WiFi Network Troubleshooting

If you cannot find your network to connect to after your router or wireless modem has been reset or lost power for a prolonged period of time, it's possible that the network name and password has been reset to the manufacturer default settings. In that case, the network name and password currently set may not be one that you would recognize. 

To resolve this issue, there are a few options available - you can use a default network name and password, which will typically be located on the back of the router or wireless modem, to log back onto the network under the default name and password. In addition, you can also connect a device directly to the modem with an ethernet cable and connect to the network that way.

Once connected to the network, you can log into the gateway of the router or wireless modem in  order to change your network name and password back to what it was. This gateway is a special IP address for accessing the router or wireless modem, which usually requires using a administration username and password to access. This information will typically be found on the back of the router or wireless modem, as well.

If you're still unable to find the default network name and password or are still unsure of exactly how to change your name and password back to one you recognize, the best thing to do is to seek assistance from your wireless router manufacturer or Internet Service Provider. 

If you still cannot find your network and the issue isn't your Wireless SSID and Password, then it's entirely possible that another setting in your router has gotten reset and that has affected your network. Two of the settings that come to mind are the wireless mode and security type, especially when having issues with one or more older devices. 

To resolve this issue, there are again a few options available - you can try connecting a newer device to the WIFI or try to connect a device directly to the modem with an ethernet cable. Once connected to the network, you can change your wireless settings - this can be done by logging into the gateway of the router or wireless modem, similar to changing a network name or password. 

Once you're logged into your router, check what wireless mode your router will be set as - the most open mode is b/g/n, however this also will open the network up to the most amount of interference. If all of your devices are newer than five years old, then consider changing the mode to g/n or even n-only.  

Through a similar process, you may also check what security type that your router is set to. The most advanced security type currently is WPA-2 encyption. However, if you're not seeing your WIFI network name at all, then consider changing your security encryption to WPA or even older WEP encryption - this will reduce the security of your network, but will also make it possible for older device to see it and connect.

If your WiFi connection is being slow, weak, or intermittent, another possible cause is wireless interference. WIFI works via transmitting signals through the air, and so signals can sometimes collide in the air to cause interference. 

To resolve this issue, the first thing to do is to change the wireless channel that your network is broadcasting on - this can be done by logging into the gateway of the router or wireless modem, similar to changing a network name or password. 

Once logged in, most routers and wireless modems have built-in scanners to reveal what channels neighboring networks are using. Change the channel settings on your router or wireless modem appropriately to avoid overlap - there are typically 11 channels to choose from on the 2.4 Ghz band, however the best wireless channels to use with most routers are Channels 1, 6, or 11.

Wireless interference may additionally come in other forms than just neighboring WiFi networks and congested wireless channels - many household appliances make use of the 2.4 Ghz band most often used by wireless routers. These include microwave ovens, Direct Satellite Service (DSS), power sources, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz cordless phones, wireless RF video, wireless speakers, certain external monitors and LCD displays, and poorly shielded cabling. 

The best practice  in the case of a poor, weak, or slow wireless signal is to ensure that items such as these are kept a good distance away from your router or wireless modem. Another solution is that if you have a dual-band AC WiFi router or wireless modem that broadcasts a 5G network on the 5 Ghz band, to use that over the standard 2.4 Ghz network. 

Particularly in the case of a weak signal, another potential cause is any materials blocking the path from the router to your device - some solid materials, such as brick or concrete, may present a problem for wireless signals to penetrate, thereby weakening the strength of your WiFi.

If the issue with your WIFI is still persisting, then the best thing to do is get further help. The wireless antenna or another part of the router may not be functioning right, or there may be a firmware glitch that is the cause of your issue.:

• If you have your own self-bought wireless router from a well-known brand of routers (eg. D-Link, Linksys, Cisco, TP-Link, ect...), then you should contact the manufacturer of the router. Be aware that many of these manufacturers offer premium support at a additional cost and, depending on how old the router is, it just might be worth replacing the router outright. 

• If you have a wireless modem that was provided by your ISP, then you should contact your Internet Service Provider, specifically their technical support, for additional help in troubleshooting the wireless portion of your network. 

• If you're really determined to figure this out, there are still a few other things you can attempt to correct the problem. Please continue through this guide for more advanced troubleshooting steps - your ISP may typically have you do these steps, if you've made it this far, but it doesn't hurt to do them ahead of time!