With the advent of wireless connectivity, we are now able to browse the internet cable-free, however such luxuries are not without their issues, as a connection that depends on radio waves can be susceptible to interference, signal range limitations, operator errors and hardware issues.
That said there are many different things that can cause your WiFi connection to stop working, with equally as many steps that you can take to fix them. Below are a number of solutions that you can use to fix any problem you may be having with your internet connection.
Check Your Laptop WiFi Button
Are you having problems connecting to the internet in your favourite restaurant of airport longue? The problem could be something very simple. If your laptop is failing to connect to any local wireless routers, unable to view a list of nearby wireless connections, you may want to check that the WiFi button on your laptop is switched to on.
The vast majority of laptops today have their own WiFi button that’s usually positioned somewhere around the top keys; a combination of anFn + another key will usually activate it. Other laptops may have a switch positioned on the side or front of the laptop.
Verify SSID and Password
If when you browse for nearby connections, you’re given a list of many available wireless networks you’ll want to make sure that you select the right one and that you enter the correct password for it. If you connect to the wrong router or you use the wrong password, the laptop will fail to make a connection with the network.
Check the Internet
If you are able to connect to your wireless router, but are unable to access the internet, the issue may be with your internet service and not your router or computer system. You’ll want to verify that there is nothing wrong with your internet connection; this can be done by connecting another device to your router, such as a Smartphone, tablet or laptop and attempting to access the internet through it. If you are able to access the internet on this new device, then it means the problem is with your computer.
Reposition the Wireless Router
If the connection issues that seem to happen only occur, the farther away you get from your wireless router then there is a good chance that the problem could be that you are on the fringes of the routers coverage zone. The simplest way for you to fix this problem would be to purchase a new router with better range; however, there are some other steps that you may want to attempt, before going to the store to purchase the new router.
Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that the router’s antenna is securely attached to the device. Next, make sure the router isn’t positioned behind a large object that could possibly be degrading or disrupting the signal. For the best possible results, consider positioning the router out in the open.
Reset the Router
It’s a fairly common occurrence for network routers, DSL modems and Cable modems to encounter problems that prohibit those connected to it from accessing the internet. To ensure that this isn’t the cause of your problem, you should consider powering down your router by disconnecting it from the mains. Once you have disconnected it, you’ll need to wait for no more than 30 seconds then reconnect the power. The router should take a couple of minutes for it to load up and reconnect to your ISP, once it has done that, you will then be able to carry out your test. If the problems persist, you may want to try rebooting your system.
Reinstall Wireless Device and Drivers
Corrupt or faulty device drivers are one of the main reasons why end users are unable to connect to their wireless network and access the internet. You’ll want to ensure that you are not having issues with your drivers, by doing the following:
1. First, remove the wireless device attached to your computer.
2. Then press Windows Key + R, to open the Run Command box, and type devmgmt.msc into it and click on OK.
3. Once Device Manager loads up, you’ll want to right click on your Wireless Device and Select Uninstall.
4. Once you have successfully uninstalled your Wireless Device, restart your computer.
5. When the computer finishes rebooting, connect your Wireless Device to your computer and reinstall your drivers.
Note: If reinstalling the drivers fails to fix your connectivity issue, then the problem may be caused by the drivers themselves. In which case, you’ll want to visit the official website of your wireless device and download the most up-to-date drivers for it.
–AUTHOR INFO—
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website where you writes extensively on WiFi solutions and other computer related issues and topics.
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