Make Wi-Fi Troubleshooting a Breeze with NetSpot

Wireless networks often need troubleshooting. From weak signal strength to high noise levels, from slow download speeds to dropped connections, the issues are numerous. A good Wi-Fi troubleshooter app is essential.

NetSpot PRO is a wireless network troubleshooting app for Mac. Its built-in Troubleshooting Visualizations make it easy to identify and solve common Wi-Fi problems.
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How to Perform a WLAN Troubleshooting Scan

In order to troubleshoot your wireless network, you must perform a site survey with NetSpot. If you haven't used NetSpot before, first read "How Do I Start My Survey?" The first steps are to identify the area you wish to perform Wi-Fi troubleshooting on, and then upload a map of the area (or draw a map in NetSpot). Then proceed with your survey, taking data samples throughout the area. Once your survey is complete, you will be able to view heatmap visualizations of the entire area.

Wireless Network Troubleshooter Tips

NetSpot PRO users have access to special automated troubleshooting visualizations. These will help you to pinpoint the exact areas of your network where your signal is failing. Here is a brief overview of the visualizations and what you can learn:

Wireless Network Troubleshooting with NetSpot
Tip 1

Issues with SNR

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) heatmap will show you where your signal strength is not strong enough to overcome the existing environmental noise from other electronic devices. Areas of yellow are of concern and red areas are critical. If your wireless network troubleshooting scan shows SNR issues, you will need to consider raising your signal strength or lowering the surrounding noise.

Tip 2

Low signal level

The Low Signal Level heatmap will show you where your signal strength is weak. Causes of weak signal strength include too much distance between the router and the device, or something physically blocking the signal between the router and device. If your WLAN troubleshooting scan shows areas of yellow and red signal levels, you may need to explore ways to boost your signal level.

Tip 3

High noise level

The High Noise Level heatmap will show you where the levels of noise are high. Noise can be caused by electronic devices such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and wireless video cameras. If your wireless network troubleshooting scan shows areas of red and yellow, you may need to explore lowering the noise levels by identifying the interfering devices and removing or shielding them.

Wi-Fi Troubleshooter
Tip 4

Overlapping channels (SIR)

The Overlapping Channels heatmap shows your signal-to-interference ratio. This kind of interference is caused by other radio transmitters, such as your neighbor's wireless network. If your Wi-Fi troubleshooter scan shows red and yellow areas, you may need to change your network's WiFi channel to one with less interference.

Tip 5

Low download and upload rates

If you do an active scan of your network, the Low Download Rate and Low Upload Rate heatmaps will show areas where your Internet connection speed is slow. If your troubleshooting scan shows red and yellow areas, you may need to consider boosting your signal strength or changing your hardware, protocols or bandwidth.

NetSpot Wi-Fi troubleshooter helps you with

  • Ongoing Wi-Fi troubleshooting
  • Wireless network troubleshooter
  • WiFi routers troubleshooting
  • Troubleshooting wifi on Mac
  • WiFi connection troubleshooting
  • WiFi sync troubleshooting

FAQ

How to Perform a WLAN Troubleshooting Scan?

To troubleshoot any issues with your WiFi start with performing a site survey in the NetSpot app. New to NetSpot? Not a problem! Just read "How Do I Start My Survey?" and follow the comprehensive guide. First of all identify the area you are troubleshooting. Then you can either upload a map to NetSpot or draw it from scratch. Once you have a map, you can start taking data samples of your area. When done, you will be able to see the heatmap NetSpot built based upon the measurements you've taken.

How to Troubleshoot Issues with SNR?

Thanks to the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) heatmap you can easily see where the signal doesn't have enough strength to overcome the noise created by other electronic devices in the area. Yellow and red areas are those of concern, with red being critical and needing to be taken care of in the first place.

How to Troubleshoot Low signal level?

Refer to the Low Signal Level heatmap to see the areas of weak signal. Weak signal strength might be caused by a router being too far from a device or by an obstacle between router and device physically blocking the signal. If you see yellow and red areas on your heatmap, you might want to explore ways to strengthen the signal there.

How to Troubleshoot High noise level?

You'll easily determine the areas with high noise levels thanks to the High Noise Level heatmap. Even such appliances as microwave ovens can cause noise and lower the strength of WiFi signal. If you see yellow and red areas on your heatmap – look for electronic devices that might be causing the issue and try moving them to another spot.

How to Troubleshoot Overlapping channels (SIR)?

Use the Overlapping Channels heatmap to see the areas that have critical signal-to-interference ratio. The red and yellow areas will show you where the interference is the highest. Try changing your network's WiFi channel to eliminate the issue.

How to Troubleshoot Low download and upload speed?

To see where your Internet connection speed is slow, perform an active scan of your network, and refer to the Low Download Rate and Low Upload Rate heatmaps. If you see red and yellow areas, you might need to change the protocols or bandwidth, or upgrade your hardware.
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