Wi-Fi performance decreases when the distance between devices increases. Low or poor signal is mainly caused by five major factors:
- Distance problems
- Physical obstructions
- Wireless interferences
- Outdated firmware on the router
- Power outage
Distance problems
Wireless devices have limitations when it comes to their signal range. If your network devices are too far from each other, consider relocating the devices. Remember the farther you are from the access point or router, the weaker the signal.
Check to see if you’re getting a stable connection by performing a continuous ping. Receiving replies most of the time means the connection is stable. Frequent time-outs means the connection is not stable.
Physical obstructions
Obstructions can interfere with wireless signals, causing a low connection.
Common obstructions are:
- Cabinets or drawers
- Mirrors, glasses
- Metal objects
- Thick walls and ceilings
- Aquariums
If you have any of these objects between your device and your router or access point, consider relocating your access point or router somewhere high to get around the obstruction.
Routers have a default broadcast range that is dependent on their wireless standard (Wireless -B, -A, -G, -N, -AC draft) and the wireless signals broadcasted by the router may not be able to completely penetrate thick walls and other common obstructions.
Wireless interferences
Many factors can block, inhibit and cause interference.
Common sources of interference are:
- Neighboring Wi-Fi
- Microwave ovens
- 2.4 GHz cordless telephones
- Bluetooth® devices
- Wireless baby monitors
To solve the problem, change the channel and SSID on your access point or router. Preferred channels to use are 1, 6, 9 and 11 since they're considered as non-overlapping channels. To learn how to change your Wi-Fi channel, click here.
If you are not sure about the settings, it is best to leave it at its default settings. The channel is set to Auto by default. This automatically defines the best Wi-Fi channel for your network.
Outdated firmware on the router
Outdated router firmware can create connection issues. To fix this, update your router's firmware. To learn how to update your Belkin router's firmware, click here.
Power outage
Power or electrical interruptions can trigger poor performance and loss of your wireless signal from your router. If you’re not receiving a signal after a power outage, unplug your router and then plug it back in.
However, if the powercycle still does not resolve the problem, you may need to reconfigure the Wi-Fi settings of your router.
NOTE: Instructions for reconfiguration may vary depending on your router model.
You should now have successfully resolved inconsistent, slow or weak Wi-Fi connection to your computers.
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