Choosing a reliable Internet provider and high-quality equipment from well-known brands does not always guarantee stable Wi-Fi operation. From time to time, every user encounters connection problems and there can be many reasons for this. If you have chosen Vodafone network coverage and are experiencing problems with your WiFi connection, then this article is for you. You will learn about the reasons for unstable wireless communication, as well as how to improve the quality of signal transmission.
The Most Common Problems With Wi-Fi
Most often, users encounter the following troubles:
- devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices, do not see the wireless network or connect to it after 20 or more attempts;
- the Wi-Fi connection periodically disappears, although all the indicators on the router are on, and then appears spontaneously or after rebooting the equipment;
- wireless connection only works in close proximity to the equipment, although its transmission range is many times greater;
- the signal level of the wireless network changes regularly, and on the provider’s side, any problems are eliminated and the service is provided in full;
- Wi-Fi speed is critically low, and when switching to cable, it corresponds to the selected tariff.
The Most Common Causes of Wireless Data Transmission Problems
Fortunately, the cause of the Internet connection problem can be identified and successfully resolved. Let’s look at the most common causes of problems.
- Other devices are operating nearby on the same frequency.
Equipment with Wi-Fi modules is susceptible to interference from devices located nearby and using the same frequency range. Many modern routers are dual-band, that is, they support frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz. At the same time, networks operating according to the 802.11b/g standard require a frequency of 2.4 GHz, according to the 802.11a standard – 5 GHz, and 802.11n supports both standards. It is good if the channels used by different devices do not overlap. But if this is not the case, you should expect problems.
Usually, we are dealing with fairly intelligent devices that independently determine the less busy channel. At the 2.4 GHz frequency, which is more common, it makes sense to choose channels – there are only 13 of them (in routers manufactured in or for the US market there are even fewer – 11), and only 3 of them do not overlap. At 5 GHz there is no such problem. There are as many as 23 non-overlapping 20 MHz channels.
- The router is installed in the wrong place.
The more obstacles between the router and client devices, the worse the signal reception level. Often, users place the router in a closet or bedside table, install it on the balcony, and even hide it in special niches on the wall. They do not take into account that the quality of the signal deteriorates due to objects and walls that are in the path of the wave. For example, reinforced concrete walls conduct signals very poorly, since most of the waves are simply reflected. Things are a little better in old houses with brick walls, and even better with wooden walls, which allow the signal to easily travel further. If there are several walls, as well as metal doors and furniture in the path of the electromagnetic wave, the receiving devices simply will not see the router’s signal.
Install the access point on an open, unobstructed surface, raise it as high as possible, and remove it from water sources: water pipes and aquariums. It’s good if you hang the router on the wall at a height of about one and a half metres, place it in the corridor (usually it is equidistant from other rooms), and away from other electrical appliances that create additional interference.
- The problem is excessive Wi-Fi signal power.
The radiated power can be so high that it negatively affects the speed and stability of the wireless network. If the router operates on a heavily loaded frequency, then interference occurs due to the frequent transmission of data packets. The problem can be solved by simply reducing the transmitter power of the router.
- There are many household and digital appliances located in the Wi-Fi coverage area.
In the apartment, not only devices with Wi-Fi can be turned on at the same time, but also others that transmit data via a Bluetooth connection. Most often these are wireless mice, keyboards, and fitness trackers that operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the same frequency used in Wi-Fi networks. Turn off devices you don’t need and check the signal stability again – most likely the problem will be solved.
Household appliances are not as harmless as they seem at first glance. Microwave ovens are the most damaging to a reliable wireless signal, and a little less so are baby monitors, wireless speakers, mobile phones, and cameras. Cables with weak shielding, liquid crystal displays, and any sources of electrical voltage, including electrical wiring, are also harmful.
- Other users have connected to your wireless network.
If everything is fine with stability, but the speed leaves much to be desired, the likely reason is that someone else is using your Internet. Check if you have set a password to access the network. For preventive purposes, you can immediately change your password to a new one.
How To Increase Wi-Fi Network Stability
Let’s move on to recommendations that will help increase connection speed and minimise interruptions.
- Use current Wi-Fi router models.
- Switch your equipment to 5 GHz.
- Activate WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) mode on the access point. WMM makes video transmission a higher priority. This allows you to watch movies without the jerks typical of low speeds, or communicate on Skype without signal loss and with high-quality pictures and sound.
- Install the latest drivers. This will help avoid conflicts in the operation of equipment and increase the speed of data transfer within the wireless network.
- Turn off power saving on mobile devices. This will most likely have a positive effect on the performance of the wireless adapter. However, at the same time, monitor the battery capacity and do not allow it to fall below a critical level.
- Use repeaters. Whether you use Virgin, Tesco, or Vodafone network coverage, you can effectively boost your signal with a repeater.
Final Thoughts
A stable mobile connection plays an important role in the life of a modern person. If you have problems with WiFi, you should find the cause of the problem and fix it by adjusting the location of the router, changing the settings, or installing a repeater. We recommend contacting UCtel if you are a user of EE, O2, or Vodafone network coverage and are experiencing connection problems. The company provides signal improvement services using repeaters for popular British operators.
