Wireless Network Problems

The networking problems, that occur in any wireless network, may be specific to wireless connectivity or may occur in a network with cables as well. What I intend to say is that, the problems that occur because of reasons like wrong adapter installation, may happen in any type of network. But network problems, caused because of low signal strength are generally specific to wireless networks. Now let us try to understand the different problems with wireless networking and try to understand their causes and the process of troubleshooting.

Problem #1: Lights on the Wireless Router or DSL Modem are not Stable
This is one of the silliest problems, that can occur. Besides, you will be aware of this problem, only if you have an access to the wireless router. It is not required to mention that the basic reason for this problem is that the power cords to the DSL modem or router have not been plugged in properly. Although, it is one of the silliest and easiest to troubleshoot wireless network problems, it can take a toll on your time. You will spend a lot of your time going through your network settings and end up nowhere.

Troubleshooting Procedure
It is not required to mention, that all you need to do is connect the power cable of the DSL modem or the router to the power supply properly.

Problem #2: Wireless Network Adapter is not Detected
Laptops that are manufactured nowadays, generally come along with an inbuilt adapter. Detecting this problem is quite simple, if you do not see the light associated with this network adapter, switched on, on your laptop. However, if there is no such LED light, to indicate whether the network adapter is switched on or not, then you have to take other measures. If you are using a USB network adapter and you encounter the same problem, then the troubleshooting steps for this networking problem will be different.

Troubleshooting Procedure
Whether you have an LED to indicate that the wireless adapter is switched on or not, you can check the same anyhow. All that you need to do, is go into your device manager tab, inside your 'My Computer' properties and check if it is switched on or not. If not, then you have to right click on it and 'Start' it. If you are using a USB network adapter, then simply plug out the adapter and connect it back again. There are generally lights on a USB adapter, to indicate that the adapter is connected properly to the system and is within the range of the wireless network. If you notice that any of the lights are blinking and are not stable, then you can try replugging the device again. Whenever you unplug the device from the USB port, do ensure that you go through the process of safely removing the hardware.

Problem #3: Incorrect Encryption Settings
This can get a bit complicated. It has nothing to do with the hardware, and you need to be a bit more cautious when handling this problem. Without proper encryption settings, you will definitely face networking problems, and won't be able to connect to your desired network.

Troubleshooting Procedure
For troubleshooting this problem, you will need the network key and the index key of the wireless network you want to connect to. You can get a permission from the administrator of the network you want to connect to. If he allows you to do so, he will provide you with the network key and the index key. Once you have both the keys, simply view the available network connections and check if the network you want to connect to, is available or not. If that particular network is available, then right click on it and go to properties. Now, go to the encryption settings of the network and type in the index key and the network key.

Problem #4: Drivers Problem
It is very important that you install the correct drivers for the wireless modem, that you are using. If the drivers are not installed, then your computer machine will not be able to detect or activate your wireless modem.

Troubleshooting Procedure
Of course, the troubleshooting process involves finding out the correct drivers and installing the modem. Search for the correct driver over the Internet. An easy way to do so is by right clicking on the modem in device manager and by selecting 'install drivers'. When installing the drivers check out that they are the right drivers. Even if the driver that you have selected is meant for a modem with features exactly similar to your modem, but with a voltage difference, it won't work.

What I have mentioned above are the simplest and the most common wireless networking problems that we encounter. There are other problems too, but understanding those problems and troubleshooting them, will require a good technical expertise.