Trouble Shoot

Having internet issues?

There are many variables which can contribute to your internet issues, with many simply solved by a reboot of either your internet system or the device you are having difficulty with. There are a few key questions you can ask yourself to determine where your issue may lie:

Are all of my devices impacted? Or is it just one, e.g. my TV
Has there been a power outage or a temporary disconnect of service?
Is my modem and wi-fi router getting power?
Have I added a new device connecting to the wi-fi?
Is my internet just simply slower than it has been?

These are just a few questions to consider which likely can be solved by you at home without incurring a service call. Check out the information below to better understand next steps you can take.

Internet Connectivity

Rebooting your modem/router may improve your internet speed since it will reset the memory storage and free up space for a faster connection. A reboot can also help solve basic connectivity issues.

To reboot your fiber internet, it is as simple as unplugging your system from a power outlet for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in.

To reboot your fixed wireless service, to reboot you will need to unplug the cable coming from the roof from the power supply (small white or black ‘brick’) wait 5 seconds then plug back in to same port you unplugged from. This will reboot your system.

Device Connectivity

Devices such as TVs are similar to computers or your phone which do require a reboot on occasion to reset your device connectivity to your Wi-Fi. Keep in mind to reboot a TV, you need to unplug the TV from the power outlet to reboot, as simply turning the TV off does not reboot a TV.

Wi-Fi Interference

Wi-Fi has become one of the most critical aspects of our daily lives, whether it is in the workplace or at home. But what happens when users are constantly frustrated with slow internet speeds and unstable connections?

One possible reason for these issues could be Wi-Fi interference, which can be down to a number of factors. We will be looking at five things that can cause Wi-Fi interference and provide tips for minimizing them or avoiding them altogether.

Wi-Fi Interference

What is Wi-Fi interference?

Wi-Fi interference is when other wireless signals and devices disrupt or interrupt your Wi-Fi signal. This can happen due to various reasons, such as other Wi-Fi networks nearby, microwave ovens, PIRs (Passive Infrared Sensor) and Bluetooth devices. Interference affects your connection by weakening or destabilizing your Wi-Fi signal, resulting in slower internet speeds or even disconnections. Wi-Fi interference can be a common issue in densely populated areas, such as apartment buildings or urban environments, where many devices are competing for limited wireless bandwidth.

Types of Wi-Fi interference

There are three main types of Wi-Fi interference:

Co-channel interference

This occurs when two or more wireless networks are using the same channel or frequency, causing interference, and reducing the speed and reliability of both networks.

Adjacent channel interference

This happens when wireless networks use channels that are close to each other, such as channels 1 and 2 or channels 6 and 7, causing interference and reducing the speed and reliability of both networks.

Non-Wi-Fi interference

This type of interference comes from other sources of electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and even some types of lighting.

So now that we have covered what Wi-Fi interference is and the distinct types of Wi-Fi interference, let us get into more detail on how interference is caused and how to fix it.

1. Channel overcrowding

One of the most common sources of Wi-Fi interference is overlapping wireless networks from nearby devices in the local area, such as neighbors, neighboring businesses, or hotspots. When multiple networks share similar channels, congestion or slow speeds can occur. This is called channel overcrowding. Channel overcrowding is becoming a common issue in homes today. This interference occurs because too many devices are trying to use the same Wi-Fi channel, causing congestion and slower speeds.

To avoid channel overcrowding, it is best to use multiple access points, space them away from each other and separate them across different channels. This way, the load is distributed across multiple channels, and each access point can handle more devices.

2. Physical obstructions

Physical obstructions such as walls, doors, appliances, HVAC and even furniture can cause Wi-Fi interference. Materials such as concrete, metal and plaster can significantly reduce the range of Wi-Fi signals. The solution is to strategically place routers in areas where they can provide optimal coverage. It is best to avoid placing routers near physical obstructions, such as concrete walls, and instead place them in open areas that provide a clear line of sight. The best location is mounted in the ceiling like a smoke detector.

In a way, you could also look at distance being a physical factor that can cause Wi-Fi interference. Being too far from an AP (access point) can lead to a poor Wi-Fi signal, which is a common cause of frustration. When wireless first came about one AP would have been plenty to cover most homes because we simply did not have as many wireless devices as we use today which is why adding additional APs to your home may be necessary.

3. Other devices and gadgets

Other wireless devices such as cordless phones and Bluetooth devices can cause interference with Wi-Fi signals. This interference occurs because these devices also operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi signals. To avoid interference, it is best to keep AP’s away from other wireless devices or use wired connections instead of wireless.

4. Outdated technical settings

Outdated network security protections, outdated hardware and firmware can cause Wi-Fi interference, especially on older or cheaper systems. Any security settings may impede the wireless network from working at its optimum capacity, which can slow down performance for the end-user. To avoid interference, it is essential to regularly update network security protections and firmware to the latest versions. This will ensure that the Wi-Fi network is functioning optimally and that security settings are not hindering the network’s performance. And in some cases, even though the device turns on and seems to work most of the time, you may need to replace it, such as a TV. Technology changes so fast that most devices are virtually out of date the day you bought them.

5. Electrical devices

Electrical devices such as fluorescent lights, microwaves, baby monitors, wireless cameras, electric motors, and other electronic devices can cause interference with Wi-Fi signals. This interference occurs because electrical devices generate electromagnetic fields that can disrupt Wi-Fi signals. To avoid interference, it is best to keep APs away from electrical devices.

Final thoughts

Wi-Fi interference can cause frustration and affect your internet experience. To avoid or minimize Wi-Fi interference, make sure to investigate the cause of the problem and implement the necessary solutions.

Add an additional AP, move reflective objects away from your AP, and consider repositioning your AP altogether. Another thing to try, keep in mind this takes more effort, is to ask yourself if this just started to happen, if so, did you just buy something new or change something out. Try disconnecting the new device and running without it for a while to see if that new device was the problem. Implementing these changes can go a long way in ensuring a stable, high-performing Wi-Fi experience.