Last updated: 18 April 2025 · Reading time: 5 minutes
Table of Contents
- Quick‑fire diagnosis
- Reboot & basic checks
- Placement & interference map
- Firmware and driver updates
- Channel & band optimisation
- Manage network load & QoS
- Advanced OS‑level fixes
- FAQ
- When to call your ISP
Quick‑fire diagnosis
| Symptom | Likely Cause | 60‑second Check | Fastest Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi drops on all devices | Router freeze / ISP outage | Power‑cycle router and modem | See Reboot |
| Far-away rooms lose signal | Coverage / interference | Walk test | Placement |
| Lag spikes during gaming | Congested channel | Wi‑Fi analyzer app | Channel tuning |
| Drops in evenings | ISP congestion | Speed test night vs day | Call ISP |
Reboot & basic checks
- Power‑cycle both modem and router (wait 40s)
- Check and reseat WAN cable
- Test/replace power brick if unstable
Pro tip: Use a smart plug to auto-reboot at 3 AM if daily drops happen.
Placement & interference map
- Central & high: Eye-level shelf > corner cabinet
- Avoid metal/water: Mirrors, fridges, tanks reflect Wi‑Fi
- 2m clearance: Keep away from microwaves, cordless bases, Bluetooth speakers
Firmware and driver updates
- Go to 192.168.1.1
- Backup settings first
- Update via Admin > Firmware
Also: Update network drivers (Windows: Device Manager → Adapter → Driver → Update)
Channel & band optimisation
| Band | Use Case | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | IoT, long range | Good penetration | Only 3 clean channels |
| 5 GHz | Gaming, streaming | High speed | Poor wall penetration |
| 6 GHz | Wi‑Fi 6E gear | Zero congestion | Limited device support |
Manage network load & QoS
- Change Wi‑Fi password and enable MAC filtering
- Use Band Steering to split devices
- Enable QoS for high-priority devices
Advanced OS-level fixes
Windows
- Run Network Reset
- Flush DNS via
ipconfig /flushdns
macOS
- Delete airport .plist files and reboot
iOS / Android
- Forget/reconnect to Wi‑Fi
- Toggle Wi‑Fi 6E off and on
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?
Common reasons include router placement, outdated firmware, interference from other devices, or excessive network load.
How can I improve Wi-Fi signal strength quickly?
Restart your router, optimize router placement, and consider using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network.
What Wi-Fi channel should I use for the best performance?
Channels 1, 6, or 11 are recommended as they experience the least interference.
Why does my Wi‑Fi drop every 30 minutes?
Likely DHCP renewal — extend lease time in router.
Safe to factory reset?
Yes, just back up settings first.
Channel width?
Use 20 MHz on 2.4 GHz, 80 MHz on 5 GHz.
When to call your ISP
- Sync rate constantly fluctuates
- SNR margin below 6 dB
- Multiple users in building have same issue
Key takeaways
- 90% of problems fixed with reboot, placement, firmware
- Extenders for isolated corners
- Mesh for seamless movement and multi-wall homes