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.
Get NetSpot

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
Have more questions? Submit a request.
WiFi troubleshooting app for Windows

Windows version is here!

NetSpot identifies 'dead' zones' where reception is poor or non-existent and lets you troubleshoot WiFi network issues.
Get the free WiFi analyzer app

Next in WiFi Troubleshooting

Other Articles

Start now with NetSpot
Runs on a MacBook (macOS 10.10+) or any laptop (Windows 7/8/10)
with a standard 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless network adapter.
Get NetSpot