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Resolving dropping Wi-Fi connection

There are three reasons why the Wi-Fi connection between your Linksys router and your devices such as computers, laptops, PS3™ and Xbox 360® is intermittent or is experiencing a dropping connection.  These are:
  • Frequency interference from other Wi-Fi devices
  • Low signal quality received from your Wi-Fi router
  • Router’s firmware needs an upgrade  

Frequent Wi-Fi disconnection can be resolved by doing the following:
NOTE:  Before following the steps in this article, check if your wireless devices have stable connection when connected to other Wi-Fi.  To investigate the problem, check the Wi-Fi connectivity of other Wi-Fi devices in the network.  To learn how to check Wi-Fi connectivity with your Linksys router, click here.

For a list of other common Linksys router issues and how to resolve them, click here.

Reducing Wi-Fi interference
 
If you are experiencing frequent disconnection from the Wi-Fi, make sure to check the following factors as all of these can greatly affect your Wi-Fi signals:
  • 2.4 GHz interference - Your router may be operating on the same frequency as your cordless telephone system or other nearby devices.  Try to change your router’s channel to 1 or 11 (the default channel is 6) as these are considered non-overlapping channels.  After changing channels, restart the Wi-Fi devices.  To learn how to change the router’s channel using the classic web-based setup, click here.  For Linksys Smart Wi-Fi users, click here.  If you are using Velop, click here. 
 
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  • Physical obstructions - Your Wi-Fi device may be losing connectivity because of physical obstructions such as walls and floors.  Try to move your devices to a different location to find a better signal. 
 
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  • Placement of the router - It is recommended that you place your router as high off the ground as possible.  When placing the router in a high location, leave a distance of 2 feet between the router antenna tips, ceiling, and wall.  If your signal passes through multiple floors, place the router on the upper-most floor, and high up in the room.
QUICK TIP:  The most ideal location for your router would be at the central part of your house.

When using your Wi-Fi device, avoid moving closer than 18 inches from the router as this radius around the router is considered a Wi-Fi dead zone.
  • Surroundings - Keep the router away from large metal objects, areas where there may be a large concentration of water (fish tanks, bathrooms), and any electrical equipment including television sets, microwaves, radios, etc.  
Customizing the Wi-Fi settings of the router
 
Having default Wi-Fi settings on the Linksys router may cause conflict with other Linksys routers within your network range.  It is recommended to change the Wi-Fi name (SSID) of your router as well as enabling its Wi-Fi security.
  • To learn how to change the router's Wi-Fi name (SSID) using the classic web-based setup, click here.  For Linksys Smart Wi-Fi users, click here.
  • To learn how to enable the router's Wi-Fi security or passphrase, click here.  For Linksys Smart Wi-Fi users, click here.
  • If you are using Velop, click here to learn how to change your Wi-Fi name and password.
It is highly recommended to use WPA™ or WPA2™-Personal as your security type.  Other than providing better security, this will establish a stable connection with your Wi-Fi device, especially devices with the latest technology.  

Updating the firmware of the router
 
If the Wi-Fi connection remains unstable after performing the steps above, you may need to upgrade your router’s firmware.  For instructions on how to reload or upgrade the firmware, click here.  For Linksys Smart Wi-Fi users, click here.  If you are using Velop, click here. 
 
NOTE:  After you have successfully updated your router’s firmware, ensure that your device’s Wi-Fi adapter is also updated.  You may contact the device manufacturer for assistance.
 
Connecting Wi-Fi devices
 
After going through the above configurations in resolving your dropping or intermittent Wi-Fi connection, you may need to reconnect your devices to the network.  Click on the links below to learn how:

Adding a wired computer to a Linksys router
Connecting wireless computers to your network
How to connect wireless devices to your network using the Linksys cloud account
Connecting and configuration tips for your Android™ devices
Connecting and configuration tips for your game consoles
Connecting and configuration tips for your network printer
Connecting and configuration tips for your network storage drive or wireless camera

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