How to Avoid Frequent Disconnection of My Broadband Connection?

Introduction

With the recent digital transformation that the world witnessed due to COVID-19, the internet has become an essential part of our lives. Our work, entertainment, opinions, and communications are all controlled by the internet.

The number of internet users has skyrocketed, putting additional pressure on internet service providers (ISPs). Therefore, we now experience frequent broadband connection issues. The service providers take considerable time to resolve these problems.

Broadband disconnection is a common problem. It has become even more prominent and grave today, as most of us work remotely and are dependent on the internet. At present, the internet is as crucial as lights and fans. Frequent broadband disconnections can disrupt work and even cost us our jobs.

For example, a disconnection during an urgent client meeting can result in losses and a bad client experience. If your child has an online exam and the internet is down, they might miss the exam. That may affect their grades significantly.

There can be numerous reasons for the frequent disconnection. Some could be due to the modem and others, problems with connection lines. Users can take simple steps to keep their broadband connections stable when there is no fault in the connection lines or other significant issues.

The present article discusses common internet issues in detail, their diagnoses, and how you can resolve them at your end. We will also discuss quick troubleshooting steps to improve broadband speeds quickly.

Reasons for Frequent Broadband Disconnection and Their Solutions

When your Wi-Fi goes down, calling up for support sounds like the best plan. However, if you know the basics and a few all-inclusive tips, you can sometimes get your internet services back in minutes without professional aid.

Here is a list of common issues and their countermeasures.

1. Slow Internet Speed

   It is incredibly common for wireless internet not to work properly at home, especially when surrounded by other devices on the same network. You may also experience this issue because of your router's location. Further, there might be too many electronics around the router emitting electromagnetic waves, which may be stopping it from working adequately.

   The problem is commonly referred to as network congestion. Most people think that when they have a slow internet connection, the issue lies with the hardware or the software on their computer. However, more often than not, it’s caused by a large number of devices close to one another. For example, suppose you have three buddies staying at your house, and all of them are browsing different sites at once. It could cause an increase in latency for all because there is a limited amount of bandwidth to share across several devices in a single location.

   Another reason could be signal interference, which can lead to degraded download speeds when trying to reach far-off servers, due to a change in distance from the router.

   Slow internet can also lead to disconnections during video calls or meetings.

   Here are some solutions to speed up your internet.

   1. Try restarting. Turning your routers off and on again can clear out any errors with its memory that could be responsible for slowing down the speed.
   2. Ask your ISP if there is a signal loss from their end.
   3. Check the location of your router. Try reducing the router’s distance from the laptop or mobile phone.
   4. Disconnect any other unnecessary devices.
   5. Check if any obstacles could potentially obstruct signals.
   6. Check the speed of your current internet plan and purchase a higher or unlimited broadband plan if the current one is insufficient.
   7. In case the problem persists, change your internet service provider (ISP).

2. Your Internet Cables Are Damaged

   Any physical damage can lead to issues with your internet. The most common concern is damaged internet cables. It happens when internet cables are unreliable and not adequately strong.

   There are three common types of cables.

   1. Coaxial cables that connect the modem to the cable network entering your home.
   2. Phone cables that connect the modem to the DSL internet line.
   3. Ethernet cables that connect a modem to the standalone router.

   Even if one of these cables is not functioning correctly, your broadband connection will suffer.

   Here is how you can deal with such cable issues.

   1. The best way is to replace the cable. Purchase high-quality cables that are reliable and do not lead to a loss in the network. You can replace the cables yourself too.
   2. Ask your ISP if they use optical fiber cables for the connection. Optical fiber cables are extremely reliable and give superior speed.
   3. If you decide to replace the cables, buy the correct cable type and a sufficient length, so you don’t face bending or tension problems in the cable.

3. Your Wi-Fi Router Is Outdated

   Any Wi-Fi router installed in your home will need upgrades from time to time. It is because every router has firmware that needs updating to remain compatible with the latest technologies and new devices released in the market.

   Even your new router may work with an older Wi-Fi33 standard that does not match your current system. It can further cause connectivity issues. Ensure that your new or updated router supports Wi-Fi 6 since this is the latest protocol and gives you access to many innovative security tools and wireless applications.

   Here’s how you can solve such issues.

   1. Before spending money on a new router, check your router company website to see if they offer a firmware upgrade for your device. Old routers can perform well with some upgrading, saving you the expense of purchasing a newer model.
   2. In case your router is entirely outdated, get a new one.

4. Your Modem Is Not Connecting to Your ISP

   Every Local Area Network (LAN) service provider installs a modem or a router at your home so that you can use wired or wireless internet. If something with the internet is not working correctly on your devices, there might be an issue with the capacity and quality of your wired network device.

   To diagnose an issue with your modem, unplug the internet cable from the modem and connect it directly to your laptop. If the internet works properly, there is an issue with your modem.

   Here are a few methods you can use to resolve issues with your modem.

   1. First, check if your LAN cable is correctly inserted into the modem.
   2. If you recently installed a modem in your home or office, ask your ISP and ensure the router’s MAC address is registered with the service provider.
   3. Reset your modem to default settings.

5. Your Network Has Technical Difficulties

   When your internet connection is down, you usually receive a message saying that there is a technical difficulty in your area and that team is trying to resolve it. It is a prevailing situation with almost all internet service providers. In this case, you have to patiently wait until your ISP resolves the problem.

   Common reasons for the same could be,

   1. Cable damage
   2. Several users using the same network
   3. Network hub far away from your house
   4. DNS issues with your internet service provider

6. Cable Internet Issues

   If you use cable internet, you are likely a part of an enormous group that relies on the same network. Therefore, many times, the network performance may drop at peak usage hours. Disconnection can occur if many users try to access the same network together.

   The best solution is to simply upgrade your internet plan so that your access isn't solely dependent on the number of other users on the network at any given time. You can do this by paying for an individual subscription without having to worry about throttling speeds.

7. Fiber Internet Issues

   Fiber-optic cables are the most reliable connections. They reduce the chances of interference or congestion. However, these are usually buried underground and susceptible to damage if construction work is happening around them. The modem cable connects your devices with the network hub. It is a long cable, and there are several hurdles between the network hub and your home. Therefore, the slightest damage to a fiber-optic cable can disconnect your broadband.

   Do the following to resolve this issue.

   1. Report the problem to your ISP. After receiving the complaint, your ISP will check the entire cable to determine the precise position of the damaged cable.
   2. Disconnection issues are very common in the rainy season. Therefore, you must keep in touch with your ISP to get your connection back up whenever required.

8. DSL Internet Issues

   At this time, many home networks use DSL technology for their connectivity needs. DSL is an acronym for Digital Subscriber Line. The technology has been around for many years now, and it works by taking your broadband connection through your telephone line to your modem, which connects you to the internet. DSL networks are often preferred by organizations with large offices or homes that need to be connected. Telephone lines make it possible for DSL networks to connect over long distances at high speeds. Many users encounter slow broadband connection and unreliable service due to the considerable distance.

   Here is what you can do to fix issues with the DSL connection.

   1. If your ISP uses DSL technology, ask for an optical fiber option. Otherwise, you might have to switch your ISP.
   2. Examine your dial-up phone and check if there are any issues with it. For most DSL connections, a new dial-up telephone will solve the problems.

9. Satellite Internet Problems

   Satellite internet is available practically anywhere. The satellite internet service connects your device directly to a dedicated satellite and transfers the signals through space. Although you have a direct line from your ISP to the receiving satellite node, the signals themselves travel about 236,000 miles from there to your device. That's a lot of distance, and it means your satellite internet connection is exceptionally vulnerable to poor weather conditions up in outer space. It may lead to excessively delayed or completely broken connections.

   Here is what you can do about your satellite connection problems.

   1. The satellite-based connection does not have cable connection challenges such as physical damage. You can’t do much if you face disconnection problems with satellite connections. However, you can report the issue to your ISP or opt for high-speed connection plans.
   2. If you face constant issues, consider getting an optical fiber, DSL, or cable connection.

10. Insufficient Power and Range of the Wi-Fi

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    The problem usually arises due to the distance between the device and the router. For mobile phones and tablets, it is easy to move them where the Wi-FI is strong. However, relocating your computed is not always practical.

    Here is what you can do to resolve this issue.

    1. Reduce the distance between router and device if possible.
    2. Upgrade your antenna at your access point or on your computer.
    3. You can also use mesh extenders or range extenders.

11. Radio Interference

    Radio signals from several electronic products around or near the house can interfere with the Wi-Fi network signals. For example, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and garage door openers can also cause a disconnect of your broadband connection when powered on.

    So if you observe your internet connectivity is disturbed when you switch on your microwave, the appliance is likely responsible for the same. It is best to identify problem-causing devices and use them accordingly.

    Here is what you can do to resolve this issue.

    1. Move your router to another location.
    2. Change your Wi-Fi radio settings.
    3. Turn off the devices that might be causing interference.

12. Use of the Wrong Wi-Fi Network

    If two neighbors have unsecured Wi-Fi networks with the same name (SSID), your devices may connect to the wrong network without you knowing about it. It can cause disruption and instability. In case your device is connected to your neighbor’s Wi-Fi instead of yours, it can disconnect if your neighbor’s device is turned off.

    Also, if your neighbor’s broadband connection is suffering issues, yours might experience similar problems.

    Here is what to do.

    1. You need to take proper security measures to avoid this and ensure your device is connected to the correct network.
    2. Also, tell your neighbor so that they can set up a different password and protect their network.
    3. Choose a unique SSID for your network.

13. Incorrect Software Packages Installed

    Though this is an uncommon problem, your Wi-Fi could be failing to perform on a computer if it has incompatible software installed. If this is the issue, you will most probably notice it after an update or a software installation.

    Here is what you can do about it.

    1. Make a backup every time you install new software or firmware on your device.
    2. Uninstall any incompatible software.
    3. You can also reinstall the operating system, but that should only be the last option when you are entirely sure that your software is responsible for the disconnection.

14. Heating Up of the Router

    Like any other machine, routers are also machines with CPU, memory, and operating systems. With constant use, they can heat up, and the internet can disconnect. Also, ISPs allot dynamic IP addresses to routers. If they are heated and occupied in multiple activities, the router may not be able to catch the dynamic IP that could result in broadband disconnection.

    To deal with such issues, you can plug out the power source of your router and let it cool down. Then, plug in again after some time.

15. Viruses in Your Computer

    A significant reason for broadband disconnection is viruses. Many times, users download files with harmful viruses that take up the resources of the device. To deal with such issues, download antivirus software to eliminate the viruses from your systems.

16. Overcrowding of 2.4 GHz Band

    There are several noises on a Wi-Fi connection from other devices. Signals from other routers can also create noise that can cause network disruptions. The reason is that the connection is set up on the common 2.4 GHz band, which is overly crowded. Due to overcrowding in airwaves, your modem might not get enough signals to maintain a stable broadband connection.

To resolve this issue, all you have to do is change your modem channel to a less crowded 5 GHz band.

Quick Reference Table for the Most Common Technical Issues and Their Reasons

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Don’t want to go through the lengthy process of checking everything?

Here are five quick troubleshooting steps you can try to get your internet up to speed in minutes.

1. Check Your Wires

   It is one of the simplest steps you can take. Check the cables properly. It is possible that there might be loose connections. If you see damaged cables, reach out to your ISP or swap the wires yourself.

2. Power Cycling

   The term “power cycling” might sound interesting, but it is extremely simple. It means to turn off your modem and switch it on after some time. Before you turn your modem on, wait for at least 30 seconds. Sometimes, this is all it takes to correct your connection.

3. Adjust Your Antenna

   Sometimes, when you use satellite internet, interference in Line of Sight (LoS) is a significant issue. Satellite connections work using a two-way dish, and this has to be pointed at the satellite at a precise angle. If anything comes in between, it can cause issues. Some examples are snow, ice, leaves, plants, or other debris. You can clean or adjust your antenna to resolve these issues. Further, you can reach out to your ISP to fix this.

   Another reason could be the sun’s massive flares that it sends to earth. That energy can severely disrupt satellite communications. However, it is beyond everyone’s control. You can consider getting a DSL, cable, or fiber connection as an alternative for your home.

4. Reduce the Distance Between Your Router and Device

   If your device is too far from your router, it might cause slow internet or drops. You can consider bringing them closer to avoid this.

5. Switch to a 5 GHz Band

   A 2.4 GHz band sometimes becomes crowded due to too many users. However, a 5 GHz band is less crowded, and use can shift your connection to it to enjoy consistent broadband speed.

Conclusion

If you are facing problems with your broadband connection, you are not alone. There are many ways to avoid frequent disconnection of your broadband connection. We hope this article has provided some helpful information to overcome the issues you are experiencing.

The best part is a lot of problems are relatively easy to diagnose and resolve. Using the techniques in this article, you will be able to handle most of your broadband connection issues yourself. You can also refer to the quick troubleshooting guide to overcome typical problems.

A frequent broadband disconnection and inconsistent internet speed can be frustrating and lead to losses. Get rid of the issues using the tips above, and if problems persist, reach out to your internet service provider or switch to a new one.

If you face any problems mentioned above and need expert help, reach out to us here.