Wi-Fi problems and signal issues

The standard ProxyBox connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (ProxyBox Roam supports 5 GHz). It works on most home networks out of the box, but a few environmental factors can cause issues. Here's how to diagnose.

Symptoms and what they usually mean

Box was working, now offline: Wi-Fi password changed, or the 2.4GHz SSID changed. Re-provision via app → device → Change Wi-Fi.

Box intermittently disconnects: weak signal. Move the box closer to the router.

Box can't find your network: your router might only be broadcasting 5GHz. The standard ProxyBox's Wi-Fi radio is 2.4GHz-only, so enable dual-band on your router. (ProxyBox Roam supports 5 GHz.)

Box connects but has no internet: captive portal or network-level authentication. ProxyBoxes don't work on networks that require browser-based login (corporate, hotel, coffee shop).

Placement matters

Place the ProxyBox within 15 feet of your router, ideally line-of-sight. Metal shelving, thick walls, and microwaves all reduce 2.4GHz signal. Worst case is basement-to-attic, avoid.

If you need to place it further: a Wi-Fi range extender between router and ProxyBox works. Or a powerline adapter with Ethernet-to-USB (ProxyBox's USB-OTG supports Ethernet adapters).

Checking signal strength

In the app → device detail → look for the "Wi-Fi signal" field. Measured in dBm:

• -30 to -50 dBm: excellent
• -50 to -67 dBm: good
• -67 to -75 dBm: marginal, expect occasional disconnects
• -75 to -90 dBm: poor, move the box

Surviving router reboots

When your router reboots (nightly ISP-pushed updates, e.g.), the ProxyBox loses connectivity briefly. Normally it reconnects within 30 seconds once the router is back. If it doesn't:

1. Power-cycle the ProxyBox.
2. If still not reconnecting, the router may have assigned a different IP to the ProxyBox. Re-check via the app.

Prevention: set a DHCP reservation on your router for the ProxyBox's MAC address. That pins the IP so it can't change across reboots.

Dual-band routers (2.4GHz + 5GHz)

If your router broadcasts both bands under the same SSID with "band steering," the box may try to connect to 5GHz first and fail. Workaround: split the SSIDs (e.g., "MyWiFi" for 5GHz, "MyWiFi-2G" for 2.4GHz). Pair the ProxyBox to the 2.4GHz SSID specifically.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems (Eero, Google Wifi, Deco)

Mesh systems can cause issues when the box tries to roam between nodes. The cleanest fix: pair the box to one specific node's 2.4GHz band. Most mesh apps let you toggle band steering off for specific devices.

Last resort: use Ethernet

A $10 USB-to-Ethernet adapter plugged into the box's USB-OTG port (with a USB hub if you also need power) gives the box a wired connection. Firmware auto-detects Ethernet and prefers it over Wi-Fi. Much more reliable.