7 Most Common Problem with the Home Router and Wireless Network

No word can describe the level of annoyance the internet users feel when the Wi-Fi suddenly stops working. You are left with an expensive internet pack to stay connected for whatever task you were doing. And to make the situation worse, there are times when the same error frequently occurs.

You can either call customer support, wait for someone to pick up the phone, and let them explain the whole process to you. Or use the internet to learn a few simple repairs to get the job done within a few minutes. Nevertheless, you will gain some practical knowledge that always comes in handy for unexpected situations.

Here, we have mentioned some common problems with the router and home network along with the possible fixes.

1. Different Wi-Fi Security Settings

Often, the security settings of the two devices in a wireless network don’t match each other. These can be the router, computer, or any other device where one is dependent on the other to complete the connection. Such a conflict can arise for three reasons, different network modes, security modes, or security key for the connection.

You should check the router for the network mode it is using to connect the devices. Change the settings to a mixed-mode that supports both 802.11g, 802.11n and 802.11b devices. Similarly, check the security mode and make sure the devices in the network are using the same network security protocols (some version of WPA and WEP).

2. Only One Device is Unable to Connect

You may find every other device connected to the network work okay except one that is unable to connect. In this situation, try restarting the device and then the router for at least 30 seconds. This simple fix solves the problem in the majority of the cases.

There can be some other reasons as well if the device is still not connecting to the network. The router could have reached the limit of devices allowed to connect at a time. This setting is available in the admin panel of the router if you want to change the limit.

You should also check the Wi-Fi card or feature on the device with some other networks. Get it repaired or replace the wireless card if the problem persists for other networks. Also, check the distance of the device from the router and bring it closer if it is outside the range.

3. Defective Hardware

If the above methods are not working in your case, there is a very good probability the hardware is defective. Contact customer support to get a service professional to diagnose the device. You can also check the firmware for updates to solve the signalling or overloading problems.

It is not easy to repair a router since only a few moving components are present in it. The only solution in almost every case is to replace the router to resume the internet connection. The new routers will have better hardware configuration to provide increased speed, bandwidth, and device capabilities.

The people with heavy dependency on the network speed upgrade the network infrastructure at regular interval. It is recommended to put a little money aside each month for the router if you want to experience the best speed available in your area. If the budget is tight, it is time to start looking for doorstep loans for unemployed to get the router replaced.

4. MAC Address Error

You may have activated the MAC address filtering that prevents unauthorised access to the network. The intruders cannot access the wireless network even though they have the security key. It uses the unique address of the device that are hard-coded into a wireless network card.

You can turn it off from the admin panel of the router. The devices with the security key can connect again. However, it is recommended to have this additional layer of security to protect your home network. Just include the MAC address of the device in the allowed list to resolve this error.

5. Disconnected Cables

Sometimes the errors are as simple as some disconnected cable on the router or the computer. You should always check the wires first if the device is not connecting to the internet or the router. Reconnect the wires if they are loose or disconnected.

Also, check the wires for visible damage or use the spare ones for a quick diagnose. The ethernet cables can wear out because of frequent connections and careless use.

6. Overloading or Overheating

Like other machinery, the router will overheat when tested to the limits for a prolonged time. Check the temperature of the router after downloading some heavy file or streaming some high-quality video. The router will overload, and the result can cause unexpected damage to the router.

Routers start behaving in an unpredictive manner once the temperature is way above the regular readings. The devices may get disconnected from the connection, or the network may get crashed. If you have too many devices at home or the data use is high, consider installing another router to avoid overloading or overheating damage.

7. Limitations with the Signal

A house contains many interferences to the Wi-Fi signal that includes the electronic devices and the housing material. Even the Wi-Fi network of the neighbours can cause some trouble with the connectivity if they use the same name. Many users have experienced the sudden failure of the network when a microwave is active.

There are many solutions to these problems that include simple repositioning of the router. Keep it close to the rooms where you spend the most time such as the bedroom and drawing-room. Also, try to place it away from the devices that emit some waves.

You can also change the channel number of the Wi-Fi network to avoid interference. Moreover, change the name of the router if there is an exact match within the range of your home.

Closing Thoughts

To sum up, it is easier than you may have thought to fix the standard errors of the wireless network connection. It will take no time to get back online whenever the router encounters an error from now on. However, it is recommended to contact the customer support of your service provider or hardware before meddling with the internal components or essential wires.