Need Help with a really weird problem involving sharing on calls and internet bug

Understanding and Resolving Wi-Fi Disruption During Screen Sharing on Multiple Networks

Introduction

Many remote workers and online participants have experienced sudden internet disruptions during critical virtual meetings. Recently, a user encountered an unusual issue: when sharing their screen via various platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, or Discord, the entire household internet connection temporarily fails and then restarts. Interestingly, this problem occurs only when connected to the primary Wi-Fi networks, not the extender. This article explores potential causes of this phenomenon and offers practical troubleshooting steps to mitigate or resolve the issue.

Overview of the Network Setup

The user’s household Wi-Fi configuration consists of:

• Two primary Wi-Fi networks:
• 2.4 GHz band
• 5 GHz band
• One Wi-Fi extender providing an additional 2.4 GHz network labeled “2.4G_EXT”

The issue manifests exclusively when connected to the main 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz networks, while connections through the Wi-Fi extender (2.4G_EXT) remain stable during screen sharing sessions.

Context and Recent Changes

The problem started after upgrading to a new PC; prior to this upgrade, the issue was absent. This change suggests that the PC hardware or network adapter settings could be contributing factors.

Potential Causes of the Problem

1. Network Driver or Hardware Compatibility Issues:
   New PCs often come with updated network hardware and drivers. Compatibility issues or outdated drivers may cause network instability during high-bandwidth activities such as screen sharing.

2. Bandwidth Saturation or Network Overload:
   Screen sharing consumes significant bandwidth, especially if high-resolution or high-frame-rate content is transmitted. If the main Wi-Fi networks are heavily used or have limited capacity, this can cause temporary disconnections.

3. Improper Router Configuration or Firmware:
   Router firmware glitches, misconfigured settings, or insufficient bandwidth allocation can lead to network resets under load.

4. Interference and Signal Strength:
   Wireless interference from other devices or weak signal strength can cause intermittent connectivity issues, exacerbated during data-intensive tasks.

5. Network Segmentation and Isolation:
   The extender might be operating on a different network segment with different settings, providing a more stable environment during intensive network use.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Update Network Drivers:
2. Visit the PC manufacturer’s website or the network card manufacturer’s site to download the latest drivers.
3. Install any updates and