You’re halfway through a video call, and everything freezes. A minute later it works again. Before buying a new router, a few comparisons can help narrow down where the trouble starts.
Start with one device versus the whole house
When the connection drops, check another device on the same Wi-Fi. Turn mobile data off briefly on your phone so it cannot quietly switch to the mobile network. If only one computer struggles, start there. If several devices stop working together, investigate the router or internet service.
Write down the time, the affected devices and whether the Wi-Fi symbol disappears or stays connected. That information is much more useful than simply saying the internet is slow.
Compare nearby and further away
Try the same computer close to the router. If it works there but drops out in the back room, coverage or interference may be involved. Keep the router in an open position where practical, rather than inside a cupboard or behind large metal objects.
A mesh system or extra access point may help a coverage problem, but buying one will not fix an outage on your internet service.
Separate Wi-Fi from internet access
If your equipment supports it, connect a computer to the router with an Ethernet cable and compare the connection. Reliable wired access alongside unreliable wireless access points towards the local Wi-Fi. If both fail together, check your internet provider’s outage information.
Restarting the router can also help. Follow its normal restart instructions and let everyone know first: calls and connected services will stop briefly. Avoid pressing the factory reset button, which can erase the configuration.
Know when to ask for help
For a problem affecting one Windows computer, Microsoft provides a Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide. Keep a note of any error message rather than changing lots of settings at once.
Still getting dropouts? Contact The Tech Bloke with your router model, affected devices and the checks you have tried. We support homes and businesses in Maroochydore and across the Sunshine Coast.