Why your Wi-Fi keeps dropping, and what actually fixes it

By Olu Collins Babalola, Founder & Technical Director · MSc Cyber Security · 3 min read

“The Wi-Fi keeps dropping” is one of the most common calls we get. People often buy a new router first, and are disappointed when nothing changes. Finding the real cause first saves money and frustration.

Step one: is it the Wi-Fi or the broadband?

Plug a laptop directly into the router with a network cable and use it for a while. If the connection still drops while it is wired, the problem is your broadband line or your provider’s equipment, not your Wi-Fi — and that is a call to your internet provider. If the wired connection is solid but Wi-Fi is not, read on.

The usual causes

Coverage gaps

Wi-Fi weakens quickly through walls, floors, mirrors and metal. Thick walls, long buildings, extensions and back offices are classic dead spots. A router hidden in a cupboard, behind a TV, or at one end of the building makes this much worse.

Interference and crowded channels

In busy areas your network competes with dozens of neighbouring networks, and with devices such as some cordless phones, baby monitors and microwaves. The older 2.4 GHz band reaches further but is the most crowded. The 5 GHz band is faster and less congested, but has a shorter range.

Too many devices on one box

The router supplied by your internet provider is designed to be adequate for a typical household. In an office with laptops, phones, printers, cameras and guests all connected, it can struggle — causing slowdowns and dropouts at busy times.

Outdated equipment or software

Old routers, out-of-date firmware and old Wi-Fi adapters in laptops can all cause unreliable connections.

Fixes that actually work

1. Move the router. Put it somewhere central and open, off the floor, away from thick walls and metal. It is free and often makes a real difference.
2. Restart and update. Restart the router, then check for firmware updates. Update the Wi-Fi drivers on affected laptops.
3. Use the 5 GHz band where you can, especially for laptops close to the router.
4. Add proper coverage. For larger homes and offices, a mesh system or additional access points spread the signal properly. Avoid cheap plug-in extenders, which often halve the speed.
5. Wire what does not move. Desktop computers, printers, TVs and CCTV recorders are better on a network cable. It frees up Wi-Fi for the devices that need it.
6. Separate guests. Put visitors on a guest network so they cannot see your business devices and do not compete with your staff.

When to call someone

If you have tried the free fixes and the problem keeps coming back, a wireless survey finds exactly where the signal fails and why. We walk the building, measure coverage and interference, and design something that covers it — rather than guessing and selling you a new box.