Sometimes wireless internet can drive you crazy. On one hand it is convenient – you do not have to run cables all over your home or business, and on the other you can feel hopeless an unable to do even the most basic things like view a website or check an email.
The situation usually goes like this. You know you are connected to the internet because all the lights on the modem indicate you are, and you know the wireless signal strength is good because the light indicating so on your computer shows you have full bars. So whats the problem?
The Number One Culprit for Dropping Wireless is Interference.
Your Microwave Oven
If your wireless internet is dropping out sometimes (not always) there is a very good chance there is some kind of interference.
And the most common interference when your computer is connected to your wireless router is your kitchen microwave.
Your home wireless network works on two frequencies – 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz. Most people use the 2.4 straight out of the box which is exactly the same frequency your kitchen Microwave oven uses. Meaning, when you turn your microwave on it interrupts your wireless network connection.
You can try it yourself. The next time you are using your microwave over, try and surf the internet and see if your connection plays up.
If you are not using your microwave oven and it still happens, there is a very good chance it could be someone else close by such as a neighbour in their kitchen and specially if you live in an apartment complex.
If your wireless network card in your computer and your wireless router modem supports the 5 Ghz frequency, changing over to this band will probably remedy the problem.
Other Peoples Wireless Connection
The next most common problem with wireless interference is other peoples wireless connection.
Most people have a computer, a mobile phone or a tablet and TV. These are just a few type of devices which have a wireless network interface in them and I am sure there are many more. You only have to click onto your wireless internet connection on your computer and you should be able to see a stack of other routers in your area.
Each of these devices work on channels. Sometimes they also conflict, again specially in built up areas, neighbourhoods and apartments blocks and complexes.
Fortunately your wireless modem supports a wide range of channels for your to connect to. You might have to try a few different ones and find the less congested until you find one which is suitable for the time being.
Sometimes you just can get away from interference and it is out of your control. There can be other reasons influences on your wireless connection such as people in the area with radio equipment, storms in the area, power lines above and just too much congestion.
If it is out of your control, you can always try buying a new wireless modem router or maybe a new wireless network card dongle USB for your computer which can sometimes work. But if you want a surefire way to cut out interference, running an Ethernet cable from your modem router to your computer will probably be the best bet.
