A slow or unreliable Wi-Fi connection can be incredibly frustrating, disrupting everything from streaming movies to working from home. Before you call for professional help, there are several simple troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve common network issues.

1. The Classic Reboot

It might sound too simple, but restarting your equipment fixes a surprising number of problems.

• How to do it: Unplug both your modem and your router from the power outlet. Wait for about 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Wait for all its lights to become stable (usually 1-2 minutes), and then plug your router back in. Give it another few minutes to fully boot up before testing your connection.

2. Check Your Router’s Location

Wi-Fi signals are radio waves, and they can be obstructed by physical objects. For the best signal, your router should be in a central, open location in your home, away from thick walls (especially concrete or brick) and large metal objects like refrigerators.

• Pro Tip: Avoid placing your router on the floor or inside a cabinet. Elevating it on a shelf can significantly improve its range and performance.

3. Change the Wi-Fi Channel

If you live in an apartment building or a dense neighborhood, your Wi-Fi network might be competing with your neighbors’ networks, causing interference. Most routers are set to an automatic channel by default, but sometimes manually selecting a less crowded one can help.

• How to do it: You can use a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone to see which channels are most congested. Then, log in to your router’s admin settings and change the channel for the 2.4GHz band to 1, 6, or 11, as these are non-overlapping channels.

4. Secure Your Network

An unsecured Wi-Fi network is not only a security risk but can also be slowed down by unauthorized users. Make sure your network is protected with a strong password using WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols. If you think someone might be using your Wi-Fi, changing your password is the easiest way to kick them off.

5. Consider a Mesh System for Larger Homes

If you’ve tried everything and still have “dead zones” where the signal is weak or non-existent, your home might be too large for a single router to cover effectively. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple nodes placed around your house to create a single, seamless, and powerful network that covers every corner.

If you’re still experiencing issues after trying these steps, it might be time for a professional assessment. We offer Network Setup & Troubleshooting services to optimize your home network for peak performance.