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On home or public wireless networks, your WiFi connection
might drop unexpectedly for no obvious reason. This kind of networking problem
is especially frustrating. It's also more common than you might think.
1. WiFi Radio Interference
Radio signals from various consumer electronic products can
interfere with WiFi wireless network signals. For example, cordless phones,
Bluetooth devices, garage door openers and microwave ovens can each take down a
WiFi network connection when powered on.
2. Insufficient WiFi
Network Range
and Power
Even without interference from other equipment, WiFi
connections can drop occasionally on devices located near the network's edge.
WiFi links generally become more unstable with distance.
3. Unknowingly Connecting to the Wrong WiFi Network
If two neighboring locations run unsecured WiFi setups with
the same network name (SSID), your devices may connect to the wrong one without
your knowledge. This scenario tends to cause the interference and range
problems described above. Take proper security measures to ensure your
computers connect to the right network. You should be anyway, to prevent others
stealing your data and/or bandwidth.
4. Incompatible Software Packages Installed
WiFi network connections may start failing on a computer due
to incompatible software installed and running there. This includes operating
system patches, operating system services, and other software that modifies the
networking capabilities of the operating system. Also do a check for spyware.
5. Overloading / Overheating the Router (Access Point)
This can occur during, for example, online gaming or while
copying large files. Routers can in theory become overloaded with too much data
and fail temporarily. If a router's temperature increases too much, it may also
fail until cooled.
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