Britain is currently experiencing unusually warm weather, with temperatures set to reach 28 degrees tomorrow. The brief heatwave is being enjoyed by many across the country, but it can have negative effects on internet connections due to the impact of heat on Wi-Fi routers.
Tech devices like smartphones and laptops, along with Wi-Fi routers, do not perform well in high temperatures. Routers may shut down to prevent damage from overheating, causing disruptions to internet access.
Virgin Media has cautioned that an overheated hub can lead to internet connections slowing down or coming to a halt. To avoid this issue, it is advised to keep the router away from direct sunlight and in a cool location.
Proper router placement is essential for maintaining a stable internet connection during the ongoing hot weather. Avoid placing the router in direct sunlight or in overly cold and dark spots. Virgin also recommends keeping the router at least 1 meter away from cordless phones, baby monitors, and large obstructions.
By following these guidelines and ensuring the router is well-positioned, users can enjoy the sunny weather without experiencing internet outages. Virgin also suggests conducting a quick spring cleaning of the Wi-Fi network, including periodically resetting the router to ensure optimal performance and security updates.
Regularly rebooting the router helps clear any bugs and ensures that the firmware is up to date with necessary security patches. Virgin advises rebooting the router once a month to maintain network security effectively.
It is important to note that the reboot process may take up to 10 minutes, so it is recommended to ensure that no one is relying on the internet during that time.