Difference between revisions of "WiFi"
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<div class="ncfrightbox"> {{Template:Troubleshooting DSL Links}} </div> | <div class="ncfrightbox"> {{Template:Troubleshooting DSL Links}} </div> | ||
Most modems sold by NCF are capable of serving as a base station for wireless connections to Wi-Fi-equipped devices. The wireless capability can be turned off (disabled) by configuring the modem. If | Most modems sold by NCF are capable of serving as a base station for wireless connections to Wi-Fi-equipped devices. The wireless capability can be turned off (disabled) by configuring the modem. If enabled, devices will be able to connect to the modem over Wi-Fi, based on how the Wi-Fi networks were configured. | ||
= NCF Configuration = | = NCF Configuration = | ||
{{Back to the Top}} | {{Back to the Top}} | ||
NCF recommends using the highest security mode that your devices can support; generally, this means WPA2-PSK with AES encryption. | NCF recommends using the highest security mode that your devices can support; generally, this means WPA2-PSK with AES encryption. None of the modems we sell currently support WPA3. | ||
For information about configuring the modem and your | For information about configuring the modem and your devices for wireless, please consult the [[Modem Manuals|manual for your DSL modem]] or [[Cable Modem Manuals|cable modem]]. | ||
* TP-Link | * SmartRG and TP-Link DSL modems with wireless capability that are configured by NCF are also configured with wireless enabled with WPA2 AES encryption. Your default Wi-Fi password is your NCF [[DSL password]], which was provided on a sheet that came with the modem. | ||
* SpeedTouch modems with wireless capability configured by NCF are configured with wireless enabled in the highest security mode (WPA-PSK, version WPA2), with the '''default password''', which is '''printed on the label on the bottom of the modem''' or your NCF [[DSL password]]. | * SpeedTouch modems with wireless capability configured by NCF are configured with wireless enabled in the highest security mode (WPA-PSK, version WPA2), with the '''default password''', which is '''printed on the label on the bottom of the modem''' or your NCF [[DSL password]]. | ||
= Troubleshooting Wi-Fi= | = Troubleshooting Wi-Fi= | ||
{{Back to the Top}} | {{Back to the Top}} | ||
Most problems with wireless | Most problems with wireless are a result of interference from other wireless or electronic devices, or signal strength problems (e.g., due to obstructions or distance). | ||
==Antennae== | ==Antennae== | ||
{{Back to the Top}} | {{Back to the Top}} | ||
As a first step make sure your modem's antennae is installed and that the connection is tight. The antennae should be oriented vertically, too.Some modems do not have external antennae that you will be able to orient or adjust. | As a first step make sure your modem's antennae is installed and that the connection is tight. The antennae should be oriented vertically, too. Some modems do not have external antennae that you will be able to orient or adjust. | ||
==Signal | ==Signal Strength problems== | ||
{{Back to the Top}} | {{Back to the Top}} | ||
If you have a | If you have a strong, solid signal in some parts of your home but not in others, then obstructions or distance could be playing a role. | ||
Large appliances, such as refrigerators, can block Wi-Fi signals if the appliance is between your device and the modem. This can sometimes be resolved easily by moving you and your device from one part of the room to another | Large appliances, such as refrigerators, can block Wi-Fi signals if the appliance is between your device and the modem. This can sometimes be resolved easily by moving you and your device from one part of the room to another. | ||
If your home is large and you are just running out of range, then a Wi-Fi repeater (also called a range extender) may be required | If your home is large and you are just running out of range, then a Wi-Fi repeater (also called a range extender) may be required. These can be purchased from NCF, and are placed around your home to extend the Wi-Fi range to other rooms. | ||
==Interference== | ==Interference== | ||
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=== Using Wi-Fi Analyzers=== | === Using Wi-Fi Analyzers=== | ||
{{Back to the Top}} | {{Back to the Top}} | ||
When troubleshooting inference on Wi-Fi networks (especially 2.4 GHz) it is good to first check to see which channels are busiest | When troubleshooting inference on Wi-Fi networks (especially 2.4 GHz) it is good to first check to see which channels are busiest in your vicinity. You can use any of the following tools to make that assessment: | ||
*[[WiFi Analyzer for Windows]] | *[[WiFi Analyzer for Windows]] | ||
*[[WiFi Analyzer for Windows 10]] | *[[WiFi Analyzer for Windows 10]] | ||
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===Changing Wi-Fi Channels=== | ===Changing Wi-Fi Channels=== | ||
{{Back to the Top}} | {{Back to the Top}} | ||
Once you know which channels are the least busy, you can change your Wi-Fi channel on your modem to | Once you know which channels are the least busy, you can change your Wi-Fi channel on your modem to potentially improve its signal strength and coverage. The following will help you make those changes for of our most commonly used modems: | ||
[[File:TP-Link 8950 Change Channel.png|right|thumb|How to change the wireless channel on a TP-Link 8950ND]] | [[File:TP-Link 8950 Change Channel.png|right|thumb|How to change the wireless channel on a TP-Link 8950ND]] | ||
*[[Changing WiFi Channels on SmartRG modems]] | *[[Changing WiFi Channels on SmartRG modems]] | ||
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**''Wireless→Basic'' and then ''Channel'', select a new one and then ''Save/Apply''. | **''Wireless→Basic'' and then ''Channel'', select a new one and then ''Save/Apply''. | ||
You | You may have to try out a few channels before you find one that results in the minimum number of dropped connections. In some situations, like apartment buildings, there may be 30 or 40 Wi-Fi networks competing for the same eleven channels. In this case you may need more capable Wi-Fi equipment or may just have to be connected by Ethernet cable to access the internet. | ||
For hints on this see [[Home Wiring]]. | For hints on this see [[Home Wiring]]. | ||
Note: The TP-Link TD-W8951N and TD-W8961ND both automatically change wireless channel to the least congested one. Turning the modem off and on should trigger this change if it's not occurring soon enough. You can confirm this change with the Wi-Fi analyzer tools above. | Note: The TP-Link TD-W8951N and TD-W8961ND both automatically change wireless channel to the least congested one. Turning the modem off and on should trigger this change if it's not occurring soon enough. You can confirm this change with the Wi-Fi analyzer tools above. | ||
=External links= | =External links= | ||
Revision as of 21:46, 21 September 2021
Most modems sold by NCF are capable of serving as a base station for wireless connections to Wi-Fi-equipped devices. The wireless capability can be turned off (disabled) by configuring the modem. If enabled, devices will be able to connect to the modem over Wi-Fi, based on how the Wi-Fi networks were configured.
NCF Configuration
NCF recommends using the highest security mode that your devices can support; generally, this means WPA2-PSK with AES encryption. None of the modems we sell currently support WPA3.
For information about configuring the modem and your devices for wireless, please consult the manual for your DSL modem or cable modem.
- SmartRG and TP-Link DSL modems with wireless capability that are configured by NCF are also configured with wireless enabled with WPA2 AES encryption. Your default Wi-Fi password is your NCF DSL password, which was provided on a sheet that came with the modem.
- SpeedTouch modems with wireless capability configured by NCF are configured with wireless enabled in the highest security mode (WPA-PSK, version WPA2), with the default password, which is printed on the label on the bottom of the modem or your NCF DSL password.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi
Most problems with wireless are a result of interference from other wireless or electronic devices, or signal strength problems (e.g., due to obstructions or distance).
Antennae
As a first step make sure your modem's antennae is installed and that the connection is tight. The antennae should be oriented vertically, too. Some modems do not have external antennae that you will be able to orient or adjust.
Signal Strength problems
If you have a strong, solid signal in some parts of your home but not in others, then obstructions or distance could be playing a role.
Large appliances, such as refrigerators, can block Wi-Fi signals if the appliance is between your device and the modem. This can sometimes be resolved easily by moving you and your device from one part of the room to another.
If your home is large and you are just running out of range, then a Wi-Fi repeater (also called a range extender) may be required. These can be purchased from NCF, and are placed around your home to extend the Wi-Fi range to other rooms.
Interference
The most common problem with wireless is intermittent and unexplained dropped connections. This is often caused by interference from other wireless networks in your neighbourhood.
In North America there are only eleven 802.11n 2.4 GHz wireless channels available on which to broadcast Wi-Fi signals. Other than convincing most of your neighbours to turn off their networks, the best strategy is to look for a channel that has less interference with a Wi-Fi Analyzer and manually changing to it.
Using Wi-Fi Analyzers
When troubleshooting inference on Wi-Fi networks (especially 2.4 GHz) it is good to first check to see which channels are busiest in your vicinity. You can use any of the following tools to make that assessment:
- WiFi Analyzer for Windows
- WiFi Analyzer for Windows 10
- WiFi Analyzer for Android
- WiFi Analyzer for iOS
- WiFi Analyzer for MacOS
- WiFi Analyzer for Linux
Changing Wi-Fi Channels
Once you know which channels are the least busy, you can change your Wi-Fi channel on your modem to potentially improve its signal strength and coverage. The following will help you make those changes for of our most commonly used modems:
- Changing WiFi Channels on SmartRG modems
- Changing WiFi Channels on TP-Link TD-W9970
- Changing WiFi Channels on TP-Link TD-W8951ND
- Changing WiFi Channels on Sagemcom 2864
- Changing WiFi Channels on SpeedTouch ST585
- TP-Link 8950ND.You can manually change the channel by signing into the interface and doing the following:
- Wireless→Basic and then Channel, select a new one and then Save/Apply.
You may have to try out a few channels before you find one that results in the minimum number of dropped connections. In some situations, like apartment buildings, there may be 30 or 40 Wi-Fi networks competing for the same eleven channels. In this case you may need more capable Wi-Fi equipment or may just have to be connected by Ethernet cable to access the internet.
For hints on this see Home Wiring.
Note: The TP-Link TD-W8951N and TD-W8961ND both automatically change wireless channel to the least congested one. Turning the modem off and on should trigger this change if it's not occurring soon enough. You can confirm this change with the Wi-Fi analyzer tools above.
External links
- Wireless Spectrum Conundrum Basic Wireless Spectrum Information, by Lou Frenzel, Electronic Design
- 4 Reasons Why Your Wi-Fi Is So Slow (And How to Fix Them) by James Frew, Make Use Of
- How to Stay Safe When Using Public Wi-Fi, by Steve Sande, Rocketyard
- How easy is it to capture data on public free Wi-Fi? by Gary Sims, Android Authority
- 9 Things That Might Be Slowing Down Your Home Wi-Fi Network by James Bruce, Make Use Of