How to Fix Fermax Intercom Wifi Disconnection Problems
A Fermax video intercom system provides excellent security and convenience, but only when it has a stable internet connection. If your intercom is constantly disconnecting from your Wifi network, you might miss important calls or be unable to view your entrance remotely. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix these connectivity issues.
### Identifying the Signs of a Poor Connection
First, let's confirm the symptoms you are experiencing are related to a Wifi problem.
- 'Device Offline' Message: The Fermax BLUE app shows your monitor or door station as 'Offline'.
- Missed Call Notifications: You find out someone was at your door but you never received a call on your smartphone.
- Poor Audio and Video Quality: When a call does connect, the video is frozen or pixelated, and the audio is choppy or delayed.
- Failed Connection Attempts: The app tries to connect to the intercom for a long time before showing a 'Connection Failed' error.
- Inability to Activate Features: You are unable to remotely open the door or activate the camera view from the app.
## Step 1: Strengthen Your Wifi Signal
The most frequent cause of disconnection for a fixed device like an intercom is a weak Wifi signal at its installation point.
1. Check the Signal Strength
Your front door is often at the edge of your home's Wifi coverage.
- Action: Stand right next to your indoor Fermax monitor with your smartphone. Check the number of Wifi bars your phone is receiving. If it's two bars or fewer, the signal is likely too weak for reliable video streaming.
2. Choose the Right Wifi Band (2.4 GHz)
Most routers broadcast two Wifi networks: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. For a device like an intercom, the 2.4 GHz band is almost always the better choice.
- Why? The 2.4 GHz frequency has a longer range and is much better at penetrating solid objects like walls and doors compared to the 5 GHz band.
- Action: Ensure your Fermax system is connected to your 2.4 GHz Wifi network. If your router combines both bands under one name, you may need to log into your router's settings to separate them into two distinct network names (e.g., 'MyHomeWifi_2.4GHz' and 'MyHomeWifi_5GHz').
3. Boost Your Wifi Signal
If the signal is fundamentally weak at the intercom's location, you need to amplify it.
- Wifi Extender: This is a cost-effective solution. You place the extender halfway between your router and the intercom, and it captures the signal and rebroadcasts it, extending the range.
- Mesh Wifi System: This is a more modern and effective solution. A mesh system replaces your existing router with multiple 'nodes' that you place around your home, creating a powerful and seamless Wifi network with no dead zones.
## Step 2: Optimise Your Network Settings
Sometimes the signal is strong, but the network configuration is causing problems.
1. Reboot Your Equipment
This simple step can resolve many temporary glitches.
- Action:
- Power down your indoor Fermax monitor.
- Unplug your internet router from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in and wait for it to fully restart.
- Power your Fermax monitor back on.
2. Reduce Network Interference
Your neighbours' Wifi networks and other electronic devices can interfere with your signal.
- Action: Use a 'Wifi Analyzer' app on your smartphone to see which channels are the most congested in your area. Log into your router's settings and manually change the 2.4 GHz channel to a less crowded one (typically 1, 6, or 11).
3. Assign a Static IP Address
Assigning a fixed IP address to your Fermax monitor can prevent conflicts on your network that may lead to disconnections.
- Action: In your router's administration settings, look for a feature called 'DHCP Reservation' or 'Address Reservation'. You will need the MAC address of your Fermax monitor (check the device's settings or label) and can then assign it an IP address that will not change.
By systematically working through these steps, you can significantly improve the stability of your Fermax intercom's Wifi connection, restoring its reliability and your peace of mind.