Problems With WiFi? Learn Basic WiFi Troubleshooting

Summary: This 2-3 minute blog explores how to troubleshoot your home Wifi. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support, the IT experts, at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss your home WiFi issues and other home computer system needs.

Frustrated by Slow WiFi Speeds or Weak WiFi Signals?

Wireless devices have never been more popular. New ones are being added to networks every day, all over the world. Unfortunately, as with many IT innovations, we, the users, get spoiled as wireless devices become faster and more functional. But every wireless device can only work at peak performance with a robust and high-speed WiFi connection, and few things are more frustrating than a weak or slow WiFi signal.

Fortunately, there are some relatively simple steps you may take to troubleshoot WiFi problems with your home network:

• Examine Your Hardware – Don’t take your hardware and cabling for granted.
  • Check All Connections – Ensure all cords and cables are plugged in correctly.
  • Check For Hardware Issues – You’d be surprised how many WiFi issues are related to the power switch being turned off on a router.
• Power Up/Power Off/Power Up – One of the top line rules of troubleshooting IT is when all else fails, turn your devices off and then turn them back on. Power cycling your PC, router and modem can often resolve connection issues.
• Command Prompts – Enter ipconfig into the terminal. As the number scroll into view, your IP address will be the last number listed. As long as your IP address does not start with the number 169, you will receive a valid IP address.
  • Ipconfig/release and ipconfig/renew – By typing ipconfig/release into the command prompt, you may sign out of your current IP address. Then, by entering ipconfig/renew, you will receive a new IP address.
  • Pinging your Router – If your current IP address is starting with anything but 169, your next step in analyzing your WiFi problem is to Open Command Prompt and use the ping tool. In the command box, enter “ping 8.8.8.8” (which will send a ping to Google DNS servers) or “ping 8.8.8.8 -t” to keep pinging while you are analyzing the problem.
• DNS Check – Enter “nslookup” in the terminal command prompt box. When you perform the DNS check on a trusted server and receive messages such as “No Response from Serve” or “Timed Out,” you might have a problem related to the server with which you’re connecting.
  • Contact Your Internet Service Provider – At this point, if it appears that the problem is with the DNS servers, it is time to contact your Internet Service Provider or ISP.
  • Ensure Your Anti-Virus Software is Working – Make sure all of your anti-virus and anti-malware programs are operating correctly and that no cyber threats have been flagged.
• Review Your Database Logs – Check your database logs to see if your database is operating properly. A full or malfunctioning database can gradually cause problems that can hamper overall network performance.

Home Network Services

Unfortunately, many individuals don’t have the IT knowledge or time to analyze WiFi problems. They just need the WiFi to work with a robust and stable signal. Whether you work from a company office or remotely from home, you might not be aware of all the new threats to your computer, network and other devices without the assistance of a professional IT Consulting Service. IT professionals can assess your specific needs and all aspects of your computer systems and networks, recommend solutions and keep your system running smoothly from the start. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect your private data and get the most out of computers, networks, mobile devices and all your online activities freeing up your time to concentrate on more substantial business or personal tasks.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support provides world-class IT consulting services and specializes in customized network design and support, computer repairs, installations, updates, and maintenance for homes and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions, from “Why is my Internet so slow?” to “When do I need to upgrade my computer hardware?” More importantly, when your home or business computer and other devices go down, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. Instead, they are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. So, in addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support should be ongoing, including learning how to access the most helpful features your connected devices can offer.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss all the ways they can maintain and secure all aspects of your home computer system.