Wi-Fi Slow or Dropping Out:
Solution Guide

First, split the problem in two

The first step in diagnosis is to determine whether the problem is in the internet line or in the in-house wireless network lies. You do this with a single test: connect a computer to the modem with an ethernet cable and run a speed test.

1. The location of the modem

This is the item that makes the biggest difference and is most often neglected. The wireless signal spreads in every direction and weakens at every obstacle in its path. Where the modem stands directly determines the coverage throughout the home.

• Position it centrally. If the modem is in a corner of the home, half of the signal goes outside. Move it to a point as close to the centre of the home as possible.
• Raise it off the floor. A modem standing on the floor is blocked by furniture. On a shelf it makes a noticeable difference.
• Keep it away from metal and water. Metal surfaces reflect the signal; aquariums, radiators and large household appliances cause serious attenuation.
• Do not place it inside a cupboard. Modems placed in a cupboard for aesthetic reasons lose a significant part of their coverage area.
• Move it away from the microwave. Microwave ovens cause serious interference in the 2.4 GHz band.

The structure of the walls is also decisive. Reinforced concrete walls and steel doors absorb the signal noticeably; plasterboard partitions, by contrast, affect it far less.

2. Select the correct frequency band

Modern modems transmit on two bands, and these suit different purposes:

• 2.4 GHz: Its range is long and it passes through walls better. However, its speed is low and this band is very crowded — neighbouring networks, wireless keyboards and many smart home devices use the same band.
• 5 GHz: It is noticeably fast and less crowded. In return, its range is short and it passes through walls only with difficulty.

The correct approach is to connect devices operating close to the modem (computer, television) to 5 GHz and devices in distant rooms to 2.4 GHz. Some modems combine both bands under a single name; although this is practical, it can sometimes cause the device to latch on to the wrong band. If you are experiencing problems, broadcasting the two bands under separate names gives you control.

3. Resolve channel interference

This is the most common cause in blocks of flats. Every wireless network broadcasts on a channel, and networks using the same channel keep one another waiting. Even if your signal bar appears full, the speed remains low.

In the modem interface the channel setting usually comes set to “automatic”, but this does not always make the best choice. With wireless network analysis applications you can see which channels the surrounding networks are using and select the emptiest channel manually. In the 2.4 GHz band the channels that do not overlap with one another are limited; for this reason choosing a channel different from that of your neighbours gives a direct gain in speed.

4. Check the device side

If you are having the problem on only one device, concentrate your search there.

• The wireless adapter driver from the manufacturer's website. This is usually the cause of connection problems that begin after a Windows update.
• Power management setting: Windows can switch off the wireless adapter to save power. Disabling this option in the adapter's properties in Device Manager can solve dropout problems.
• Forget the network and connect again. Corruption in the saved network profile can lead to recurring connection problems.
• Antivirus and firewall: The network protection modules of some security software can slow the connection down. Disable them temporarily and test again.
• Antenna contact in laptops: After a screen replacement or work on the lid, the antenna cable may have come loose. The symptom is that the device shows a weak signal even when it is very close to the modem.

5. Who is consuming the bandwidth?

Even when your line is sound, processes running in the background can fill up the bandwidth. Cloud backup, system updates and automatic synchronisation are the most common consumers. In the network column of Task Manager you can see which application is using data.

Unexpected and continuous data consumption may also be a sign of malicious software. If this suspicion exists in our virus removal guide, follow the steps.

6. If the coverage problem persists

In large or multi-storey homes a single modem may not be enough. In this case the options are as follows:

• Mesh systems: Several units form a single network; the connection is not lost as devices move between rooms. It is the cleanest solution.
• Access point: An additional transmission point fed by cable. If a cable can be laid, it gives the most stable result.
• Range extender: It is easy to set up but usually halves the speed. It should be used only for coverage problems, with low speed expectations.
• Wired connection: For devices that stay in one place, it is still the fastest and most stable method.

Home and office network installation

In office environments the wireless network design must be based on the number of devices and the floor plan; offices that try to manage with a single modem become unstable as the number of users increases. In corporate installations we carry out a coverage measurement and position the access points accordingly.

In home use, most problems are resolved by the position of the modem and the choice of channel and band. When on-site support is required, we take measurements and apply the appropriate configuration.