Plusnet router wifi

[#1]

We have the Plusnet router using FTTC and the router was replaced about 18 months ago due to previous one having an issue.   Over the past 2 - 3 weeks we have been having issues with the wifi.  We live in a rural area and in a bit of a blackspot have to use Wifi for making calls.

Initially at times using wifi when loading a webpage, we get an error message "Try Again" and at other times the webpage does load and then times out.  After 2 - 3 attempts we will connect and then no issue for awhile.  This also happens if using the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

However more annoying is that when using wifi to make a phone call, the call goes through and we can hear the other person, but they cannot hear us properly as the call keeps breaking up.  If they phone back the call is crystal clear.  Previously we had a Samsung S25+ which has been upgraded to the new Samsung Fold8 as we though the issue may be with the phone.  

The TV and Freesat box are connected direct to the router via a cable and generally no issues.  Since using cable to connect the router to the laptop generally no more issues, but we need the wifi working for phone calls.

Is there a way that one can monitor the wifi to see if there are any issues over the day and why we have issues when using wifi for making calls?  I am not sure if the router would show up issues in the technical log? 

[#2]

You’ve got a whole mega-heap of potentially confusable things there — your mobile phone network provider using WiFi calling with a specific mobile phone calling over house WiFi carried by house FTTC broadband). Maybe it’s best to focus on one at a time.

I suggest you firstly focus solely on your in-house WiFi connection, and first address whether you’re getting consistent WiFi signal strength throughout your house on a single SSID WiFi network name. You can get a free WiFi analyser app which will tell you if your WiFi signal strength is consistent, and whether there is any interference from neighbours setups.

It’s possible your new (presumably PN Hub Two) WiFi router uses more frequency bands than your old (unnamed) WiFi router. For example: If you find that its 5 GHz channels are less consistent within your house than the older 2.4 GHz channels, then that could cause your phone to keep swapping, causing lots of mini connection breaks. Start by examining your WiFi.

[#3]

@Surfer 

I have a free program called inSSIDer on my laptop. I've had it for many years, but it looks like you need to open a free account to use it now. It graphically shows all the wifi signals around you.

inSSIDer Wi‑Fi Scanner by Oscium

I don't know if this is available for your Samsung phone, but there's a signal strength graph monitor deep within the wifi settings of the phone. You can walk around the house & find any dead spots. It's available on my Samsung A25. There's a YouTube video about it here.

80% Samsung users didnt know this features: Check This Setting For Internet!

How far from the router are you when you have wifi calling problems?

[#4]

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@RadioFox wrote:

@Surfer 

I have a free program called inSSIDer on my laptop. I've had it for many years, but it looks like you need to open a free account to use it now. It graphically shows all the wifi signals around you.

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Use WiFiAnalyzer, available free in the Google store, which effectively does the same as InSSIDer. Check neighbouring transmissions at both your router and PC locations. Use the 'quietest' channel by logging in to the router Advanced/Wireless settings and manually setting the best channel..

[#5]

Generally we are in the same room as the router so router less than 3m away.  If in another part of the home probably not more than 10m at the very most.  Plasterboard walls inside the home.

[#6]

@Surfer 

Is the router located clear of sources of interference such as a TV?

[#7]

@Surfer 

Is the router Wi-Fi being used on the 5GHz or the 2.4GHz band with your devices? Or both?

Also, have you verified (by Ethernet cable to router, router logs etc.) that your broadband connection is itself stable?

[#8]

TV is about a metre away, but up for a few weeks ago no issue and it is hardwired to the router. Every now and then we would get the little circle going round and round, but as we are FTTC, not unexpected.  The main issue seems to be with the wifi from the router.

On checking both the 2.4 and 5GHz were switched on so have switched off the 2.4GHz  Not sure if it will make a difference but worth a try.

[#9]

Apologies for no updates, but other issues were more pressing.  On checking WiFi strength it is only showing as good.  Shouldn't it be Excellent if you are less than 3m from the router?This morning I needed to use the printer which is in a room across the hallway.  Couldn't connect.

I checked the printer WiFi connections and started the set up, but although it can find other Wireless networks in the neighbourhood, it cannot find the Plusnet router.  The printer is in exactly the same place it has been for the past 4 years.

Also if in the garden, we cannot receive calls any more.  Previously it was not a problem even at the bottom of the garden a distance of maybe 15m.  Sometimes when in the same room as the router, the calls are crystal clear and at other times very broken up.  

I am now beginning to suspect that the WiFi element of the router has an intermittent issue which why would it be okay in the lounge area one day and not the next day?  Also it no longer functions when in the garden or trying to connect to the printer.  I didn't think that Wifi could go faulty on routers?

[#10]

Here are some attachments from using the WiFi analyzer app on Win 11.  On the page showing the analyse graph,the first curve and the last curve fluctuate up and down.  I have connected to the printer using the 2.4ghz band.  On the 2.4ghz it drops down to -50db.  The 5ghz sits at about -35db.  I have no idea what this means.