On many occasions our Internet connection can have problems. Failures that prevent navigation from flowing correctly, that we cannot open or use applications and platforms well. This happens both wired and wireless. However, in this article we will explain how to know if there are Wi-Fi outages . It is something that many users wonder when they notice problems.
Wireless networks are more used than ever
Keep in mind that wireless networks are increasingly used. A few years ago it was normal to navigate with a computer connected by cable to the router. However, with the passage of time Wi-Fi has been gaining ground.
One of the main reasons is that there are more compatible devices . We have a wide range of possibilities when we talk about mobile phones, tablets, televisions, video players …
Also, of course, the quality and stability has improved. The speed we have now has nothing to do with that of a few years ago. However, sometimes there are still cuts. There are bugs that can cause errors when connecting.
How to check Wi-Fi outages
Many users have problems with their connections or doubt if there are cuts in Wi-Fi. There are different clues or tools that help us to have this information.
Cuts when downloading or sending files
Undoubtedly one of the most present signs that indicate that there are cuts in Wi-Fi is when downloading or sending files. This process may take more or less depending on the speed of the connection and also the size of those files.
If during this process we see that it is interrupted, that we have to start over, it may mean that our Wi-Fi connection is indeed having small cuts. Packages are lost and we are unable to send or receive files normally.
Failure to load webs
Another very visible sign is having problems loading a web page or opening any application that requires a connection. If there is a synchronization problem with the router that causes Wi-Fi cuts, it can be reflected in these types of errors.
This does not always happen, since the cuts can be very small and do not affect the moment of opening a page. However, if we have been connected for a long time, we can notice those annoying interruptions.
Ping to check packet loss
There is no better way to know if there are Wi-Fi outages than to ping. We can check for packet loss and analyze possible errors to try to find a solution.
For this we have to execute the command ping –t 8.8.8.8 . The –t parameter is to ping indefinitely and thus be able to check for Wi-Fi outages continuously. 8.8.8.8 are Google’s servers, although we can use any.
Therefore, we have to go to Start, type CMD, execute the Command Prompt and the command ping –t 8.8.8.8. To know if there are cuts in the Wi-Fi we must leave that command running for a long time. The more the better. Once we want, we have to give Control + C and it will stop, showing us the results. There we will see the number of lost packages. Ideally, it should be 0 or a very low number (in case we have left it for a long time). That would mean there have been no cuts.
Speed Test
We can also run a speed test. In this way we will always obtain data about our connection, if there are errors, etc. Although it does not directly tell us if there are cuts in the Wi-Fi, we can get an idea of the quality of the signal. We can also analyze other parameters such as ping or latency.
Wi-Fi analysis tools
One more option is to use tools to analyze wireless connections. We can perform diagnostics to see if there are any problems, configuration failures, etc.
In this sense we have different alternatives. We can name NirSoft as one of the most popular and useful for Windows. it is also free.
Why are there Wi-Fi outages
The reasons why there are cuts in Wi-Fi are very varied . It may be a failure of the operator, the router, our device … It is important to make sure that everything that depends on us is correctly configured.
To know if the problem is with the operator we can try to connect the device by cable or do the same check from another computer. In this way we will know if it is something generic, that affects the entire network, or on the contrary, only that specific device.
Poor coverage , potential interference, or wrong settings can affect wireless networks and cause unwanted network outages.
How to avoid Wi-Fi problems
Within what is in our power we can take into account different aspects to avoid Wi-Fi problems that result in those cuts.
Improve coverage
Something essential is to try to improve coverage as much as possible. On many occasions we cannot be close to the router, so we cannot physically get closer. However, we can improve the signal we receive.
For this we can make use of multiple devices such as amplifiers, PLC or Wi-Fi Mesh systems. The objective is none other than to make the wireless connection improve in our home and be more accessible to connected equipment.
Keep the network secure
Another very important point to avoid problems of this type is to keep the network secure . In this way we will avoid the entry of intruders that could affect the connections.
It is vital that we have a good password for both Wi-Fi and access to the router. It must contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and other special symbols. But also change the factory settings, such as the name of the network, as well as use a current encryption.
Have the drivers updated
Of course the drivers must always be updated. On the one hand we are going to improve performance, but also security. It is important that the firmware of the router is in the latest version, as well as the Wi-Fi network card.
Don’t overload the network
One last tip is not to overload the network . This especially must be applied when we are connected to a network with a limited speed and also the coverage is not the best. The more computers you have connected at any given time, the more possibility of outages and problems.