The more bars you have, the better the signal.

4. Wider Network Outage

Sometimes, the problem is outside your home. Sometimes, the problem has occurred at a point before your house. This can be caused by the lead feed getting damaged; other times, a telecom network device has stopped working.

Most routers have a light to show whether they are connected to a WAN or DSL connection. If this light is not on, then this is likely the issue. To resolve this, the best action would be to contact your telecom and let them know about the situation.