One of the things that can make you pull off your hair is when your internet goes off unexpectedly. Imagine losing the internet when gaming or streaming a movie or football. Therefore, why does my router keep turning off or disconnecting and reconnecting is an important topic for us.
These days, most of us spend most of our time online. Whether it’s working, entertainment, or even getting the news, most of us get it on the internet. However, you may get challenges with the internet sometimes which can make life unbearable.
Most of us have invested in the best router for streaming, gaming, or the best router for multiple devices. That is to ensure that all our devices are covered with high-speed internet. In addition, to get the best internet connection at home, we may have the best DOCSIS 3.1-gigabit modem or DOCSIS 3.0 Modem.
That is to make sure you have the best modem for gaming, streaming, or other internet-intensive activities at home or in the office. However, sometimes we may get that your internet is disconnecting and reconnecting or turning off altogether. Thus, in this article, we will explore why your router keeps on turning off.
Why does my router keep turning off?
The following are the main reasons why your site can keep on turning off (disconnecting and connecting):
- Overheating
- Being overworked
- Outdated firmware
- Connecting to a congested channel
- Losing connection to the modem
- Network issue on the ISP side
- Infection by viruses or malware
1. Overheating
Overheating is one of the main problems that is experienced by routers and modems. It may be a result of clogging, installing the router at an enclosed place, or faulty hardware.
You may hide the router in a cabinet, closet, or cupboard since it is ugly and for its safety, however, this is counterproductive in two ways. It can lead to overheating and also reduce the range/ performance. Getting a good location for the router is one of the ways how you can improve Wi-Fi signals upstairs or even outside.
For a router to function properly, it requires a free flow of air. This is because, like any other electronic device, it requires a flow of clean air for cooling. For your information, a router is a complex electronic system with a processor like a computer.
You can diagnose if this is the reason for your router to keep on turning on by touching the router when there is such a problem. If the router is very hot then it should be noted that overheating may be the problem.
To cool the fan, you do not require a fan. Placing it in a place where there is a free flow of air is enough to keep the router cool. Do not place it in an enclosed space to increase the range.
In addition, you can dust off the router’s aeration vents to remove any matter that may be clogging the router. You can also use a blower to remove dust that is clogging the router even internally.
Related article: Why Does Cox Internet Keep Disconnecting? Causes and Fixes
2. Router being overworked
A router is an electronic device. It is subject to being overworked if it is done over a long period of time. This is common where there are many smart devices that are using the internet of which some are not in use currently or even where there are some internet-hogging applications in your devices that are not being currently used.
For this reason, a router may freeze when it is being given too many tasks especially if the processor is not fast enough. In addition, it may prioritize some tasks or devices and leave others without the internet.
To correct this, you can reduce the number of devices or applications that are connected to the internet or get the best router for multiple devices. In addition, devices such as printers, gaming consoles, and computers can be connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable to reduce the workload on Wi-Fi.
3. Outdated router firmware
The router firmware undergoes several updates to fix bugs, improve the software, or make it better at preventing infection with malware and viruses. In the process, the security and performance of the router are improved.
Most of the manufacturers update the router firmware often. This also makes the router to be up to the current standards and specifications. Staying for long without updating the firmware may lead to frequent disconnection of the router sometimes followed by a reconnection or not.
To fix this, it is good to check the router firmware if there is a pending update. This can be accessed on the graphical user interface of the router or the app if you are using it. If there is an update, then update the router’s firmware as guided by the manufacturer.
4. Connecting to a congested channel
This may not be a cause of the router turning off but is a cause for disconnection of the devices from the internet. The congested channel means that your devices may not get access to Wi-Fi.
This is mainly a case for routers without QOS or older routers. QoS in most routers helps to prioritize the channel in which your devices are connected to ensure that the devices that have the most need for connection are able to access it.
The solution for this is to get a better router, especially with QoS. These routers are able to prioritize the channel to which your devices access the Wi-Fi.
5. Losing connection to the modem
Your router may frequently be losing connection to the modem. This is because of a loose port or a faulty Ethernet cable. It may also be because of a faulty modem.
Losing a connection to the modem can be a major cause for concern since it causes a loss of connection. This may result in a major concern when you are checking the router connection.
If you are having a connection problem with your router and when you use an Ethernet cable from the modem to the computer you get a good connection, then you may have lost the connection to the modem.
To solve this problem, you need to test the performance of the modem. If it is ok, then you can change the Ethernet connection to your router.
6. Network issue on the ISP side
You may lose your Wi-Fi connection if there is a problem from the ISP’s side. However, these problems are either communicated beforehand or you will find that issue raised on the internet. If you suspect that this is the problem, you can check the ISP’s forum, social media pages, or other fora to see if the issue has been raised.
Otherwise, you can call your ISP to know if there is a challenge. The network challenges emanating from the ISP’s side may be due to breakage of the cable network, challenges at the nearby station, or general challenges with the infrastructure or software.
This challenge will be solved once reported to the ISP through the various channels that they avail.
7. Infection by viruses or malware
The router may be infected by viruses or firmware causing it to disconnect and reconnect. This is because the viruses may interfere with the firmware or overload the router.
The infection is quite common where the router firmware is rarely updated. This is because scammers develop viruses or firmware to target the firmware that is in circulation. Mostly, the manufacturers will update the firmware if they find a flaw or a breach in the firmware.
In case you find this challenge with the router, you can update the firmware or ask a specialist to assist in the diagnosis and management of the problem.
Conclusion
Why does my router keep turning off? This is always a question that comes from a frustrated internet user. The above reasons are why the Wi-Fi may keep disconnecting and reconnecting.
The article has articulated the major issues and how to resolve them. You can therefore follow this guide to get the best connection for your home.
FAQs
Why does WiFi turn off or disconnect?
Here are some of the most common reasons for WiFi problems:
1. A setting on your router not being the same as it was when it was first set up
2. Interference from other wireless devices in the area, such as cordless phones or Bluetooth devices
3. An issue with your home WiFi network or its components
4. Hardware issues, such as a loose connection or a damaged adapter
How long does a router last?
A router lasts for a long time but it is recommended that you change your router every 3 to 5 years. This will ensure that you replace the router that has experienced normal wear and tear. Moreover, router technologies change every 3 years and thus you need to benefit from new standards.
