Why does resetting a wireless router often result in improved wireless connectivity?
Asked by
osoraro (
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)
October 27th, 2014
I have a standard N wireless router (Netgear). It works fine, but occasionally it really slows down. I can still connect, but the connectivity is terrible.
After I do a complete reset of the router (unplugging it, waiting and plugging it back in) it works fine, until the next time it doesn’t.
I’m just wondering what’s going through the router that slows everything down. I could understand if it were an IP conflict, such as I had another device that it was confusing it, but I don’t. I can still connect—it’s just slow.
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9 Answers
One thing you can do is download a simple wifi sniffer on your smartphone. It’s the quickest way I know to see what wifi channels are in use. It’s not uncommon for networks to be walking all over each other since so many people just add basic security to the default settings. Find a clear channel and switch to it. This is a very common issue. Wireless N always seems to be more susceptible. Also,if that does not solve it (probably will) if you have a lot of devices connecting through it try turning all of them off except for one and see if your connection improves.
Thanks. I figured it had to be some sort of conflict.
It may be a memory issue. Often that type of equipment has past connections resident in its memory. Resetting clears that memory. In telecommunications, this is known as the Brumbaugh Maneuver. It is a last ditch effort to restore service.
1) check for a firmware upgrade
2) per @ARE_you_kidding_me – find a wifi sniffer to figure out what channels your neighbors are on, then set your router to a different one. Mine keeps defaulting to 6, even when my two neighbors are on 6.
3) use WPA2 encryption with the full length (20 character?) password. That solved my similar problem. I think a neighbor was stealing my bandwidth.
@RocketGuy Can you point me to a wifi sniffer? Iphone here.
@osoraro I’m not aware of any but I don’t have any IOS devices. Wifi analyzer is the best I have seen but it’s only on android. I would suggest simply switching between channels especially 1, 6 &11 and see if one works better. You could also get someone with an android device to check for you.
I use inSSIDer3 on my Lenovo laptop. They are up to 4 now:
http://www.inssider.com/downloads/
It tells you who is visible by your laptop, what channel, what strength. And is freeware.
@osoraro you usually need to hit the routers internal web page. If you download the manual it will give specific instructions. Generally you just type the IP address like 192.168.1.1 into your browser, enter the password and find it in the menu. You will probably find the channel set to “auto.”
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