The internet is one of the most essential tools in our lives and it is hard to imagine a life without it. So, it can be annoying if your internet connection starts acting up. Even the most reliable internet connections can have down times but that isn’t the end of the world. If you know the causes behind your slow internet you can look for solutions and help your cause.
However, there can be multiple reasons why you are facing a network outage. Some ISPs can offer added assistance in case of a network outage. For instance, you can call customer service to get more information about a Spectrum internet outage in your area. If you are unsure why your internet connection isn’t working well, read on to find potential causes.
#1: Faulty Equipment
Faulty equipment or loose connection joints can be a major reason for slow internet. One of the biggest signs of this could be frequent disconnections over the network. The speed of your connection might be affected as well. So, you might have to reboot your router now and then to get connectivity back up again.
You should check your equipment for maintenance frequently. And replace any faulty wires, connectors, or routers. Even if your router is working fine right now, if it is old, it will probably start acting up soon. So, you should replace it sooner rather than later if you want to avoid any mishaps.
#2: Wrong Configuration
One of the most common causes of internet disconnection is wrong configuration. You might not be able to connect to your router device and lose connectivity often. So, you should make sure that you are using the right password and SSID (network name). All the ports and cables should be in the right spot and there should be no duplicate IPs. If you are using repeaters, all of them can have a different SSID and password so make sure you put in the right one.
Moreover, most routers receive continual firmware updates for safety and security purposes. Some of these updates might also improve connection quality. So, you should make sure that your router is up-to-date and all the connections are in the right port.
#3: Network Congestion
Sometimes, many people end up trying to connect to the same network simultaneously. As a result, the network can feel congestion and the signal might break down for everyone. Some old routers and dongles even have a limit to how many devices can connect with the network. If the router is supporting more devices, then the bandwidth could be stretched out thin. You might feel network degradation because all the users are trying to hog the internet.
Network congestion can be common in public places and networks. For instance, the internet at a busy coffee shop or the library can be slow. You should make sure that the bandwidth of your connection justifies the number of users. So, everyone can enjoy the same speed without any hindrances.
#4: ISP Outages
If all your equipment and network configuration is fine, then you might be a victim to an ISP outage. This is something most people can’t do anything about. An ISP outage means that your internet provider is not offering quality services and the link is down from their side. It could be an equipment or a server issue. So, it can take some time before the provider fixes the outage. Depending upon the extent of the damage, the ISP could take hours to days to fix the mess.
The first thing you should do is call customer service. They usually have all the necessary information about any current outages. So, they can paint a clearer image of what to expect. Then, all there is left to do is to wait until the link is back up again.
#5: Natural Disasters
Sometimes the outage could happen because of natural reasons and disasters humans cannot control. A hurricane might break a few connection wires. Or the satellite receiver might act up because of a flood. In either case, you might not be able to stop it from happening. Most ISPs use cables that can stretch for miles under the sea. Wildlife such as sharks or whales often harm the cables and disrupt the internet connection. So, ISPs can mitigate these issues by creating strong barriers around their equipment and disaster-proofing it as much as possible.
#6: Cyber Attacks
This might be one of the most serious causes behind an internet outage. If your connection was unsafe, hackers could have taken over the framework. It might be an issue with your house network but in more serious cases, your ISP might be under attack. You should create stronger passwords and always update your router to the latest firmware.
Internet outages aren’t fun at all as they can disrupt daily life and business for many people. Securing your network, using the latest equipment, and configuring it correctly could save you from this inconvenience.
