Why Does My Internet Keep Disconnecting? – Reasons and Solutions
The internet plays a vital role in the everyday life of many people. Whether used for communication, entertainment or work, an internet connection is a necessary part of a larger system. When the internet goes bad, anything from loss of data, going offline on a stream, disconnecting from a business video call, or simply having the music, TV show or movie stop, can happen.
These things are frustrating and they happen when the internet connection is unstable. There are many reasons as to why this happens and they shall be examined in detail.
The Router – Outdated, Broken or Not Working Properly
The router is one of the few devices used in a network of devices that has an effect on the quality of the internet connection. If you have connection issues and wonder “why does my internet keep disconnecting”, the router could be the culprit. The reasons are often the age and standard of the router, congestion, range and the router’s state (whether it is broken or not).
The Wi-Fi Standards
Losing your internet connection while streaming a movie can be annoying. If the router you own does not meet the more modern Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, you might get slower connections or a complete connection loss.
These standards are also labeled as 802.11a, or 802.11ac and the newest one 802.11ax. These are protocol names that were later retroactively named Wi-Fi 1 through 6, which is the latest and fastest version.
Having a router that matches standard-wise, particularly one which can work with your ISP (internet service provider), is essential to a healthy internet connection.
Congestion – Too Many Users on a Single Router
This could be a problem for older, SU-MIMO routers. The newer, MU-MIMO routers do a much better job of handling multiple users. If the internet keeps disconnecting, the router’s age might be in question. ISPs often provide users with new routers to match their internet plans.
If that is not the case, purchasing a new router with the MU-MIMO standard should solve the congestion problem (if it is on the router’s end).
Range – Walls Are Detrimental
The issue of range in a large house is nothing new in the world of wireless technology. However, modern routers often come with two frequency options, 5GHz and 2.4GHz. The former is faster, but has less range, while the other is slower but has more range.
The range can also be extended if you live in a large house or apartment and your connection stability is essential. If the internet constantly disconnecting issue is prevalent due to range, look up a range extender or mesh Wi-Fi. Additionally, using a Wi-Fi heatmap to find dead spots can help solve the range issue.
A Dead or Dying Router
Routers are pieces of technology, and other than the aftermarket ones, the ones you get for “free” with an internet plan are often cheap to manufacture and therefore likely to break down after a while.
If your router is going bad, you should contact your ISP to check with them, and a technician should be sent over to actually inspect the device.
NOTE: A bad Wi-Fi adapter can also be the cause of connection loss. It should be replaced if possible.Cables – They are Essential to a Good Connection
Depending on the internet type you own, cable, DSL or fiber optic, there will be different types of cables involved. Each and every one of them can break and that will either stagger the connection or permanently interrupt it.
Coaxial cables are used to connect cable internet to a router, usually. They are relatively sturdy, but with every cable and connector, if bent too much, it can break. The connector can also be damaged. If everything is working properly, check the cable.
Telephone cables are used for DSL connection and run from your telephone socket to a splitter (usually) and then another runs to a router. Both of these are relatively cheap to replace and commonplace enough that they can be found in most electronics stores.
It is worth noting that with DSL, which runs on telephone copper wires, the further you are from your ISP’s hub, the slower the internet will be. It is worth considering switching to another type if that is possible, given that relocation if often not an optimal solution.
Fiber optic cables are sensitive but can deliver high-speed internet to your router. Depending on your ISP, you can have a single fiber optic cable branching to your router from a nearby hub, but typically, the cable that breaks is the one in the household. Treat them carefully and be particularly mindful not to stain or damage the connector.
Ethernet cables, finally, lead from the router to the personal computer (if Wi-Fi is not used) and provide a stable and fast connection. They, too, can go bad, but are cheap to replace and if your computer supports Wi-Fi, you could easily test to see whether the cable is the culprit.
ISP Issues – Not on the User’s End
Sometimes, the user is not to blame and the internet service provider is the answer to the question why does my internet keep disconnecting and reconnecting. Depending on the type of internet and the ISP, here are the most common issues.
Network congestion typically happens only with cable internet during peak hours which means in the afternoon and evening. Consider changing the internet type or using the internet at a different time.
Maintenance sometimes takes place, physically, and during that time, the internet can be down.
Bad infrastructure can cause problems, like poorly maintained fiber optic cables or very old telephone wires.
Contact your ISP if you think that the problem is on their end (and even when it isn’t, because they have professionals who can help you).
Summary and Conclusion – Cables, Routers and ISPs
If you wonder why is my internet disconnecting, anything from bad cables, outdated routers, dead routers, bad adapters, viruses on the device attempting to connect, congestion to a bad ISP can be the problem.
The solutions are straightforward once the problem is identified, which you should have no trouble doing armed with this knowledge.