In this article
Keywords - Wifi dropping out, faulty router, router placement, speed test, slow broadband, extend wifi, network frequency
This article will provide tips and tricks on how to get your broadband running the best way possible, and to troubleshoot any problems.
Why does my wifi keep dropping out?
Random internet disconnections and Wi-Fi drops can be frustrating and tricky to pinpoint the cause.
Some of the more frequent reasons are as follows:
Your router needs rebooting. This should always be the first step in the event of a drop out. Sometime the cache can get full or the router just needs a reset. To reboot properly, switch the router off, unplug the power cable for 30 seconds then plug back in and switch back on.
You're too far from the router. If you’re too far from your router, your internet may cut in and out as Wi-Fi signals struggle to reach your device. Obstructions between your device and router may also cause intermittent disconnections. Pay attention to your device’s Wi-Fi signal meter to see where your Wi-Fi signal gets weak and disconnects. Certain materials, like stone, metal, tile, and water are particularly hard on Wi-Fi signals. Some electronic devices, such as microwaves, garage door openers, and industrial machinery can also interfere with your Wi-Fi signal causing slowdowns and disconnects.
Your internet plan is too slow. If you and your team are collectively trying to access more bandwidth than your internet plan allows, you’ll experience slowdowns that may seem like your internet is disconnecting. To find out if you need to upgrade your plan, conduct a speed test as described here. If you get a speed reading that is close to your plan’s advertised wired speed, then it is possible it’s time for an upgrade to your internet plan. Give our business team a call on 0800 NOW BIZ to upgrade.
Your networking cables are faulty. The network cabling in your premises can cause your internet connection to disconnect if it’s damaged, loose, or configured poorly. Here’s what to look for:
Damaged cables. Check all your networking cables for signs of damage. Look for tears, chew marks, and kinks. Make sure coaxial cables are screwed on snug to the modem and wall outlet. Don’t forget to check the Ethernet cable connecting your modem to your router or computer, too.
Loose cables. Coaxial cables should be screwed on tight, and Ethernet cables should make an audible click when fully inserted. Loose cabling is a common culprit of intermittent internet issues because a loose cable may still pass signal, albeit poorly.
Unused, but active, coaxial lines. When you have an active coaxial line in your home that isn’t connected to any equipment, the open line acts as an antenna that introduces radio interference into your network. If you get a professional install, always ask your technician to close off any open coaxial outlets. Determining if you have an unused but active coaxial line is difficult without professional equipment.
Your device is auto-switching between two Wi-Fi networks. Your device may jump between known Wi-Fi networks, which you experience as a temporary loss of signal. When Wi-Fi signals are weak, your device may search for a stronger signal automatically. Try disabling any Wi-Fi auto-joining or auto-switching functions on your affected devices, and connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network manually.
Your Wi-Fi channel is crowded. Your router broadcasts Wi-Fi on specific radio frequency channels. These can become overcrowded when too many networks use the same channels near each other. This is especially common in multi-dwelling buildings and other situations where multiple routers broadcast within range of one another. You can try logging in to your router settings and switch the Wi-Fi channel to see if it fixes your dropping internet.
Your router is faulty or not communicating properly. If your router is failing to properly communicate with Now’s network, this could potentially be due to an update or a change in compatibility, you’ll start experiencing all sorts of problems. For example, if something isn’t quite right with the registration, the router or ISP may be continuously trying to authenticate one another, causing slowdowns. You’re more likely to experience these problems if you supply your own modem. Give our Now technical support team a call so we can try and diagnose whether is an issue for you.
Router placement. Often routers are placed with other computer equipment in a cupboard or cabinet. This can be the worst place for them. Try moving your router to a more central location by running a longer ethernet cable from the ONT or wall jack. A good rule of thumb is if you can see your router, your wifi signal should be good.
How do I run a speed test?
Checking the speed of your internet is a great way to capture how it's performing. We may also ask you complete this over the phone if we're troubleshooting your connection.
Before you test:
There are a few things you'll need to do to ensure you get an accurate speed test reading.
Plug it in. Use an ethernet cable to plug your device into your modem/router. Ethernet cables can deliver data many times faster than Wi-Fi, so always plug in your laptop or PC before you start your test. Running the test directly from the router ensures the speed isn't being affected by Wi-Fi interference or any other environmental factors. We do not recommend running speed tests from mobile phone as this introduces too many other variables into the test i.e. it is not a true test of your broadband connection.
Close or restart. Restart your device and exit any applications that may be slowing your system down such as video conferencing apps.
One at a time. Make sure you do at a quiet time of the day in your business. Your test can be negatively impacted when other people are using the internet.
Choose a server. Open a web browser and head over to www.speedtest.net. Choose a speed test hosted by Now Broadband in the city nearest you.
What can affect your speed test results?
Good broadband is more than just your connection. Factors including your broadband plan, the router (sometimes referred to as a modem), the age and processing power / speed of your computer, the number of people online and the capacity of your provider's network can all affect your speed test results.
It is important to note the following about speed test results:
There will always be a small amount of speed loss between Now's network and your device. This is due to network infrastructure, line quality, your router's handling of the connection, and of course the device itself.
If you do conduct the test using Wi-Fi, please understand this speed is limited by your router's Wi-Fi capability, the environment it operates on, and the device which is connected through Wi-Fi. It is not accurate to gauge line speeds through a test completed over Wi-Fi.
If you believe the speed test result is indicating poor performance, we're here to help. From simple tweaks to whole premise Wi-Fi solutions, we'll help you get the best from your broadband. Get in touch with Now's Business team on 0800 NOW BIZ today.
How can I get faster speeds?
With the growing number of things we're needing to connect to the internet, your Wi-Fi might not be coping with your company demands. Here are a few things to consider to get faster speeds.
Upgrade to the fastest fibre plan. If you haven't reviewed your plan for a while, now might be time. Take a look at Now's Business Broadband plans and make sure you're on the fastest plan available.
Upgrade your router. If you're router is more than a few years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer routers use Wi-Fi 6 which can support faster speeds and have the ability to handle multiple, simultaneous connections more efficiently.
Directly connect data hungry devices. A simple but effective way to get a better online experience is to plug data hungry devices like video conferencing directly into an ethernet port. This means you'll have an uninterrupted signal fed directly to your device for a faster, more seamless experience.
How can I extend my Wi-Fi to another part of my building?
Wi-Fi range can be impacted by a number of factors including the router you use, the environment you are in (wall structures, machinery, appliances etc) and more.
Now's routers offer both N and AC capability. AC is faster but offers a limited range. If you're struggling with Wi-Fi coverage, or want your Wi-Fi to cover a wider area, consider switching to AC.
Now also have a range of different routers and products like Wireless-as-a-Service that can provide extended coverage throughout a premise. Get in touch with the Now team on 0800 669 249 to discuss your requirements and the best solution for you.
How do I change my network frequency or channel?
If you're having Wi-Fi dropouts or are getting slow Wi-Fi speeds, changing the Wi-Fi channel is a good way to eliminate interference as the culprit. Wi-Fi channels can get congested if there are numerous competing Wi-Fi networks in your area.
The best Wi-Fi channels to use are 1, 6, and 11. These channels are the only ones in the 2.4 GHz band that don't overlap. Moving to one of these channels can improve your Wi-Fi coverage and performance if your channel is congested. To change the channel your Wi-Fi network uses you will need to login to the admin console (or contact Now to do it for you if you have a Mikrotik router that we have supplied.)
Generally, you will navigate to the wireless settings, and look for channels. On Mikrotik routers you use the frequency drop down under the wireless settings and use 2312mhz for 1, 2437mhz for 6 and 2462mhz for 11.