Computer networks: Common wireless networking problems

Wireless technology has made computer networking much more convenient and accessible.  You can set up a whole network without running wires all over the place, and adding new devices doesn't mean having to install another network drop or buy more cables.  However, wireless networks are not without their problems.

Some common wireless networking problems that you may encounter include:

• Interference
Because wireless technology uses radio waves to send and receive data, it is subject to interference from other radio signals.  Interference can cause data transmission loss, slow access speeds, or in severe cases, a lack of connection.
WiFi networks can run into interference from many things: microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and even some cordless phones.  If you're experiencing interference, try moving your wireless router or computers so that they have a clear path between them, or move the devices causing the interference to another location.
Another way to overcome interference is to change your router's channel number.  Most wireless routers can operate on one of several different channels, so by broadcasting on a different channel you may be able to avoid the interference.  Some routers even have an auto setting, where it will search for the clearest channel to use.
If you change your router's broadcast channel, be sure to adjust any devices that connect to that router so that they'll be on the same channel.  For devices that can detect a channel automatically, you don't need to change their channel number manually.

• "Windows cannot configure this wireless connection"
Windows uses its own program, called Wireless Zero, to setup and connect to wireless networks.  Occasionally Wireless Zero encounters an error or becomes corrupted, and it needs to be restarted.  Or a third-party wireless client (such as those that come with HP and Dell laptops) can disable Wireless Zero so that it becomes the primary wireless client.
Wireless Zero can easily be restarted by opening the Services window, finding Wireless Zero on the list, and clicking either Start or Restart.  If its startup type is not set to Automatic, change it to Automatic so it will load whenever Windows boots up.  To get to the Services screen in Windows XP, right click My Computer and select Manage, then double click Services under the "Services and Applications" heading.  In Windows Vista and Windows 7, you can just type "services" into the Search bar and hit Enter.

• No access to Internet or local network
If your wireless Internet connection or wireless local connection suddenly becomes interrupted, the first thing you should try is resetting your wireless router or access point.  Often when a router drops its connection, simply resetting it will restore the signal.  Most routers have an on/off switch; just turn the router off, wait about a minute, and turn it back on.

• Bluetooth errors
Whereas WiFi networks can span floors in a building and connect computers in separate rooms, Bluetooth has a relatively short range - about 30 feet.  If your Bluetooth devices can not find each other, make sure they are not too far away and the path between them is not heavily obstructed.
Bluetooth devices that are well within range may still not be able to pair if you don't know the correct passcode for the devices.  Most Bluetooth-capable devices come with a manual that will tell you that device's code, but if you can't find it anywhere and you're prompted for a code upon connection, "0000" is a common code that many devices use.

source by helium