WiFi Problem?

Question

Hi, I have a Netgear AX1800 WiFi Router which seems to have a wifi problem.

The wifi signal on my wife's laptop one floor above the router fluctuates from all bars down to zero within a minute. It used to work fine ( 2 bars at least) for a year and suddenly it makes difficulties. What is going on here?

Thanks for any help.

CrimpOn · Answer

It is often helpful to know the actual product number from the label on the bottom of the router.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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(AX1800 is a measure of 'speed'.)
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Does this signal strength change appear on the laptop display itself or on a "WiFi app" that is being used to look at the WiFi?

esebm · Answer

RAX 10!The signal strength indicator in the laptop taskbar goes from Zero to all bars and back, the internet gets interrupted.

CrimpOn · Answer

Thanks for clarifying.&nbsp; Does this happen when the laptop remains stationary (not moving at all)?
Are any other devices affected the same way?
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esebm · Answer

The laptop always remains stationary and there are no other wifi devices.&nbsp;

CrimpOn · Answer

Thanks.&nbsp; WiFi is really sensitive to obstacles in the path between WiFi access point and user device.&nbsp; I was visiting in an 80 year old house and the WiFi signal would drop off to almost nothing in one room.&nbsp; Turned out there was a brick chimney running up from the basement and all that brick cast a "WiFi shadow".
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That seems to leave three possibilities:

The location.&nbsp; Perhaps trying the laptop in different places around the house to see if the problem occurs in other places.
The laptop.&nbsp; Maybe a friend could bring another laptop over?&nbsp; Tablet?&nbsp; Chromebook?&nbsp; Smartphone?&nbsp; If a different device shows the same issue, that would argue against it being the laptop.
The router.&nbsp; (We ALL want to blame the router.)&nbsp; WiFi6 routers go for under $100 on Amazon.&nbsp; (a bit more for a "mesh" system which would place one unit on each floor.)&nbsp; Amazon has a great return policy.&nbsp; I believe Best Buy may be gracious about returns as well (if there is one nearby.)

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WiFi Problem?

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