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Internet Connection Drops - How to Fix

Diagnose and fix frequent internet disconnection issues

Diagnosing Connection Drops

Understanding the pattern and frequency of your connection drops helps identify the root cause.

Connection Drop Patterns

Intermittent Drops

Connection drops randomly throughout the day

Possible Causes:
  • • WiFi interference
  • • Overheating equipment
  • • Electrical interference
  • • Network congestion

Regular Pattern Drops

Connection drops at specific times or intervals

Possible Causes:
  • • Peak usage times
  • • Scheduled maintenance
  • • Equipment timer settings
  • • Background processes

Diagnostic Checklist

Answer these questions to help diagnose the issue:

1

When do the drops occur?

Specific times, random intervals, or during certain activities?

2

Which devices are affected?

All devices, only WiFi devices, or specific devices?

3

How long do drops last?

Seconds, minutes, or hours?

4

What happens during drops?

Complete disconnection, slow speeds, or specific app failures?

5

Recent changes?

New devices, moved equipment, or changed settings?

Red Flags - Contact Support Immediately

  • • Drops occurring every few minutes
  • • Connection completely dead for hours
  • • All devices affected simultaneously
  • • Drops started after recent service changes
  • • Equipment showing error lights

Common Causes of Connection Drops

Understanding the underlying causes helps you implement the right solution.

1. Signal Interference

Electromagnetic interference can disrupt your internet connection.

Common Sources:

  • • Microwave ovens
  • • Cordless phones
  • • Baby monitors
  • • Bluetooth devices
  • • Other WiFi networks
  • • Electrical wiring

Solutions:

  • • Move modem away from interference
  • • Change WiFi channel
  • • Use 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz
  • • Turn off interfering devices

2. Equipment Overheating

Modems and routers can overheat, causing connection instability.

Signs of Overheating:

  • • Equipment feels hot to touch
  • • Drops occur more frequently in hot weather
  • • Equipment located in enclosed space
  • • Drops after extended use
  • • Unusual noise from equipment

Cooling Solutions:

  • • Ensure adequate ventilation around equipment
  • • Keep equipment out of direct sunlight
  • • Don't stack items on top of modem
  • • Consider a small fan for circulation

3. Loose or Damaged Cables

Physical connection issues can cause intermittent drops.

Check These Cables:

  • • Power cable to modem
  • • Ethernet cables
  • • Coaxial cable (if applicable)
  • • Phone line (if applicable)
  • • Antenna connections

Inspection Tips:

  • • Ensure all connections are tight
  • • Look for visible damage
  • • Check for bent pins
  • • Test with different cables
  • • Avoid cable kinks or sharp bends

4. Network Congestion

Too many devices or heavy usage can overwhelm your connection.

Congestion Indicators:

  • • Drops during peak usage times
  • • Multiple devices streaming simultaneously
  • • Large file downloads running
  • • Online gaming with other activities
  • • Video conferencing with multiple participants

Bandwidth Management:

  • • Limit simultaneous streaming
  • • Schedule large downloads for off-peak hours
  • • Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings
  • • Disconnect unused devices

5. Outdated Equipment

Old modems and routers may not handle modern internet demands.

Equipment Age Warning Signs:

  • • Equipment over 5 years old
  • • Can't handle current plan speeds
  • • Frequent need for restarts
  • • Limited WiFi range
  • • Outdated security protocols

Solutions for Connection Drops

Try these solutions in order, starting with the simplest fixes first.

Immediate Actions

1. Power Cycle Equipment

Restart your modem and router:

  1. 1. Unplug power from modem and router
  2. 2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. 3. Plug in modem first, wait 2 minutes
  4. 4. Plug in router, wait 1 minute
  5. 5. Test connection stability

2. Check Cable Connections

Ensure all cables are properly connected:

  • • Power cables are secure
  • • Ethernet cables are fully inserted
  • • No visible damage to cables
  • • Replace damaged cables immediately

3. Monitor for Patterns

Track when drops occur:

  • • Note the time of each drop
  • • Record what activities were running
  • • Check if specific devices are affected
  • • Monitor for environmental factors

WiFi Optimisation

Change WiFi Channel

Reduce interference by switching channels:

Channel Selection Guide:
  • • 2.4GHz: Use channels 1, 6, or 11 (non-overlapping)
  • • 5GHz: Choose least congested channel
  • • Use WiFi analyzer app to check congestion
  • • Avoid channels used by neighbors

Reposition Equipment

Optimise placement for better signal:

Ideal Placement:
  • • Central location in home
  • • Elevated position
  • • Away from metal objects
  • • Clear of electronic interference
Avoid These:
  • • Inside cabinets
  • • Near large appliances
  • • Behind furniture
  • • In basements or attics

Use 5GHz WiFi

Switch to 5GHz for less interference:

5GHz Benefits:
  • • Less interference
  • • More channels available
  • • Faster speeds
Considerations:
  • • Shorter range
  • • Poorer wall penetration
  • • Not all devices support it

Advanced Solutions

WiFi Extenders

Extend coverage to eliminate dead zones:

  • • Place extender halfway between modem and problem area
  • • Ensure extender has good signal from main modem
  • • Use same WiFi name for seamless roaming
  • • Consider mesh WiFi systems for better performance

Ethernet Connections

Use wired connections for critical devices:

  • • Connect gaming consoles and smart TVs via ethernet
  • • Use powerline adapters for hard-to-reach areas
  • • Wired connections are more stable
  • • Reduces WiFi congestion

Firmware Updates

Keep equipment software up to date:

  • • Check for modem firmware updates
  • • Update router firmware regularly
  • • Enable automatic updates if available
  • • Follow manufacturer update instructions

When to Contact Support

Contact our support team if:

  • • Drops occur every few minutes
  • • Connection is completely dead for extended periods
  • • All troubleshooting steps have been tried
  • • Equipment shows error lights or unusual behavior
  • • Drops started after recent service changes
  • • Issues affect all devices on the network

Support Contact Information

  • • Phone: 03 5910 4230
  • • Email: hello@pulsenet.au
  • • Have your account number ready
  • • Note the pattern and frequency of drops
  • • List what troubleshooting steps you've tried

Related Articles

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WiFi Issues

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Troubleshooting Guide

Complete troubleshooting overview
Pulsenet respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, the Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.