Why is my wifi signal weak all of a sudden?
If you have been having problems with your wifi signal at home, you need to find out why this sometimes happens. A poor wireless signal can slow you down, especially when you depend on the internet to work from home or play online games.
Though wireless routers have simplified our lives, certain obstacles can affect the range and signal strength of your network. Different reasons can make your wifi signal weak all of a sudden. For instance, if your modem has a problem or the router is improperly positioned, you may not enjoy a strong wifi signal. Sometimes, too many devices on your wireless network can also saturate the bandwidth, leading to a weak signal.
Table of Contents
What can you do to fix a weak wifi signal?
Change the position of the router
When your router is not properly placed, the wifi signal will not be as strong as you expect. Repositioning the router can boost the wifi signal. A router has a range of about 46 meters indoors. This range can cover most houses.
Also, take note of obstacles that can interfere with the signal. Instead of placing the router at the corner of your home office, try positioning it in a centralized location. Most internet users place the router next to a computer. You don’t necessarily have to put it there. Find a central location for the router so that you get a better wifi signal.
Find out if certain equipment may be weakening the wifi signal
Apart from the location of the router, specific equipment can also make your wifi signal weak. A wireless network makes use of radio frequencies to transmit and receive data. Items that send radio signals cause interference, thus weakening the wireless signal. If you have equipment such as a microwave, wireless cameras, cordless phones, or satellite TV receivers, you should expect interference to occur. Such items tend to operate at similar frequencies as the wireless router.
They not only lead to low signal strength but also slow the internet speed. Equipment can affect your ability to transfer files easily and prevent Bluetooth devices from pairing accordingly. If you detect that such equipment to be the cause of a weak wifi signal, turn them off and assess if there is any change in the wifi signal strength. Limit the number of equipment you use at the same time when you are online. You could also try moving the router very far away from any of these devices.
Consider changing the router channel
Do you reside in an apartment that is densely populated? If most of your neighbors also have wireless routers, it may sometimes weaken your wifi signal. To confirm this, check your computer to try and find out the number of wireless signals that are in range. A high number of devices in range could cause a weak signal to your network. You can eliminate the interference issue by changing the router’s channel. Doing this enables it to operate on a different section of the frequency band. Go through the router’s manual to find out how you should change the channel settings.
Minimize the number of devices you connect to your wireless network
Sometimes, when too many devices are connected to the network, they can weaken the wifi signal. Devices for streaming videos and online gaming use a lot of bandwidth, leading to poor signal strength. You should disconnect some of the devices that you don’t frequently use from your network.
If, for instance, you have to play certain games online, do not do this when other devices are still connected to your network. If you have a router that features Quality of Service settings, it can help you automate the process. This feature prioritizes certain operations to minimize bandwidth issues.
Adjust the antenna
Sometimes the router antennas fail to transmit the signal as expected, leading to connection problems. Adjusting the direction of the antennas can help boost the signal. Many internet users assume that setting the antennas of a router should always be vertically set. You can enhance the wifi signal by trying to set them in different directions, such as perpendicularly. Try to create an L shape if you have a 2.4 GHz router that comes with multiple antennas. If you have a 5GHz router, you can try flattening out the antennas or setting them at an angle to get a better wifi signal.
Get a new router
If you have been relying on an out of date router, it may not be able to deliver a strong wifi signal anymore. This is because most of the old routers work on less efficient technology. They often develop some technical issues like overheating. This, in turn, leads to poor signal strength. They also don’t have excellent power output to boost the wifi range. You should, therefore, consider getting a new router to boost your overall wireless network.
Here is a summary of some of the causes of a weak wifi signal and how to solve them
Causes |
Solution |
Improperly positioned router |
Adjust the position of the router and ensure that it is within a range of 150 feet indoors |
Equipment such as microwaves causing an interference |
Move the router away from such equipment |
Connecting too many devices to the wireless network |
Minimize the number of devices you use at a time |
Too many wireless signals in the same range |
Modify the channel settings |
Out of date router |
Get a new one |
Conclusion
Numerous factors can cause a weak wifi signal all of a sudden. Try to determine the cause of the problem so that you can boost your wifi signal.
FAQs
Can a signal booster strengthen your wifi signal?
Yes. This is an excellent solution that can boost the strength of your network signal. Focus on quality signal boosters such as wifi extenders.
How does installing DD-WRT help your router?
When you go shopping for a router, choose one that can run third-party firmware such as DD-WRT. This can enhance the wifi signal since it unlocks the capabilities of the router.
