So are you wondering, “why does my internet keep going out at night”?
An internet connection that abruptly loses service anytime can significantly hinder daily living and is more than just a mere annoyance. On the other hand, a dependable internet connection is essential in the modern era of working from home.
Unfortunately, uneven speeds or an outdated router can cause connectivity problems. Even worse, issues with your service provider may be the root cause of your connection issues.
We compiled a list of signs, causes, and fixes to assist you in resolving these problems.
1. You Have an Inadequate Internet Speed
If too many devices simultaneously utilize too much bandwidth, your overall speed may decrease. When you share a residence with others, this issue is particularly likely. Wireless gadgets can even lose Wi-Fi connections.
For instance, while people are streaming high-definition movies and playing online games on the same network, Zoom meetings using a 15–25 Mbps wireless connection may stutter or even completely stop working.
How to fix an Inadequate Internet Speed?
To find out if you’re approaching the bandwidth-related speeds for your plan, perform a speed test from your modem using a wired device. Then, retake the test with a wireless device and your router nearby, preferably using our Speed Test App, which is now accessible through the Apple App Store (Android is on the way).
If the tests are not up to your standards, you may want to inquire about upgrading your service plan with your provider. In addition, you can try opting for a higher speed plan, though this will cost you more money. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, you may not be eligible for higher speeds.
2. You Can’t Connect Your Modem to Your Internet Service Provider
You can experience sporadic internet disconnections due to a modem that can’t properly connect to your internet service provider.
You need a modem for home internet to convert the signals from your service provider into data that your home network can use. Your modem may disconnect from the internet occasionally due to circumstances beyond your control, such as disturbances in the neighborhood. You can troubleshoot further issues that could exist on your end.
How to Connect Your Modem to Your ISP?
Verify the modem’s connection to your home’s entrance. For example, you might observe a cable coming out of a hole and ending at your modem or a line attaching your modem to a wall outlet.
If everything is in order, check with your internet service provider to determine if the modem is correctly receiving and transmitting signals. If not, customer care can remotely troubleshoot the modem and, if necessary, dispatch a technician.
3. Your Wireless Router is Outdated
An outdated wireless router is another main problem. For example, if you recently purchased an iPhone 13—which supports Wi-Fi 6—and connected the device to a slower Wi-Fi 4 network, the iPhone won’t experience fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds. So even a router only a few years old could be outdated or worn out.
When multiple people are using your Wi-Fi, you’ll get the best speeds and performance if your router supports Wi-Fi 5 or 6.
Wifi Standards
- 802.11a (Wi-Fi 1)
- 802.11b (Wi-Fi 2)
- 802.11g (Wi-Fi 3)
- 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)
- 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
How to Fix an Outdated Router?
Get a router with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6.
Spend some time reading reviews and researching various router alternatives before making a purchase. A Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 capable router should be your choice. Even though buying a router isn’t strictly necessary, doing your research online is an excellent idea before heading to Best Buy.
If interested, 802.11 is a wireless local area network standard (WLAN). To describe the generation and used frequencies, letters, such as 802.11n and 802.11ac, are often placed after the last digit. The Wi-Fi Alliance used terms like Wireless-N and Wireless-AC to make these figures more approachable. Now that designations like Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 are being used, the naming system is more straightforward.
4. You Have Faulty Cables
If your internet cables are faulty, outdated, or loose, your connection will continually drop out.
You’ll need one of three cords to connect your modem or wireless gateway to your internet via cable or DSL.
You need an Ethernet cable to connect your router to the optical network. Google refers to these components as the Network Box and Fiber Jack. In addition, one of the three cables indicated below is used by other fiber services.
For the majority of home internet connections, the following three cable types are typical:
- The cable TV line entering your home is connected to a modem or wireless gateway using a coaxial cable.
- Phone cable connects a wireless gateway or modem to a phone line coming into your house.
- Ethernet cable is used to link a standalone router and modem. Additionally, Ethernet connections link a router or wireless gateway to other devices like gaming consoles, set-top boxes, and laptops.
Your entire network may suffer if one of these cables isn’t functioning. As a result, your internet will either not function or perform very unreliable, leaving you frustrated as the connection keeps failing.
How to Fix Faulty Cables?
Ensure that all cables are in place, connected, and safely so. Then, replace them with new cables; you can often find them on Amazon for not too much money.
5. Your Network is Experiencing Technical Issues
Your provider may have low network coverage, a shoddy infrastructure, or technological problems that need to be fixed if your internet keeps dropping for any of these causes.
Your provider’s end could be experiencing various technical issues that cause your connection to disconnect without warning. For example, the problem could be related to network congestion, development near your home, or even bad weather, depending on your internet type.
How to Fix Technical Issues if Your Network is Experiencing Problems?
Inform your internet service provider by giving them a call. Change providers for better service if your issues continue. For a list of other possibilities in your region, enter your zip code below:
6. Incorrect Router Position
The position is crucial since routers allow all of your gadgets to access the internet simultaneously. If your router is placed incorrectly, your internet can break down every night.
The signal won’t be able to travel far enough to cover your home if you place your router in a location that is blocked by walls.
Consider the number of rooms on each floor of your home; most houses have at least two. When there is a lot of traffic, every device upstairs might be unable to keep a connection if your router is on the first story.
How to Fix Incorrect Router Positions?
Choose a unique location for your router setup.
For instance, try elevating it by sitting it on top of a table rather than setting it on the floor next to your TV console. This enables the signal to pass through any form of barrier.
For larger residences, take into account purchasing a WiFi extender as well. Your further-away equipment will be able to connect more readily thanks to this device.
7. Internet Connectivity Issues With Cable
Because cable internet depends on regional infrastructure, speeds may decrease between 7 p.m. and midnight, when demand is at its highest. In addition, if you reside in a densely populated location, you may experience a slower connection when more of your neighbors log on to the internet simultaneously.
Additionally, you can have sporadic disconnections if your modem’s coaxial cable isn’t correctly attached, if tree roots have damaged the cable coming into your home, if you accidentally cut the line with a weedeater, etc.
How to Fix Internet Connectivity Issues With Your Cable?
Ensure that the modem is snugly clamped to the cable connector nut and that the cable itself is securely fastened. You will undoubtedly experience connectivity issues if your cable is loose.
Contact your provider if the cable appears secure. You might need to change your modem or fix your connections. You might need a speedier package if you frequently disconnect due to a congested local network.
Conclusion
So why does my internet keep going out at night? As we previously advised, it might be time to increase your Internet plan and add some extenders for additional coverage.
Other issues can range from ordinary upkeep on the part of your internet service provider to a network overload brought on by too many devices trying to connect to the internet at once.
Try moving your router closer and away from obstacles if you’re having problems because some problems are simply the result of being too far away from your router.
Check out some of the methods mentioned above to address whatever issue you may be having. Then, contact your service provider to see if they can help with a more thorough diagnosis if nothing seems to be working.
