10 Reasons Why Wi-Fi Networks Fail

Just like any other accessory, Wi-Fi networks can stop working altogether. But, before you pull out your hair in frustration over the lack of Wi-Fi signals, you need to identify the reasons that are responsible for the network error. Inadequate coverage, improper installation, or poor equipment placement, the reasons for the failure are many. So, for your convenience, we are sharing the top ten reasons that could contribute towards a failing Wi-Fi network!

• Poor Placement of Router

The router acts as a home for Wi-Fi networks since this piece of equipment supplies the devices with adequate Wi-Fi signals. Where you place it, can significantly impact the quality of the network’s signals. So, if your network is not working properly, you might want to check the router’s surroundings. Is the router placed in a corner? Is it placed at an elevated position? You need to go through everything to ensure your router does not face any disruption from its surrounding.

• Dummy Networks

When an access point gets disconnected from a Wi-Fi network, the name of the network continues to be broadcasted to the available devices. This is a dummy network and if you successfully establish a connection with this network then you will not get any signals since the network does not exist! This could lead to network errors or failure issues.

To remove a dummy connection from your Wi-Fi network, you need to get in touch with your ISP. They will provide you with detailed instructions on deleting the dummy networks.

• Weak or Tiny Antennae 

An inadequate antenna is one of the top reasons for Wi-Fi network failure. This is a serious issue because weak antenna is incapable of broadcasting the high-quality signals that it is receiving from the data cables. In such scenarios, upgrading to a high-powered Wi-Fi router or investing in a powerful antenna will help you lessen your network issues.

In most modern routers, pointing the antenna straight up does not help in any case. Instead, you need to form a perpendicular shape with them, i.e. one antenna pointing upwards and one pointing horizontally.

• H2O Effect 

How is water connected to Wi-Fi networks? Well, water has strong absorbent qualities when it comes to 2.4 GHz signals. So, it is capable of disrupting the quality of Wi-Fi signals if your network works on the 2.4 GHz band.

A Wi-Fi network that is placed anywhere near water fixtures, pipes or even aquariums, will have a hard time providing a suitable connection. For this purpose, you need to identify the concentration of water and work around them!

• Outdated Software

Routers are capable of deciding the signal quality of your Wi-Fi networks. If your current router or modem is running on outdated software, it will not only affect the Wi-Fi speed but will also weaken the signals’ reach. Most of the modern routers come with a corresponding app to inform the users about any software or firmware updates. So, if your router comes with one, we suggest you regularly check it to fix all the issues with your Wi-Fi network.

• Competing Frequencies

Living in a place that is surrounded by tons of Wi-Fi signals can lead to disruption in the network’s signals. For instance, if you are living in a building with concrete walls, chances are, you may be competing for frequencies with your neighbors. This is because Wi-Fi networks come with several channels; however, various route models operate on a single channel by default which leads to crowded network.

So, if you are living around various Wi-Fi channels, then you must analyze your channel’s options and switch your Wi-Fi network to a less-crowded range!

• Crowded Network

If the frequency ranges are broadcasted through a less-crowded channel but your Wi-Fi network is still failing, then you should look at the number of devices connected. The majority of the Wi-Fi networks fail because their current frequencies are not made to handle a specific amount of users. For instance, if your router supports five users but around fifteen people are using the same network, then connectivity problems will arise.

So, check how many devices your network can support and stick with the number. If there are more devices then you need to upgrade your router to a dual-band or tri-band model!

• Connection Interference 

Wireless networks rely on radio frequencies to receive or send data. On the other hand, microwave, wireless audio equipment, electrical power sources, baby monitors, and other wireless technology use radio frequencies to operate as well. Considering this, the Wi-Fi signals can get weak if many other devices are operating through the radiofrequency.

Interference will occur unless you move your router away to a place where frequency disruption from other devices is less likely to happen. Or you can relocate the devices that are causing the disruption.

• Sticking with Wrong Signals

Most often the Wi-Fi networks fail because the users fail to identify their needs which lead to sticking with the wrong band! When it comes to personal use, even the lowest signal bands can work just fine. However, when it comes to commercial or office use, the lowest band will do you no good. In such cases, a dual-band or a tri-band will serve your needs better.

All of this comes down to identifying your needs. So, if you have little connectivity needs then you can stick with the lowest bands and if you have high-quality connectivity needs, then buy a router that fits your needs!

• Weak Security

When unauthorized devices steal your bandwidth, it can take a toll on your Wi-Fi network. That said, even the type of security you use can slow down your network. First off, if your router is operating with no security then you need to change the setting and put up some barrier around your network. That said, if you are using WEP security, then know that they are easy to hack into.

This leaves you with WPA 2 and WPA. If you have the option of choosing between these two settings, then opt with WPA 2 since it is better equipped to handle the security of Wi-Fi networks.

Conclusion 

Whether you have Ethernet cables with cat 6 connectors attached to your router or have some other high-quality cable, at some point, your Wi-Fi networks will fail and it has nothing to do with the quality of the cables.

You need to remember that Wi-Fi signals are radio signals and disruption can handle. So, instead of fussing over low signals, you need to get in control of your environment and try to cancel out the reasons that could lead to Wi-Fi network failures.