top 3 wi-fi fixes

Pexels.com image. CC0 license.

Wi-Fi problems can drive you batty! Wi-Fi is amazing – it takes a wide spectrum of tech devices and gives them a way to talk to each other. These days you can sync up your computer, tablets, smart phones, home alarm systems and thermostats, even some refrigerators via the magic of Wi-Fi. Along with this convenience comes complexity, and when your Wi-Fi stops working, where do you begin to get it working again?
 
Here’s our list of the Top 3 Wi-Fi Tips and Tricks
 
Wi-Fi problems can drive you batty! Wi-Fi is amazing – it takes a wide spectrum of tech devices and gives them a way to talk to each other. These days you can sync up your computer, tablets, smart phones, home alarm systems and thermostats, even some refrigerators via the magic of Wi-Fi. Along with this convenience comes complexity, and when your Wi-Fi stops working, where do you begin to get it working again?
 
Here’s our list of the Top 5 Wi-Fi Tips and Tricks.
 
1. REBOOT!  REBOOT! REBOOT!
 
What are your symptoms? Dropped connections, websites loading slower than dial-up molasses, devices not showing on the network – the list goes on.  Time to try the good, old-fashioned reboot. Pay a visit to the back or your router, disconnect the power cable for ten seconds, and then plug it back in.  If you have a separate modem, reboot that, too.  When your router comes on again, if your troubles appear to be over, this might be all you need to do.
 
For some reason, routers seem to need an occasional reboot. Maybe they just need to drop some of that extra baggage from working 24/7. However, if your router needs frequent rebooting, it’s probably warning you of deeper problems.

2.  LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

Location in the house is important. Don’t keep your router hidden in the guts of your office. Give it a place of prominence, where its signal path looks clear. Your router  should be as high in the room as possible and should be out in the open to ensure maximum distance.  And make sure that antenna is sticking straight up!

If your router is not installed in a central location, if you have a very large house, or if the walls of your house block wifi signal, ADL can help you pick out the right equipment to have strong wifi everywhere.

3.  WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
 
Your WiFi router is a little computer, and to ensure it's working at tip-top performance it should be running the latest version of its internal operating system, known as firmware. This involves logging into the router (typically by typing its web address into your web browser) and checking for firmware updates. If this makes you nervous, we'd be happy to do it for you on our next visit.
 
STILL NOT WORKING?
 
If you’ve tried all the steps above, but your router is still unstable or needs frequent reboots, it might be time to spring for a new one. New routers are relatively inexpensive and the cost is well worth eliminating your Wi-Fi headaches. In a best-case scenario, you might find your new router is far superior to your old one. As technology keeps improving, so does performance.
 
Not sure which new router is best for your system and needs? Make an appointment with Jenson at Asheville Digital Lifestyle, and he’ll get your system humming joyfully.