The WiFi connection can work and not cause any kind of problem, or become a real headache for many users. While it is true that wireless internet connectivity has offered us the ability to remain connected at all times without having to use the typical Ethernet cable, there are some elements that could affect its stability. And the quality of the signal is one of them, although it is not the only one.
Today there are countless devices that can be very helpful when it comes to improving WiFi connectivity and improving, for example, the quality of the signal. The so-called repeaters are a useful and appropriate option, which act by capturing the signal and expanding it so that the connection can reach other rooms and rooms where it originally did not reach so well.
However, before thinking about the possibility of acquiring a new device in the event of a WiFi connection malfunction, it is much better to carry out a series of basic checks with the help of some useful applications that could help us find out where would be the problem.
1. Finding out our download and upload speed
This is possibly one of the first steps. It is essential to verify our download and upload speed , and compare it with the figures apparently promised by our internet service provider.
Although there are different web pages that can offer us this service, a very useful option is to choose an application that we can download and use directly from our mobile phone, such as Ookla Speedtest (iOS, Android). Although Netflix also offers an app, baptized with the name of FAST Speed Test (iOS, Android), which allows you to find out the speed of the internet connection, whether it is mobile or broadband.
Of course, you should know that it is specifically related to the speeds that are directed to and from the company’s servers, so the first option is broader.
In any case, with the help of our mobile phone, and connected via WiFi, we can check the speed from different rooms, running speed tests in separate rooms. In this way, we can know where the problem would be.
2. Digging A Little More
If the first test is not enough, we can get a more detailed view of what exactly would be happening with the WiFi connection. And a useful option is to use an analysis application (for both iOS and Android) that offers us the possibility of providing us with detailed readings of the channel congestion and the intensity of the connection itself.
If you use Android, Wi-Fi Analyzer becomes a popular choice. To use it, once you have downloaded the app, you must click on the eye icon and choose Signal meter , and then click on Touch here to select … and choose our home WiFi network (or ultimately the one we want to check). What we will be looking at here is a force reading in decibel-milliwatts or dBm. A lower negative number would mean a stronger or stronger signal.
For example, for everyday tasks where data intensive use is not required, such as sending emails or browsing web pages, -70 dBm would be fine, while -30 dBm would be considered a perfect connection. However, for quality video transmission, at least -67 dBm is recommended.
As our connection signal is weak, the meter of our Wi-Fi Analyzer will begin to drop towards the left edge within the yellow section, so if it reaches the gray section at some point we should be concerned, because it would mean that the signal is weak or very weak.
3. Match the channels
Sometimes the problem is easily fixed by switching to a different WiFi channel on our router . These are basically frequencies on which the router transmits the wireless signals . Today most routers and the hardware itself can operate on the same channel without any problem, automatically crossing multiple channels in order to provide faster speeds. However, on some occasions, changing the channel could end up making a difference .
First of all, we must make sure that the channels available in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz options are configured to coincide with the channels where we are. The newer 5GHz frequency offers more channels, compared to the previous 2.4GHz, and stands out mainly because there is less chance of interference. If our router supports it, it is advisable to use it.
And how can we do it? This channel change is carried out through the router’s configuration page , so it is best to consult its documentation if we are not sure. Usually this involves entering the IP address in the web browser and logging in.
Even if you don’t want to change channels, you can always use some scan tool to try and reposition the router with the device we are trying to connect. It will be very useful in eliminating many assumptions and conjectures about the performance of our WiFi connection.
