Weather can cause speed disruptions by interfering with the signals that your internet service provider uses to deliver data to your home. Here are the types of weather that can affect signal attenuation and how you can keep things running smoothly and maintain good internet speed.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is the most vulnerable to weather disruptions. Satellite signals have to travel through the atmosphere, making them susceptible to various types of weather. Heavy rain can lead to what is often referred to as “rain fade.” This is when signals between the satellite and the dish installed at your location become weaker, which results in slower internet speed.
Fog and snow have similar effects, but snow can accumulate in the dish, compounding the effect it has on your speed and connectivity. But even sunny weather can disrupt satellite internet. Solar flares from the sun can not only disrupt service, but they’re powerful enough to damage satellites.
Wireless Internet
Wireless connections, such as fixed wireless internet and cellular networks, are quite vulnerable to weather-related internet problems. This is because wireless signals can be easily blocked or interfered with by water, rain, snow, fog, and even dust.
During heavy rain, snow, and fog, the water droplets or snowflakes can act as a barrier to the wireless signal, causing it to weaken or be blocked altogether. Wind can also knock down or misalign towers and antennas.
Wired Internet
Wired connections, such as cable internet and DSL internet, are less vulnerable to weather-related internet problems than wireless connections. However, they can still be affected by extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, lightning, and power outages.
Extreme temperatures can cause physical wear and tear or damage to these lines over time, as can water from rain and flooding. High winds and lightning can cause infrastructure damage, which can lead to service and power outages.
Fiber Internet
Fiber optic internet is generally less vulnerable to weather-related internet problems than other types of connections. This is because fiber optic cables are made of glass, which is not affected by electromagnetic interference or radio waves. However, fiber optic cables can still be damaged by extreme weather conditions, such as flooding or high winds.
How to Protect Your Internet Connection from Weather
There are a few things you can do to protect your internet connection from weather-related problems:
- Keeping your modem and WiFi router in a dry, well-ventilated area helps prevent damage from heat and moisture.
- Position your satellite dish in a location where it is less likely to be obstructed or misaligned due to snow or wind.
- Use a surge protector to protect your modem and router from power surges.
- Consider a wired connection instead of a wireless connection since they are less susceptible to weather conditions.
- Be aware of the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
How to Improve Internet Speed During Weather Events
If the weather hasn’t disabled your connection, here are a few things you can do to make the most of it during inclement weather and spotty connectivity:
- Check your modem and router. Make sure that they are properly connected and that there are no loose cables. You may also want to reset your modem and router to clear any temporary glitches.
- Move your devices closer to your modem and router. The closer your devices are to your modem and router, the stronger the signal will be.
- Use a different frequency band. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, you may want to try using a different frequency band,especially considering the difference between 2.4 vs 5 GHz.
- Adjust your router’s antennas. If your router has adjustable antennas, you may want to try adjusting them to different positions. This could help to improve the signal strength and speed.
- Minimize the number of devices that are connected to your network. The more devices that are connected to your network, the slower the overall speed will be.
- Close any unnecessary applications or programs. Applications that are running in the background can use up bandwidth and slow down your internet speed.
- Use a wired connection instead of a wireless connection.
- Upgrade your internet plan. If you are still experiencing slow internet speeds after trying these tips, you may need to upgrade your internet plan.
Final Thoughts on Weather-Related Internet Issues
If you live in an area that is prone to severe conditions and rely on your internet connection for work from home or school activities, you may want to consider investing in a backup internet connection. You could use a mobile hotspot, satellite internet, or cellular data during a weather event until your main internet source is restored.
It may also be beneficial to have a power backup installed in your home. Often the first thing to go during powerful storms is power. Investing in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will allow you to keep your devices running while the power is out.
Weather, while a fundamental aspect of our environment, can play havoc with modern conveniences, like our internet connections. Being aware of the potential disruptions and taking measures to reduce their impact can ensure a smoother, more reliable internet experience.
