Hello, I am Christopher Gustafson. I am a transformative cloud leader specializing in Enterprise Cloud Solutions and technology leadership. I aim to bring out scalable and sustainable modernization in complex environments.
Okay, although my introduction might seem too jargonized to some, suffice it to say that I am also well aware of the common issues that any homeowner or small business owner might face with their internet connection.
Yes, no problem is too big or too small for me. I believe everything has its place, and problems with their home or business internet could be a big deal to anyone.
People often ask me about the importance of routers. The advantage of a wireless router is that you may connect multiple devices with the Wi-Fi. At the same time, a cabled router will usually allow you to connect one device at a time using a cable. Bcca.org is a good place to read more about routers.
For now, let’s jump into the problems and the solutions of home routers.
Below are some common home router problems that you may face.
Slow Internet
No matter where you are located, slow internet could be an issue. This can be even more problematic if you work from home. A slow connection or losing connection entirely can interfere with your flow of work and can interrupt essential calls.
Solution: Restart the Router
The first solution to slow the internet is to restart the router. Switch it off entirely and wait for ten seconds. Then plug it in and restart. Ensure that all plugs and cables are firm. Wait for the router to reboot. This could be about five minutes. Try connecting with your service provider and start working again.
Page Loading Too Slowly
This is also a very common issue. Your page may load slower than usual. This can typically happen when the page has very high-resolution graphics. It could also occur when trying to watch a high-resolution video or on a high-resolution video call. This could also happen if too many users are using the same network. If restarting the router does not work, you have to check your internet speed.
Solution: Checking internet speed
One of the easiest methods to check your internet speed is to unplug or disconnect all your devices from the router. Then, use a single wired cable to check the speed.
This would work best if you use a Gigabit cable. They have a transmission rate of 1000 Mbps. Thus, they are well suited for the job. Connect and run the internet on any one device. If it works at the expected speed, you can connect other devices.
On the other hand, if you know that you are using either 2G, 3G or 5G signals, you should know the speed. Usually, a router can transmit on both 2G and 5G, depending on your service provider. However, 5G frequencies work best when the router is close by.
The signal will deteriorate the farther you are from the router. Any walls in between can also disrupt the signal. The 2G signal, on the other hand, is slower than 5G. But it connects better over distance and if there are barriers in between.
Hence, it is better to connect to the 2G network rather than the 5G network if your page is loading slower due to router speed issues. You can at least keep working till the speed is restored.
Your Internet keeps Disconnecting
If you have a persistent issue of your internet being disconnected, then maybe you should consider changing your service provider. However, at other times, it could be a router issue.
Solution: Doing a line test
To do a line test, you have to contact your service provider. They can also adjust the signal levels and check if the connection is dropping. If it is a hardware glitch, then changing the router might work as well.
Neighbors are Stealing your Wi-Fi
This problem can occur if your wireless connection has no encryption. Anyone who is tech-savvy can connect to your network. This will slow your connection as more people will share your network. There is also a risk of falling prey to illegal activities as they will use your details for shady online tasks.
Solution: Changing Password
One way out of this problem is to change your password frequently. Simply log in to your router and go to the settings password at the back. Change your Wi-Fi password once every seven to ten days.
Low Connectivity in Other Areas
You may find that the connection flickers or dies as soon as you move away from your router. This could happen when you are in the kitchen, garden, or backyard. The modern routers are excellent for most modern homes, but there could be blind spots of no connectivity.
Solution: Get an Access Point
Getting a new access point could be a simple solution. If you spend more time working from the backyard, getting a new access point nearest to that location could be a good idea.
High Connecting Time
This could happen if you have too many devices connected to your browser without using them. They could be using your bandwidth in the background and make your internet slower on the device you are using.
Solution: Unplug and disconnect
One way is to shut down or disconnect all the devices you are not using. These could be additional phones, speakers, computers, and smart TVs. If you are high on gaming and some game is connected or put on pause, it could be eating away at your bandwidth, too. You can also opt for faster processors and better routers in such cases.
General Rules for Better Router Service
I also recommend following these general rules for better router service, whichever is applicable.
Change Channels
Consider changing your Wi-Fi channel. You can speak to your service provider about this. Log in to the admin settings and change the router’s wireless channel. You can do so for devices like speakers and cameras that are not constantly used. Switch to a channel with lower congestion, and your main channel will face fewer interruptions.
Opt for Wired Routers
If you work on any particular device more than others, then consider using a LAN cable. Wired routers are more stable than wireless ones. You can use the wire to plug in your PC with your router. Using wired routers will also maximize your speed.
Reset Your Router
Your router could be corrupted, or it just might have bad settings. You can reset your router to factory defaults. Use the hardware reset switch to do so. Your router should continue working smoothly.
Update your Router
Always keep an eye out for the router’s updates. Upgrading your router can make a massive difference to its performance. Depending on your model, your router could automatically scan for updates and do the needful. Or, you could upgrade it manually. Restart your devices after the update. You will see a noticeable difference in its performance.
Summary
This article covered some very common router issues, and I have tried my best to tell you about simple troubleshooting methods. I hope this helped and you can continue using the benefits of the internet from your home network. You can connect with me if you have more questions or want to read more on such topics.
