Is Your UniFi Network Constantly Disconnecting?
There is nothing more frustrating than an unstable internet connection, especially when you have invested in a professional-grade system like UniFi. If your devices are constantly dropping the Wi-Fi signal or your access points are showing as disconnected in the UniFi Network Application, you are in the right place. This guide provides a systematic approach to troubleshooting and resolving these persistent disconnection issues.
This guide will walk you through the most common causes and their solutions, helping you restore the stable and high-performance network you expect from UniFi.
Common Causes for UniFi Disconnections
Several factors can contribute to an unstable UniFi network. Understanding these can help you pinpoint the problem more efficiently.
- Wi-Fi Interference: This is one of the most common culprits. Signals from your neighbours' Wi-Fi networks, as well as devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth speakers, can interfere with your own network.
- Outdated Firmware: Ubiquiti frequently releases firmware updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes. Running outdated versions on your access points or controller can cause instability.
- Incorrect Network Configuration: Settings related to channel selection, power levels, and band steering can, if configured improperly, lead to devices disconnecting.
- Hardware or Cabling Issues: A faulty Ethernet cable, a failing power adapter, or an issue with the network switch can all lead to access points dropping offline.
- UniFi Controller Problems: The software that manages your network can sometimes be the source of the issue, particularly after an update or if the server it's running on is unstable.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix your UniFi disconnection problems.
1. Analyse Your Wireless Environment
Before making any changes, it is crucial to understand your RF (Radio Frequency) environment.
- Perform an RF Scan: Within the UniFi Network Application, navigate to your access point's settings and perform an RF scan. This will show you which channels are most congested.
- Choose the Clearest Channels: Based on the scan, manually set your access point channels. For the 2.4 GHz band, stick to channels 1, 6, or 11 as they do not overlap. For the 5 GHz band, select a channel with the least interference.
2. Update All Your UniFi Devices
Ensure everything is running the latest firmware.
- Check for Controller Updates: First, update your UniFi Network Application (or Cloud Key firmware) to the latest version.
- Update Device Firmware: Once the controller is updated, navigate to the 'Devices' section. If any of your UniFi access points or switches have an 'Update' button next to them, click it to install the latest firmware.
3. Review Your Network Configuration
Sometimes, a simple setting change can make all the difference.
- Adjust Transmit Power: While setting transmit power to 'High' might seem like a good idea, it can actually increase interference. Try setting it to 'Auto' or 'Medium' to see if stability improves.
- Disable Band Steering: This feature encourages devices to connect to the 5 GHz band. However, some client devices do not respond well to it. Try disabling band steering in your Wi-Fi network settings.
- Check for High Performance Device Settings: Ensure the "Connect high performance clients to 5 GHz only" option is disabled if you have older devices that need to connect.
4. Inspect Your Physical Connections
Do not overlook the basics. A poor physical connection can cause intermittent issues that are hard to track.
- Check Ethernet Cables: Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely plugged in. If possible, test the cable connecting your access point to the switch with a cable tester or swap it with a known good cable.
- Verify Power Source: If your access point is powered by a PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector, ensure it is functioning correctly. If connected to a PoE switch, check the switch's port status.
5. Restart Your Network
A full power cycle can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Shut down all your UniFi devices, including access points, switches, and the controller.
- Turn off your modem and router.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Power on your modem first, then your router, then your UniFi switch, and finally your access points.
By systematically working through these steps, you can identify and resolve the root cause of your UniFi network disconnections, leading to a more stable and reliable wireless experience.