By David Support · November 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Wi-Fi that drops out, crawls or dies in one room is rarely the internet provider's fault. Most of the time it comes down to where the router is, what it is competing with, or how old it is.
Key takeaways
- First find out whether the problem is Wi-Fi or the internet: plug a computer into the router with a cable.
- Router position matters: central, high and in the open beats a cupboard or a corner.
- Wired connections for desktops, TVs and printers take load off the Wi-Fi.
- Offices need proper access points, not a pile of range extenders.
Step 1: Is it the Wi-Fi or the internet?
Connect a computer to the router with an Ethernet cable and test. If the wired connection is also slow or dropping, the problem is the internet service or the modem, so contact your provider. If wired is fine and Wi-Fi is poor, the problem is in your wireless setup, and everything below applies.
Step 2: Restart the right things
Switch off the modem and router, wait 30 seconds, and switch them on again. Restart the affected device too. This clears many temporary faults. If you have to do it every week, the equipment is probably failing or overloaded.
Step 3: Move the router
- Put it in a central spot, up high, in the open
- Keep it away from thick walls, metal, mirrors, fish tanks and large appliances
- Do not hide it in a cupboard or behind the TV
- Keep it away from microwave ovens, which can interfere with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Step 4: Use the right band
Most routers offer 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz reaches further and passes through walls better but is slower and more crowded. 5 GHz is faster but has shorter range. Use 5 GHz close to the router and 2.4 GHz at a distance. If neighbors crowd the same channel, switching channels in the router settings can help.
Step 5: Update and replace old equipment
Install router firmware updates. If your router is more than about five or six years old, it may not handle today's many devices; a newer model with current Wi-Fi standards often fixes dropouts outright. Using an ISP-supplied router for a whole house is a common weak point.
Large homes and offices
A single router cannot cover a large building. Cheap range extenders often make things worse by halving speeds. The better answer is several properly placed access points connected by cable, with a separate guest network. That is what we design for small businesses: see office network setup and why every small business needs a managed network.
When to call for help
If you have tried these steps and the problem persists, or if a business cannot afford dropped calls and dead spots, it is time for a proper assessment. David Support diagnoses network problems for free.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Wi-Fi disconnect every few minutes?
Common causes are interference or a crowded channel, a router that is too far away or overloaded, old firmware or equipment, or a faulty adapter on the device. Testing with a cable helps narrow it down.
Do Wi-Fi extenders work?
They can help in a small gap, but they often cut speeds roughly in half and add their own problems. For larger spaces, wired access points or a mesh system designed for the building are better.
Can you fix office Wi-Fi?
Yes. We assess the space, fix or redesign the network, and set up a separate guest network.
Free diagnostics
We find the problem at no cost and explain it in plain English.
$39–$75 per hour
Straightforward hourly rates. You approve the cost before work starts.
No fix, no charge
If we cannot fix it, you pay nothing. Repairs carry a 30-day warranty.
