It’s the ultimate digital headache. You’re just casually going about your day, comfortably using the internet without a hitch. The Wi-Fi signal is feeling reliable and strong. When suddenly, everything grinds to a halt. You frantically click refresh hoping all is not lost, but to no avail. Just as you move through to the acceptance stage of grief, the router signal shoots back up! Oh the relief, you can finally get back to what you were doing. But like a bad game of tennis, your Wi-Fi signal keeps bouncing around all over the place. You can no longer enjoy a stable connection, because the fear it will leave is all too real.

If you are reading this article, you have probably encountered this catastrophe before. What i am going to share with you are ways to identify what is getting in the way of you having a smooth and reliable Wi-Fi connection, and ways to mitigate those problems. Because the strength and consistency of your Wi-Fi signal is determined by so many different factors, it can be hard to pinpoint the root cause. The aim of this article is to shine a spotlight on what could be causing your Wi-Fi signal fluctuating freak out.

What is Wi-Fi Fundamentally?

First things first, it’s useful to know what Wi-Fi is comprised of. Wi-Fi facilitates wireless network access through a router by using a radio frequency. This radio frequency is broadcasted from the router to a Wi-Fi compatible device. The data held within the broadcast is then read by the device and then any inputs are sent back to the router through another radio frequency broadcast. These radio waves broadcast information at specific frequencies, most commonly the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band.

Because Wi-Fi broadcasts information through the use of radio frequency transmissions, it shares a lot of the same limitations other radio frequencies. It is these limitations that can cause the signal to fluctuate. In fact it shares the same broadcasting network as a radio station!

Some Reasons Why it May Be Fluctuating

Because Wi-Fi uses a radio based frequency, the signal can be interrupted by Wireless interference. This can occur in multiple ways that all contribute to Wi-Fi fluctuation. A big reason why Wi-Fi signals fluctuate is due to the large number potential physical obstructions in the way. Obstructions such as concrete, bricks, desks and mirrors can all substantially inhibit Wi-Fi signals getting though.

Interference can also be caused by other devices that emit frequencies within a similar frequency band. It could be that cooking up some popcorn in the microwave could be contributing to the manic quality of your connection! Anything from wireless phones to your neighbour’s Wi-Fi could be ruining your online experience. Locating and identifying the potential sources of the interference and eliminating them could definitely stabilize your Wi-Fi connection significantly.

Sometimes the genesis of the problem is the wireless router itself. Old, overheating and outdated, some Wi-Fi routers simply begin to malfunction and struggle to keep up with what is being asked of its weathering hardware. The number of devices using the Wi-Fi can also put a significant strain on bandwidth allocation. Like a bunch of hungry little birds in a nest fighting for their mother to feed them, the mother bird can only provide so much at one time!

How to Fix the Problem

So how can you fix these problems? Going through systematically and eliminating the potential pot holes one by one is recommended. Mapping the surrounding area and writing down any possible obstructive materials, you can proceed to structure the environment appropriately. Does your WI-FIs journey to your device resemble Dante’s journey through the 9 circles of hell? If it does, lightening the burden by moving the router to a more suitable location is a great place to start.

Another thing to check is how far your routers range extends. A lot of the time it could be due to the limited range of the signal. If this is the case, relocating the router to a more optimal location is the way to go. You can also use a wireless repeater to boost the routers effective range. If logistically it is impractical to relocate your router, strategically placing a Wi-Fi booster can provide a more stable connection.

Upgrading to a newer and stronger router that can keep up with the ever increasing bandwidth demands could make a huge difference. Getting familiar with what your individual Wi-Fi needs are and finding a router that can meet them is always a possibility.

How to Stay Connected

Having fast, strong and stable internet connection is more important than ever. Whether using Wi-Fi domestically, at work or in a public place there is nothing worse than being rendered network-less. If you are tired of having an unstable and unreliable relationship with your Wi-Fi, or would simply like to learn more about our WiFi Boosting services, get in touch with Simply Connect now! Contact us online or call us on 0433 107 846 or 0402 637 394.