If it feels like your internet is constantly going out, that’s probably because it is. Whether you have cable, DSL, fiber optic, or some other form of high-speed internet connection, there are several common reasons why your internet keeps going out. Re-establishing a connection is one of the most annoying things about having your internet go out on you over and over again. Whether you are working from home or just trying to catch up on your favorite shows online, an unstable connection can make these activities almost impossible to complete without constant interruptions. If you’re constantly experiencing dropped connections or the sight of a spinning circle when trying to access websites, there are a few things you can check before calling your Internet service provider (ISP) to complain about their service. Here are six reasons why your Internet keeps going out and how to fix them.
Why Does My Internet Keep Going Out?
1. Your Internet Service Is The Problem
Your ISP is responsible for providing you with a connection to the internet, and if any issues arise during this process, they are the ones responsible for fixing them. It is important to note, however, that any issues you may experience with your internet service are not necessarily the fault of your ISP. Most internet providers offer several different packages for internet users. Depending on the type of internet access you receive, the service your ISP provides you with might be the cause of your connection issues. If you are experiencing frequent connection interruptions, one of the first things you should do is check the type of internet service you have and the speed of that service. If your internet speed is significantly lower than what you were promised, it could be due to an overloaded network, or your ISP may be throttling your internet connection.
2. Your Router Needs To Be Rebooted
The router is the device that allows your devices to connect to the internet. If your router is experiencing issues and causing your internet to drop, you can usually fix the problem by simply rebooting the router. To restart your router, unplug the device from its power source and plug it back in after 30 seconds, and your internet should return to working properly. If you experience repeated issues with your router, you might need to replace the device completely. If you have had your router for a while, the lifespan of the device may have expired, and a replacement might be necessary.
3. There’s Too Much Traffic On The Network
Like most public utilities, internet providers generally do not provide service to specific homes or buildings, but to entire neighborhoods or cities. If your internet connection is experiencing frequent interruptions, your ISP may simply be dealing with too much traffic on their network. Regularly check the status of your ISP’s network to see if there is a spike in internet traffic that might be causing your connection issues. If there is too much traffic on the network, your internet provider may temporarily cut your connection until the network is no longer overloaded. Once the traffic levels are back to normal, your connection should return to the way it was before.
4. The Equipment Is Broken
Over time, your router and other internet connection equipment may start to experience wear and tear. If you notice your internet connection is frequently dropping, you might want to check the equipment to make sure that nothing is broken. If any of your internet connection equipment appears to be damaged or broken, you will need to replace it with new equipment. Depending on the age of your current equipment, you may have to purchase new equipment from your ISP or online.
5. You’re In An Area With Poor Coverage
If you have a cable or DSL internet connection, the quality of your service may be negatively affected by the quality of your connection to the nearest internet service provider tower. DSL internet relies on a copper wire running from your home to the nearest ISP tower, and a damaged or broken wire may cause issues with your internet connection. If you are experiencing issues with your internet connection and you live in an area with poor coverage, you will have very few options for resolving the issue.
6. Your Computer Or Device Is The Problem
If all of the equipment connected to your internet connection is operating normally and you still experience frequent connection issues, there is a good chance that one of your devices is the cause of the problem. You can quickly determine if a device is the cause of your connection issues by temporarily unplugging each device connected to your network. If the connection issues stop, you know that a device connected to your network is responsible for the issues. If you are unable to determine which device is causing the issues, you can attempt to fix the problem by resetting your modem and router.
How To Fix Your Internet Connection?
Check Your Router And Network
The first thing you should do if you’re having internet problems is to check your router and network. Make sure all your cables are plugged in properly and that your router is connected to your modem. You should also check to make sure there aren’t any issues with your modem. If there are, you’ll want to contact your ISP so they can send someone out to fix the issue. You’ll also want to check that your network is properly configured. This includes making sure your SSID and network password are properly set up. If you’re using a network extender or have a mesh network, you’ll also want to make sure it’s properly configured.
Update Your Equipment
One of the most common reasons for internet disruptions is outdated or broken equipment. This can include everything from your modem to your router to the Wi-Fi extenders you may be using. If you haven’t checked the equipment in your home recently, now is the time to do it. You’ll want to replace or repair any equipment that is old or broken. If your modem is old, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model. You can also check to see if your ISP offers discounted or free replacement modems for customers that are willing to extend their contracts for a few more months.
Reboot Your Devices
If you’ve tried everything else and nothing is working, you may want to try restarting your modem and/or router. This may sound silly, but it can occasionally help solve connection issues. To do this, turn off your modem and router, wait about 30 seconds, then turn them back on. If you live in an apartment or other multi-unit building, you can also try communicating with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing issues. In some cases, issues with adjacent units can cause problems for everyone on the same floor. If you live in a multi-unit building, you may want to try powering off your modem and router, waiting a few minutes, then powering them back on again.
Tips For Keeping Your Internet Connection Stable
Limit The Number Of Devices Connected To Your Network
If you have a large household where multiple people are using the Internet, it’s important to limit the number of devices that are connected to your network at any given time. This can help ensure that everyone is getting a quick and consistent connection, that your Internet speed isn’t being throttled, and that you don’t experience frequent interruptions due to network traffic. It’s also a good idea to avoid connecting to public or open networks, as these are more susceptible to attacks and can be a breeding ground for viruses and other types of malicious software. In some cases, it’s actually better to use a cellular data connection than an Internet connection from a public network.
Use A Wi-Fi Analyzer
If you’re having intermittent connectivity issues, it can be helpful to use a Wi-Fi analyzer to see what other networks are in your area, where they’re located, and what channels they’re operating on. Keep in mind, though, that this can vary depending on what type of scanner you use. A Wi-Fi analyzer will show all nearby networks, whether they’re open or not, so you’ll need to use a different scanner to see just those networks that are unsecured. A simple Wi-Fi analyzer you can use is inSSIDer, which is available on both Android and iOS. A Wi-Fi scanner will show you what channels nearby networks are using, which can help you determine if there is any channel overlap between your network and other nearby networks.
Conclusion
The internet is an incredibly useful tool, and it is likely that you cannot imagine going a day without internet access like you did before it became a staple of modern life. If your internet keeps going out, you have to remember that it is not necessarily your fault. With just a bit of troubleshooting, you can usually locate the cause of the problem and quickly get your internet connection back up and running.
