Experiencing regular or intermittent drops in your internet connection is, unfortunately, a frustrating but familiar problem. A survey from Which? revealed that frequent signal dropouts are the most common problem experienced by broadband users, with 17% of respondents being affected.
Watching your WiFi symbol flit between connected and disconnected is not a great feeling, especially when you have a deadline to meet or are trying to discuss something important on a video call. It’s even more annoying when you don’t know why your internet keeps disconnecting.
In this article, we’ll cover the reasons why your internet signal might consistently be dropping out, as well as how to identify the cause. We’ll also take a look at what you can do to fix these issues.
How to tell if your internet is dropping out
All sorts of things can go wrong with modern technology, so the first step is always to identify what the issue is. If your internet connection dropping out is the culprit, the symptoms might include:
- Frequent disconnection or intermittent connectivity
- Slow speeds (slower than normal)
- Limited or no internet access
- Error messages or troubleshooting prompts
If you recognise any of the above symptoms, it’s likely that you’re experiencing issues with an inconsistent internet connection.
Reasons why your internet keeps disconnecting
There are many potential reasons why your internet keeps dropping out. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most frequent.
Network congestion
If you have too many people using your WiFi at once, the network can become congested. This works pretty much like a regular traffic jam, where everyone slows down until eventually, no one can get anywhere.
Network congestion happens when the bandwidth is stretched too thin. Every device that’s connected to the internet is competing for bandwidth and if there isn’t enough to go around, everybody suffers.
If you believe that your internet package should more than cover the number of users in your home, bear in mind that you could have smart devices draining bandwidth without you even realising it. It’s also possible that other people are connecting to and using your WiFi without your permission, so make sure you’ve secured the network.
Signal interference
Radio signals can interrupt the WiFi network’s signal, resulting in your internet dropping. Things like microwaves, remote controls and Bluetooth devices have all been known to occasionally interfere with signal.
Signal interference can also be caused by another WiFi network, but not in the same way. If there is an unsecured, similarly named network, then your device could get confused and start bouncing between the two. This would look as though the signal is connecting and disconnecting repeatedly.
Outdated hardware or software
Outdated hardware could be the cause of issues with your internet signal’s reliability. The likelihood of this is increased if your router hasn’t been replaced within the last three to four years.
Check any cables used in your broadband setup – for example, an ethernet cable or coaxial cable. If these are damaged or loose, they can cause problems with the network. You should also check that both your router and cables are clean, as dust can also cause interference.
Otherwise, outdated software might be to blame. Old software versions are often not compatible with newer network protocols, or they might not have the latest performance-enhancing features that help to maintain a stable connection.
Distance from router
Where you place your router is vital to maintaining a strong and reliable connection. It’s an easy one to fix but makes up a surprising number of cases of the internet dropping in and out.
To avoid any issues, you should aim to not be further than 30 feet from the router while using the internet. It’s also important that the router isn’t obstructed by any physical barriers, such as thick walls or even your sofa!
Other issues
Sometimes, an erratic internet connection can be down to issues outside of your control.
For example, there could be a power outage or a break in one of the cables delivering internet to your home. If it’s the latter, you’ll want to get onto your internet service provider (ISP) ASAP, as these can take time to fix.
Your ISP might be experiencing issues themselves, resulting in the network being down or behaving unusually for a few hours. However, one-off outages are usually just that – one-offs – so aren’t worth worrying about unless they become more frequent.
How to stop your internet from disconnecting
The good news is that there are plenty of tips and tricks you can try to fix your connection issues yourself. Before trying anything else, take a look through the following list for ways to improve your internet speed and reliability.
Check your router
Before you try anything else, restart your router and devices. This will clear the cache and reboot the connection, hopefully with more luck this time. If your router is more than four years old, it might simply need replacing.
Move closer to the router
How far away you are from the router greatly impacts its performance. In order to rule out this being the issue, make sure the router isn’t obstructed by anything and try moving closer to it. If your internet reconnects, you know what the problem is.
Use a WiFi extender
If your internet is only dropping out in certain rooms, you could potentially benefit from a WiFi extender. These extend the range of your WiFi signal so that you experience more consistent coverage throughout the property.
Lessen the strain on your bandwidth
Freeing up bandwidth might help to keep your internet connection intact. You can do this by disconnecting any devices you’re not using and pausing any unnecessary streaming or downloading.
Update all software
To ensure that everything is running smoothly and there aren’t any bugs in the system causing your internet to drop out, update all software. Pay special attention to your anti-virus and network adapter drivers – these are both common culprits.
Turn off auto-join
If your issues are being caused by your devices struggling to know which network to connect to, head to your WiFi settings. From here you can turn off the ability to automatically join a network, which could be causing your device to flit between two different networks.
Contact your ISP
For problems that are out of your control, you’ll need to get in touch with your internet service provider (ISP). There might be works being carried out in your area, in which case you will at least be able to find out when the problem is expected to be resolved.
If the problem is with too many simultaneous users, asking your ISP to upgrade your internet speed could help. And as a final port of call, you can always look into changing your internet provider.
Reliable internet for rural areas
Do you live in a rural area? If so, there’s a high chance you know what it’s like to have internet that either keeps dropping out or can’t meet your speed requirements.
We’re specialists in providing alternative broadband solutions to hard-to-reach areas like yours. Get in touch to find out how we can help you get reliable rural internet.
