If Wi-Fi keeps dropping out, first work out whether the problem is your internet connection, your router, your Wi-Fi coverage, or one device. Restarting the modem is useful, but it is only the first check. The fastest fix comes from narrowing down where the fault actually sits.
| Test result | What it suggests | Next move |
|---|---|---|
| Wired speed is good, Wi-Fi is poor | Local Wi-Fi coverage or interference | Reposition router, test channels, consider mesh/access point |
| Wired and Wi-Fi are both poor | NBN, modem, router, ISP, or account issue | Check provider outage, cables, NBN box, router WAN settings |
| One device is slow, others are fine | Device adapter, updates, malware, or settings | Update device, forget/rejoin network, test beside router |
| Signal is good near router but poor in back rooms | Coverage problem | Mesh, wired access point, or router relocation |
| Dropouts happen at busy times only | Congestion or provider capacity | Compare times, run wired tests, collect evidence for ISP |
Step 1: Restart in the right order
Power off the modem or NBN connection box and your router. Wait 30 seconds. Turn the modem or NBN box on first, wait until the connection lights settle, then turn on the router. This clears many temporary faults and avoids the router starting before the internet service is ready.
Step 2: Test wired vs Wi-Fi speed
If you can, plug a laptop directly into the router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. If wired speed is good but Wi-Fi is poor, the issue is local wireless coverage or interference. If wired speed is also poor, the issue may be the NBN service, modem, router, or provider.
Step 3: Check whether one device or every device is affected
One slow laptop can point to a device problem such as old Wi-Fi hardware, updates, malware, or a damaged adapter. Several slow devices point to the router, internet service, interference, or coverage.
Test from the same room as the router and from the room where the problem happens. If speed drops sharply with distance, you likely have a coverage problem.
Keep notes for one day if the issue is intermittent: time, room, device, Wi-Fi signal, speed test result, and whether wired internet worked. That evidence is useful for both a technician and your provider.
Step 4: Improve router placement
Routers hidden in cupboards, behind TVs, under desks, or at one end of the home struggle to reach bedrooms and outdoor areas. Place the router centrally, elevated, and away from thick walls, metal cabinets, microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phone bases.
In Sydney apartments, concrete walls and neighbouring networks can make placement even more important. In larger homes, a single router may never cover the property reliably.
Step 5: Mesh Wi-Fi vs extender vs access point
Wi-Fi extenders are cheap, but they can halve speed and create confusing network handoffs. Mesh Wi-Fi is often better for homes because multiple nodes work together under one network name. A wired access point is best when cabling is available, especially for home offices or streaming areas.
If you rely on video calls, cloud backups, gaming, or smart home devices, a planned mesh or access point setup is usually more reliable than adding random extenders.
Step 6: Update firmware and remove old settings
Router firmware updates can fix security and stability problems. Use your router admin page or ISP app to check updates. If the Wi-Fi name, password, or router settings were copied from an old device, consider a clean setup to remove outdated configuration.
When to call a technician
Book onsite network support if the problem affects several devices, there are dead zones, the router location is awkward, you recently changed NBN equipment, or you need Wi-Fi for work. A technician can test signal strength, identify interference, place mesh nodes, and confirm whether the issue is inside the home or with the provider.
Everyday Computing provides remote diagnosis and onsite Wi-Fi support across Sydney homes, apartments, and home offices. Remote support can review settings and guide tests; onsite support is the better fit when signal, placement, cabling, or multi-room coverage is the real issue.