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Common problems with wireless networks and how to solve them

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It’s becoming increasingly normal for businesses to depend on reliable, secure wireless networks to keep their operations running smoothly. With the leaps and bounds of wireless technology and high-availability WLANs, the wireless world is not looking to slow down any time soon. But despite this, troubleshooting common wireless network issues can still be challenging for IT teams and businesses alike.

As Australia’s number one independently owned designer and distributor of world class network solutions, we’ve seen and heard it all when it comes to wireless network issues. Based on our decades of experience, we break down five common problems with wireless networks and how to solve them.

Low signal strength

One of the essential factors to consider is the signal strength. To ensure that your signal strength is as high as possible, the location of the WAP is crucial. The further away users are from the router, the more the signal strength decreases, so keeping the WAP in a central location ensures all devices receive signals.

It’s also preferable to place the WAP in a location that isn’t blocked by walls or metal furniture, as this will affect the signal strength. Try moving any obstacles, or position your router to minimise obstructions.

Another important factor is to check that your wireless network is configured so that it cannot be accessed by unauthorised users.

Signal interference

Signal interference is a prominent problem faced by wireless networks. Wireless devices function by transmitting signals in the form of radio waves. Any device that is close to a WAP which produces radio waves can cause interference, leading to signal disruption.

Place the WAP in an area that has no electrical devices transmitting radio waves and ensure that there are no metal objects close to your wireless network.

You can move your router away from appliances such as microwaves and electrical cables. If you’re using a wireless device that is connected to power, ensure the AC adaptor is positioned as far away from the device’s antenna as possible.

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Media competition

Most domestic Wi-Fi routers can only handle a small number of wireless connections. Limit the number of devices which can connect wirelessly or consider upgrading your Wi-Fi router if you have multiple devices that need to be connected during the same usage hours.

You can also ensure that your Wi-Fi network is using a channel that is different to your neighbour’s channel, as using the same network channel can also cause disturbances in connectivity.

Incompatibilities

Compatibility between various wireless standards is also vital. There are six different types of wireless standards:

  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11ac
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)

Some of these standards are backwards compatible, but not all; you would be hard pressed to find devices still operating on 802.11a or 802.11b. However, it’s vital to understand the devices that will be connecting to the network and what standard they will be adhering to.

To cater to this issue, the best solution is to use access points that are backwards compatible to the intended clients and, if possible, limit clients to those that run the latest standard. Also, try and limit clients that only run earlier standards, or they will degrade the entire wireless network.

Encrypted Data Privacy

Encryption type

Transferring your data over a network in an encrypted form is also essential. Encryption increases the security of your data and anyone who intercepts the data won’t be able to decipher it in any way.

It’s important that the WAP and the client should both be set up with the same encryption type. If the encryption type is not the same, then it won’t be possible for the WAP and the device to connect.

Make sure to also check that the encryption type used is the most appropriate for the required situation, as different encryption protocols provide different types of security.

Incompatibilities

Compatibility between various wireless standards is also vital. There are six different types of wireless standards:

  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11ac
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)

Some of these standards are backwards compatible, but not all; you would be hard pressed to find devices still operating on 802.11a or 802.11b. However, it’s vital to understand the devices that will be connecting to the network and what standard they will be adhering to.

To cater to this issue, the best solution is to use access points that are backwards compatible to the intended clients and, if possible, limit clients to those that run the latest standard. Also, try and limit clients that only run earlier standards, or they will degrade the entire wireless network.

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The leaders in wireless network solutions

At Optical Solutions Australia, we focus on critical wired and wireless network solutions specific to the requirements of multiple industries including Mining & Resources, Energy, Utilities, Infrastructure, Transport, Security & Surveillance and Building Management Systems.

Our solutions are not limited to the selection and distribution of direct technologies, but include pre-sales system design, project staging and ongoing after sale technical support services provided nationally by factory trained engineers.

We’re committed to partnering with our clients to deliver high performance, reliable and future-proof wireless networks.

For all data communications and wireless networking systems, contact us today and speak with one of our trained staff members.

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