So I've got a TP-Link router that normally works great, but for the past few weeks the Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting every 5-10 minutes for no reason. I reconnect everything and it's fine for a while, then it happens again. I've even tried restarting the router and switching Wi-Fi channels, but nothing works. What do you guys think could be causing this?
The first thing I'd do is check if your router's firmware is up to date, because connection bugs often get fixed with updates. Then consider that it could be interference from other devices (microwaves, baby monitors, even neighbors with powerful routers on the same channel), so try using an app like WiFi Analyzer to see which channels are less crowded in your area. If you manually switch to a less congested channel, maybe that'll improve things. One more tip: make sure the router isn't stuffed in a tight spot or buried under stuff, and if it's been around for a few months it might just be overheating, so give it some space to stay cool.
Disconnections every 5-10 minutes usually point to a conflict between your device and the router, not a coverage issue. First, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network from the device that disconnects most often (phone, PC, tablet) and reconnect from scratch by entering the password manually. It often happens that the device has old connection information cached that creates conflicts.
If the problem persists, check something else that nobody ever mentions: the power-saving settings on your device, especially if it's a laptop or smartphone. Many operating systems automatically disable the Wi-Fi card when the device goes into standby, and don't always turn it back on properly. In the meantime, add a router firmware check (already mentioned, right, but it's really important), but focus on this new thing: if you're using older routers in environments with lots of other Wi-Fi around, traffic on certain channels could become a nightmare lately, especially if new neighbors have installed routers. Try scanning the available channels with an app like WiFi Analyzer (available on Android) to see which channels are less congested, instead of just changing channels randomly.
Log into answer.
