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Troubleshooting WiFi :
- Power cycle modem and router - Leave unplugged for 30 seconds.
- Power cycle computer/mobile device - Sometimes the issue is with the device itself, not the network.
- Raise WiFi router away from walls and clutter, which will have a significant impact on your signal strength. https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/optimize-your-wifi
- Reposition WiFi receiver/dongle - Some adapters come with an external antenna or USB dock. A USB extension cable and tape also works.
- Use a WiFi analyzing app to determine where your signal is strongest and weakest. Check for overlapping channels.
Recommended for iPhone/MacOS : Wi-Fi SweetSpots
Recommended for Android : Wi-Fi SweetSpots or WiFi Analyzer
Recommended for Windows 10 : Acrylic WiFi Home - WiFi Router Settings :
- Change WiFi Frequency - 2.4Ghz is slower than 5Ghz, but has a stronger signal.
- Change WiFi Channel - If you live in a condo or apartment, your signal may be overlapping with your neighbors. - Eliminate Interference - Microwaves, Wireless Cameras, Baby Monitors, and other wireless equipment can cause interference with WiFi.
Alternative Solutions :
- A wired connection - Always the best option for speed, stability, and security.
- Replace router and/or modem - Check with your ISP to see if replacing the router and/or modem is an option for you.
- WiFi Extender/Repeater - A good solution if you have a weak connection to multiple devices, but it requires some setup and needs to be placed in a location with a good signal.
- Ethernet over Power - The next best thing to a wired connection. Ethernet over Power uses your homes wiring as one long ethernet cable. Fast, secure, cheap, and easy to setup.
- Use smartphone as a hotspot - A quick and simple solution if you have good cell reception and a data plan. You will need to monitor your mobile data usage.
- USB Tethering Smartphone - A quick and simple solution if you have good cell reception and a data plan. You will need to monitor your mobile data usage. Mobile Phone - USB Tethering
What is a good signal? (https://www.screenbeam.com/wifihelp/wifibooster/wi-fi-signal-strength-what-is-a-good-signal/)
A perfect signal is -30 dBm. Likely, you do not have a perfect signal, but that is OK. Any signal between -67 to -30 dBm will let you perform most online activities.
Here is what the scale looks like and what each signal strength measurement means:Signal Strength Guide :
Ideally, you are looking to fall in the -60 dBm to -50 dBm range (since -30 dBm is unlikely). A signal strength around -67 dBm will work for a while, but this is the minimum strength you will want before your connection starts to suffer.
-30 dBm: This is the maximum signal strength. If you have this measurement, you are likely standing right next to the access point.
-50 dBm: This is considered an excellent signal strength.
-60 dBm: This is a good signal strength.
-67 dBm:This is a reliable signal strength. This is the minimum for any online services that require a reliable connection and Wi-Fi signal strength.
-70 dBm: This is not a strong signal strength. You may be able to check your email.
-80 dBm: This is an unreliable signal strength. You may be able to connect to your network, but you will not support most online activity.
-90 dBm: This is a bad signal strength*.* You are not likely to connect to internet at this level.Ideally, you are looking to fall in the -60 dBm to -50 dBm range (since -30 dBm is unlikely). A signal strength at -67 dBm will work for a while, but this is the minimum strength you will want before your connection starts to suffer.
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