How to Troubleshoot a Wireless Internet Connection

Wireless Internet gives you the freedom to be online without the need for extensive cabling. However, wireless Internet is also more vulnerable to cyber attacks, particularly if it is inactive for a long period. Minor glitches may also prevent you from accessing wireless Internet. Here's how you can troubleshoot some of the most common problems in a wireless Internet connection:

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Router

Instructions

1. Power cycle the system by shutting it down and switching it on after at least thirty seconds.

2. Check network settings to verify the IP address and other related information.

3. Determine if the network card is working adequately. Identify the malfunctioning adapter by disabling the cards one by one.

4. Move one of the portable hosts--such as a laptop--closer to the router. If it works better, interference or low signal strength is the reason for poor Internet access. Inadequate signal performance can be caused by several factors including cordless devices working within the frequency range (2.4 GHz) of a wireless network, shiny surfaces and too much distance between hosts and access points. Resolve this issue by using a wireless repeater-a device that amplifies wireless signal so it reaches distant areas within the premises. Minimize signal interference by maintaining a distance of at least one meter between cordless devices and the router. Alternatively, buy gadgets that function at frequencies other than 2.4 GHz. Try changing the WiFi channel for better results.

5. Check the functioning of wireless router and access points. Adjust the router antenna to get an optimum signal. Most wireless routers come with omni-directional antennae to send signals in all directions, a situation appropriate for a square-shaped network. If hosts are arranged in a linear fashion, use an antenna that sends signals only in one direction. Some portable routers have internal antenna, giving more freedom to users who are on the go. Use an external antenna with such routers. The market now offers antennae with varying strengths, implying some are more powerful than others. See if using a more powerful antenna fixes the problem. Aside from increasing the range of transmitted signals, the reception capacity of hosts can also be enhanced. External WiFi-enabled antennae attached to laptops are now available for this purpose.

6. Change the location of the router and access point. They should ideally be placed centrally between all computers. As the signal bounces off smooth and shiny surfaces, routers and access points should be placed away from windows, doors, mirrors and other metallic surfaces.

7. Examine signal performance by using the monitoring utility that typically comes with the access point.

8. Check that the devices show correct lights. Device lights are an indicator of accurate connections. Different lighting patterns indicate different things. For example, some network cards show green light on successfully establishing a connection. Similarly, the router's wireless LAN (WLAN) light is turned on at all times, even if no device is connected to it. Further, this light blinks when a host communicates with another host. Unexpected lighting indicates a problem. Go through user manuals to get familiar with this feature and make sure the devices show desired lighting behavior.

9. Use wireless Internet utilities to check the SSIDs and channels neighboring wireless networks are using. Change your network's SSID and/or channel if they are the same as that of other networks in the vicinity.

10. See if correct drivers have been installed.

11. Check configuration settings for encryption keys.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the best hardware and software you can afford. Wireless networking and Internet access is a relatively new technology limited by the type of computers, printers, cables, operating systems, firewalls and applications used. The stores are replete with exciting deals offering wireless kits that are better than buying individual products.

• When setting up the wireless network, make a note of important information such as IP addresses, names assigned to the network and hosts, MAC addresses and channel number. You may need these while troubleshooting.

• For optimum performance, all hardware and software should conform to one single standard. For instance, a wireless router following 802.11g will perform much below the expected bandwidth if the host uses a 802.11b-based network adapter.

• Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) supports advanced tools for configuration of wireless networks. Update your Windows XP to have access to these tools.

• The type of security protocol used also affects the speed. WEP makes the network slower than WPA.