Question:

“Why does my computer’s Wi-Fi connection drop to a bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps when turned on, despite showing a bandwidth of 50.6 Mbps when off? This issue began after my mother’s three-day visit, although I had no problems for a month with a new ASUS Wi-Fi USB adapter. Prior to that, my pre-built PC would lose connection within 30 seconds of turning on, and troubleshooting with Intel yielded no solution. What could be the cause of this sudden drop in Wi-Fi speed, and how might I resolve it?”

Answer:

When you power on your computer, you expect a seamless internet experience, but what happens when your Wi-Fi connection drastically slows down? This is the issue at hand: a computer that once had no trouble connecting to Wi-Fi suddenly experiences a bandwidth drop from 50.6 Mbps to 0.5 Mbps when turned on. The problem started after a period of stable connectivity with a new ASUS Wi-Fi USB adapter, and it coincided with a family visit. Let’s explore the potential causes and solutions for this perplexing situation.

1.

Interference:

Wi-Fi signals can be disrupted by various electronic devices, including microwaves, cordless phones, and even Bluetooth devices. It’s possible that new electronic devices brought into the environment during your mother’s visit are causing interference.

2.

Overload:

The number of devices connected to the network can affect bandwidth. If additional devices were connected during the visit, they might still be recognized by the router, causing congestion.

3.

Adapter Configuration:

The ASUS Wi-Fi USB adapter may have been reconfigured or updated, leading to compatibility issues or incorrect settings.

4.

Driver Issues:

Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to connectivity problems. Although troubleshooting with Intel didn’t resolve the issue, it’s worth revisiting driver updates or rolling back to a previous version.

5.

Router Issues:

The router itself could be experiencing problems. It might need a firmware update, or its settings could have been altered inadvertently.

Solutions:

–

Eliminate Interference:

Turn off or move devices that might cause interference to see if there’s an improvement in Wi-Fi speed.

–

Reduce Load:

Disconnect any unnecessary devices from your Wi-Fi network.

–

Reconfigure Adapter:

Access the settings of your ASUS Wi-Fi USB adapter to ensure it’s configured correctly for your network.

–

Update Drivers:

Check for the latest driver updates for your Wi-Fi adapter and motherboard’s chipset.

–

Reset Router:

Perform a reset on your router to clear any incorrect settings and start fresh.

In conclusion, the sudden drop in Wi-Fi speed when your computer is turned on can be frustrating, but by methodically checking for interference, network load, adapter settings, driver issues, and router health, you can identify and solve the problem. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, consider consulting with a professional technician who can provide a more in-depth analysis and solution.