Wifi keeps dropping
Before you blame the broadband, the fix is usually where the router lives and what it fights with.
What it actually means
Wifi dropping is two different problems wearing one coat: the broadband line actually disconnecting (ISP side), or the wifi signal between router and device failing (your side).
Wired devices staying online while wifi drops points at signal. Everything dying together points at the line or router.
Try this first, before you spend a penny
- 1
Restart the router properly
Power off, count to thirty, power on. Yes, really: it clears memory and forces a fresh connection.
- 2
Check where the router lives
In a cupboard, on the floor, next to the TV, behind a fish tank: all signal killers. Get it high, central and in the open.
- 3
Check the drop pattern
Same time every evening suggests congestion or interference (neighbours' networks, microwave). Router settings can switch wifi channel.
- 4
Test with a cable
If a laptop on an ethernet cable also drops, the problem is the line: note the times and call your provider with evidence.
When it is a pro job
Persistent line drops are your broadband provider's job to fix, free. For big houses with dead zones, a mesh wifi kit solves what no amount of router-fiddling will.
Your broadband provider (line faults are their job, free)
Line faults cost you nothing to fix: report them. A decent mesh kit for coverage problems runs £80 to £150.
£0 to £150
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