Common Home Network Problems and Mistakes to Avoid

Over the past few years, Internet speed and Wi-Fi technology have made some notable advancements. As a result, data transfer rates have risen considerably, and wireless connections have become more dependable. Nevertheless, users may still encounter specific challenges. This article will explore the typical problems after setting up a home network and provide solutions. So read on to discover the most frequent issues and their corresponding remedies.

Common Network Problems

Despite the widespread availability of the Internet nowadays, people may still encounter familiar issues that were present earlier. The most common ones include slow connections and complete loss of Internet connectivity. What causes these issues to arise, and how can users overcome them? The practical solutions listed below will help you to tackle such situations.

1. Slow Connection Issue

Of course, we cannot deny the noticeable improvements in data transfer speeds, making it accessible to most people. Nevertheless, this has yet to solve the problems associated with Internet connection interruptions. So, let’s look at their roots and ways to deal with them.

The primary issue with the slow transmission of Wi-Fi signals is the considerable distance between the device and the router. The greater the distance between them, the less reliable the connection becomes.

How to solve

First, you can optimize the positioning of your router. If it is currently in another room, assess its location and take steps to rectify the issue. For instance, experiment with placing it at an elevated position, such as a shelf, away from potential sources of interference caused by other devices. 

The ideal option is to put it in the central area of your apartment. If this did not help, consider buying an additional router and a set of network adapters to expand your home network.

# 2 Decrease in throughput

Another factor contributing to a slowdown in the connection is a decrease in throughput. When all users within a household simultaneously connect their devices to download apps and consume data, even a high-speed Internet connection can become slow.

How to solve

To address this issue, consider turning off devices not currently in use. For example, suppose multiple individuals are attempting to stream videos from platforms while someone else is online gaming.

In that case, you can alleviate the strain on the wireless bandwidth by connecting one or more gadgets directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. However, it’s important to note that the issue may not solely lie with the number of devices but rather with the low speed of your internet connection to support simultaneous usage. 

Another possibility is that someone nearby, such as neighbors, may have connected to your Internet network and is utilizing it for data downloads. To avoid this, ensure your network security settings are configured correctly, and your password is strong enough to deter unauthorized access.

# 3 Interference

Interference can pose a significant challenge, particularly in densely populated areas. Many users often neglect to modify the default settings when setting up their Internet connection. As a result, the wireless frequency channels remain congested.

How to solve

Fortunately, numerous modern router models can automatically select the least congested channel upon reboot. To achieve a stable connection without any slowdowns, manually power off and on the router or access the admin panel to choose a different channel.

# 4 Internet speeds

At times of high demand, such as during peak hours, Internet speeds can experience a slowdown that affects users across the board, particularly in city districts. This issue tends to be more prevalent after 4 p.m., coinciding with increased Internet user activity.

How to solve

In such cases, you can schedule your Internet usage during non-peak hours to mitigate the impact of slowdowns. Alternatively, you can contact your Internet service provider to report the issue and explore potential solutions.

# 5 Upgrade router

Over the past decade, wireless technology has undergone significant advancements. New wireless standards have been implemented, resulting in faster speeds. If you are experiencing issues with your internet connection, the root cause may be an obsolete router. It is particularly relevant when modern devices such as Smart TVs rely on a stable Internet connection.

How to solve

If you suspect your router is the culprit, it may be worth considering budgeting for a replacement. We recommend updating your router every two years, as doing so can help prevent some of the issues above altogether. In addition, investing in a new router can serve as a solution to ensure you can fully utilize the Internet speed on all your gadgets.
However, you bought a new router but still have problems with CenturyLink network connection. In that case, centurylink service troubleshooter can be one of the experts of the Howly consulting service, who solves this daily and many other issues related to the Internet connection.

The next issue people often need help with is Internet connection failure. The following material will benefit you if you still wonder what to do in such a situation.

# 6 Router or modem failure

Occasionally, issues may arise with the router or modem, and sometimes, failures can coincide with both devices. The exact cause of such trouble may be challenging, but potential solutions can be implemented at the user level to address the issue.

How to solve

If you want to resolve this problem quickly, disconnect the power supply from the modem and router. After that, we recommend waiting at least 30 seconds before powering them back.

# 7 Outage in the customer service

Sometimes the connection suddenly breaks completely, not because of a hardware problem on the user’s part. Instead, the root of the problem could be a widespread outage in the customer service infrastructure. If the above suggestion does not resolve the issue, the problem lies with the Internet service provider at a broader level.

How to solve

Unfortunately, you cannot solve this problem on your own. Therefore, you should inform your Internet Service Provider about the issue.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know the simple solutions to common network problems, updating the devices within your home network can be crucial in resolving most of the issues mentioned above. It is particularly relevant if you utilize numerous modern devices that rely on an Internet connection. Additionally, seeking expert assistance is always an option to receive support and guidance with your home network.

Mark Roberts is a freelance writer and tech enthusiast based in San Diego, specializing in internet security, Roku guides, cord-cutting, and more.

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