[SOLVED] NETGEAR Nighthawk keeps dropping Wi-Fi – How to fix
It is almost impossible to establish one reason as to why your NETGEAR Nighthawk keeps dropping Wi-Fi. However, troubleshooting should be able to help you fix this type of connectivity issue. Let us take a look at a few troubleshooting options that you can use when your NETGEAR nighthawk is unable to provide a stable network.
It gets really frustrating when you are unable to get a hold of a stable internet connection, especially when you in dire need of the internet. There are times when you will notice that your smart device disconnects and reconnects to the Wi-Fi on its own without warning. Other times, you would realize that you suddenly cannot connect to the internet even if you have been comfortably using it throughout the day. This is actually a common problem that happens with all network devices including your NETGEAR Nighthawk router.
You can fix this by moving your router to a different spot or your devices closer to the Wi-Fi, by updating the firmware of your router, by powercycling your router, contacting your Internet Service provider (ISP) or by replacing your router.
Table of Contents
To begin with, what causes your NETGEAR Nighthawk to keep dropping its Wi-Fi signal?
Your NETGEAR Nighthawk may be frequently dropping Wi-Fi because of issues with your internet service provider, or it could be connected to a defective cable, your routers firmware may be outdated. Aside from that,there could be wireless interferences from other hotspots next to your router or an insufficient signal strength could be causing the connectivity problem on your NETGEAR Nighthawk.
How can you fix your NETGEAR Nighthawk when it keeps dropping Wi-Fi?
Check the position of your connected devices and your router
Sometimes, your NETGEAR Nighthawk could be frequently dropping Wi-Fi because of an insufficient Wi-Fi range. You would notice that your Wi-Fi signal drop once you move away from your router. In this case you need to either move your router to a more open area or you should move your connected devices closer to the Wi-Fi. Once you do this, you should check whether you have a more stable network.
Additionally, you can purchase a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh system to strengthen your Wi-Fi signal in areas of your household that are out of your router’s range. Generally, different routers have been designed to cover a certain range and once you are beyond the recommended distance, you will find yourself experiencing connection problem.
A summary of a the recommended range coverage and speed of selected NETGEAR Nighthawk routers
NETGEAR Nighthawk router |
Range coverage area |
Speed bandwidth |
Availability |
AC1900 |
Up to 1800 square feet |
Up to 1900 Mbps |
|
AX12 |
Up to 3500 square feet |
Up to 6Gbps |
|
AC 2300 |
Up to 2000 square feet |
Up to 2300 Mbps |
|
AX8 |
Up to 2500 square feet |
Up to 6Gbps |
Check cable connections
Sometimes, the cable running from your router or modem is damaged or loose. Other times, your Ethernet cable may be incompatible with your device. In this situation, you need to ensure that you are using the correct cables to connect to the Wi-Fi and that your cables aren’t damaged or loose.
Powercycle your router and other connected devices
A connectivity problem may arise from your router or your electronic devices. Because of this, you need to reboot your devices and your router so as to refresh your Wi-Fi connection. You can powercycle your router by unplugging it from the power source and then lugging it back in to restart; and you can powercycle your electronic devices through a simple reboot.
Monitor whether there is Wi-Fi radio interference
There are times where there may be Wi-Fi radio interference by other electronic devices in your household such as the microwave or Bluetooth devices. Radio signals from these devices may tamper with the communication between your router and your smart devices which would cause a frequent drop in signal. You need to either change your Wi-Fi radio settings or avoid using your connected devices near equipment with a different frequency band.
Check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Also, you need to contact your Internet Service provider and tell them about your dropping Wi-Fi signal. Calling your ISP will help you trace the connectivity issue is. There are times when the problem could be low connection from your ISP and they need to fix it on your behalf.
Aside from that, you can perform a network speed test to confirm your connectivity.When your NETGEAR Nighthawk router exhibits high speed it shows that the problem is in your router and when there are low speeds the problem could be from your ISP.
Manage your connection log
An overloaded network can be a cause for drops in your Wi-Fi signal. Each NETGEAR Nighthawk router has its maximum number of connected devices specified in its user manual. When your network is overloaded, your router struggles to ensure that all the devices equally receive the same speed bandwidth so there is an element of frequent disconnection and reconnection. Here, you need to manage your connection log and ensure that it as per the recommended number.
Update your router’s firmware
Your routers firmware or device drivers may be outdated and that is why your NETGEAR Nighthawk keeps dropping the Wi-Fi. You need to update your router’s firmware to the latest firmware so that you are able to eliminate any bugs that could be tampering with the efficiency of your network.
Also, there are times when you could be frequently connecting to the wrong network that are nearby and cannot establish a secure connection. Updating your firmware could strengthen your network’s security to stop your devices from automatically joining other networks. In this case, you can also disconnect and reconnect your devices to the correct network.
Conclusion
When you have tried out all the troubleshooting steps and your NETGEAR Nighthawk is still unable to keep a stable Wi-Fi connection, the problem could be with the entire device itself. In this situation, you should replace it with a new one or take it for diagnostics and fixing at a NETGEAR store.
FAQs
How do I troubleshoot my NETGEAR Nighthawk when I am having connectivity issues?
To troubleshoot your router you need to try creating a wired connection via an Ethernet cable to your router first after turning off your wireless function. Then reboot your computer and modem as you check through your network.
How does the range coverage area of my NETGEAR Nighthawk affect my Wi-Fi connection?
The NETGEAR Nighthawk come with a recommended range coverage area that the router would work well around. Any distance beyond this would cause dropping Wi-Fi signals or no internet connection to your connected devices.
