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WiFi Issues - How to Fix

Diagnose and fix WiFi connectivity problems

Diagnosing WiFi Issues

Understanding the specific WiFi problem helps you apply the right solution.

Common WiFi Problems

Can't Connect to WiFi

Device won't connect to the network

Possible Causes:
  • • Wrong password
  • • WiFi disabled on device
  • • Router not broadcasting
  • • Device compatibility issues

Weak Signal

Poor WiFi signal strength

Possible Causes:
  • • Too far from router
  • • Physical obstacles
  • • Interference from other devices
  • • Router placement issues

Slow WiFi Speeds

WiFi is slow but wired connection is fast

Possible Causes:
  • • Network congestion
  • • Outdated WiFi standards
  • • Channel interference
  • • Too many connected devices

Frequent Disconnections

WiFi keeps dropping connection

Possible Causes:
  • • Signal interference
  • • Router overheating
  • • Firmware issues
  • • Power supply problems

Quick Diagnostic Steps

Follow these steps to identify the issue:

1

Check if WiFi is enabled

Ensure WiFi is turned on in your device settings

2

Verify network name

Make sure you're connecting to the correct WiFi network

3

Check signal strength

Look at the WiFi icon on your device

4

Test with different devices

See if the issue affects all devices or just one

5

Check router lights

Ensure router is powered on and WiFi is active

Understanding WiFi Signal Strength

WiFi signal strength is crucial for reliable connectivity and good performance.

Signal Strength Indicators

📶

Excellent

Full bars, optimal performance

-30 to -50 dBm
📶

Good

3-4 bars, reliable connection

-50 to -60 dBm
📶

Fair

2-3 bars, may have issues

-60 to -70 dBm
📶

Poor

1 bar or less, unreliable

-70+ dBm

Factors Affecting Signal Strength

Distance from Router

WiFi signal strength decreases with distance:

0-10m

Excellent signal

10-20m

Good to fair signal

20m+

Poor signal

Physical Obstacles

Materials that block WiFi signals:

High Signal Loss:
  • • Concrete walls
  • • Metal objects
  • • Mirrors
  • • Water (fish tanks, pipes)
Low Signal Loss:
  • • Drywall
  • • Wood
  • • Glass
  • • Plastic

Interference Sources

Devices that can interfere with WiFi:

Major Interference:
  • • Microwave ovens
  • • Cordless phones
  • • Baby monitors
  • • Bluetooth devices
Minor Interference:
  • • Other WiFi networks
  • • Wireless speakers
  • • Smart home devices
  • • Gaming controllers

Solutions for WiFi Issues

Try these solutions in order, starting with the simplest fixes first.

Basic Troubleshooting

1. Restart WiFi

Power cycle your router:

  1. 1. Unplug router power cable
  2. 2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. 3. Plug power back in
  4. 4. Wait 2-3 minutes for full restart
  5. 5. Try connecting again

2. Forget and Reconnect

Remove and re-add the WiFi network:

  • • Go to WiFi settings on your device
  • • Select "Forget" for your network
  • • Reconnect using the correct password
  • • This clears any corrupted connection data

3. Check Password

Verify you're using the correct password:

  • • Check for typos in the password
  • • Ensure caps lock is off
  • • Verify you're connecting to the right network
  • • Try typing password in a text editor first

Signal Optimisation

Reposition Your Router

Move your router to a better location:

Ideal Placement:
  • • Central location in your home
  • • Elevated position (shelf or table)
  • • Away from walls and metal objects
  • • Clear of electronic interference
  • • Oriented vertically
Avoid These:
  • • Inside cabinets or enclosed spaces
  • • Near large metal objects
  • • In direct sunlight or near heat
  • • Near other electronic devices
  • • On the floor

Change WiFi Channel

Reduce interference by switching channels:

Channel Selection:
  • • 2.4GHz: Use channels 1, 6, or 11 (non-overlapping)
  • • 5GHz: Choose least congested channel
  • • Use WiFi analyzer app to check congestion
  • • Avoid channels used by neighbors

Use 5GHz WiFi

Switch to 5GHz for better performance:

5GHz Benefits:
  • • Faster speeds
  • • Less interference
  • • More channels available
  • • Better for streaming
5GHz Limitations:
  • • Shorter range
  • • Poorer wall penetration
  • • Not all devices support it
  • • May not reach all areas

Advanced Solutions

WiFi Extenders

Extend WiFi coverage to dead zones:

  • • Place extender halfway between router and problem area
  • • Ensure extender has good signal from main router
  • • Use same WiFi name for seamless roaming
  • • Consider mesh WiFi systems for better performance
  • • Position extender at same height as router

Ethernet Connections

Use wired connections for critical devices:

  • • Connect gaming consoles and smart TVs via ethernet
  • • Use powerline adapters for hard-to-reach areas
  • • Wired connections are more stable and faster
  • • Reduces WiFi congestion
  • • Better for latency-sensitive applications

Update Firmware

Keep router software up to date:

  • • Check for router firmware updates
  • • Update device WiFi drivers
  • • Enable automatic updates if available
  • • Follow manufacturer update instructions
  • • Backup settings before updating

Reduce Interference

Minimize sources of WiFi interference:

  • • Move router away from microwave ovens
  • • Turn off cordless phones when not in use
  • • Keep Bluetooth devices away from router
  • • Avoid placing router near large metal objects
  • • Consider using wired connections for stationary devices

When to Contact Support

Contact our support team if:

  • • WiFi won't turn on at all
  • • No devices can connect to WiFi
  • • Router shows error lights
  • • All troubleshooting steps have been tried
  • • Issues started after recent changes
  • • WiFi works but internet doesn't

Support Contact Information

  • • Phone: 03 5910 4230
  • • Email: hello@pulsenet.au
  • • Have your account number ready
  • • Note what devices are affected
  • • List what troubleshooting steps you've tried

Related Articles

Slow Internet Speeds

Fix slow connection issues

Connection Drops

Fix frequent disconnection issues

Troubleshooting Guide

Complete troubleshooting overview
Pulsenet respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, the Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.