There’s nothing more aggravating than your internet connection slowing down and eventually dying on you during bad weather conditions.
So, if you are wondering, “Will bad weather affect my internet connection?” The answer is an obvious yes. Wireless connections tend to get the most impacted during bad weather conditions.
On the other hand, wired connections have the ability to resist bad weather. That said, if there is a power outage during bad weather conditions, then even a wired connection will be impacted.
In such circumstances, it’s important to have an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that will offer you some form of information when you are facing internet connectivity. Now, if you have subscribed to a WOW Internet plan, then you don’t have to worry, as WOW offers great customer service during a disruption.
If you are worried about bad weather conditions affecting your internet connection, we will be sharing how different types of internet connections can be affected in bad weather conditions. We will also share how to determine if bad weather did impact your internet connection and some tips on how to better prepare yourself next time.
The Impact of Weather on Various Internet Connection Types
You might be surprised to learn that some internet connections are more susceptible to outages caused by the weather than others. Internet connections such as DSL and cable, which use physical wires and infrastructure, are more vulnerable to disruption during extreme weather.
However, in extreme circumstances, bad weather hits everyone. Even while fiber-optic connections are more reliable, they can still be disrupted.
Here’s how the weather affects different types of internet connections:
Satellite Internet
Given that satellite internet signals must travel great distances through the air from an orbiting satellite to your location, they are especially susceptible to disruption caused by severe weather.
Many folks may recognize this scenario as the old rain fade warning on satellite systems. Some people, especially those living in remote areas, have little choice but to use satellites to access the internet.
DSL & Cable Internet
Since the infrastructure of DSL and cable Internet is dependent on physical lines, outages are more likely to occur during extreme weather.
DSL internet connections are vulnerable to electrical interference from storms since they use telephone lines to transport data. Cable internet used coaxial cables and strong winds or deep snow can interfere with their performance.
Fiber-Optic Internet
The weather has little effect on fiber-optic cables. Fiber optics avoid disruption caused by lightning since it employs light beams rather than electrical impulses to transmit data.
Traditional copper cables, which transmit electrical impulses, can be damaged by factors such as heavy rain, harsh temperatures, or high winds. However, fiber optics remain unaffected by stormy conditions.
Why Does the Internet Go Down During Bad Weather?
DSL uses copper phone wires, which are highly susceptible to environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Power outages are common during storms with high winds, heavy rain, or lightning.
Falling branches are another common problem for cable lines in rural areas and on streets with many trees. It may take some time for technicians to reach the damaged region and begin fixing it. During this time, the internet might be inaccessible in the area.
Since fiber optics are put below ground, they are protected from environmental factors.
How to know if Your Internet Connection is Disrupted
You have little influence over weather-related disturbances, which frequently result in harm to your neighborhood’s network infrastructure.
If you’re worried that the bad weather has disrupted your internet connection, try these two solutions.
Check for a Power Outage
Checking power outage reports on your service provider’s website or calling the provider directly is the best way to find out if the internet outage is specific to your building or affects the entire neighborhood.
If your cell phone is still operational, you can see if there are any outage notices posted on the website of your internet service provider through your phone data. Another option is to simply call them. If your cell phone doesn’t have service, it’s probably because of a major outage in your area and therefore no one can get online.
Inspect the Equipment for Wear and Tear
If there hasn’t been an outage reported in your neighborhood, check outside for damaged equipment around your home. Strong winds frequently cause this problem for satellite customers, whose dishes might be blown out of position. However, even wired clients can lose service if a branch falls on a utility pole cable.
Never touch a downed cable, even if you are certain it is not an active electrical line. If you notice broken wires or downed utility poles in your neighborhood, you should contact your local utility company or internet service provider.
Damaged equipment should be notified to your internet service provider as soon as possible.
How to Get Ready for Bad Weather
Now that you know how to check for an internet disruption, let’s take a look at how you can better prepare for the next bad weather condition:
Take Care of That Satellite Dish
Severe weather might cause physical harm to the wireless signal’s source. Rain and snow can be especially damaging to a satellite dish. While you have no say in what your internet service provider does with its infrastructure, you can always ask customer care if they have safeguards in place.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a dish cover or specialized heater to protect your satellite dish from the elements.
Upgrade Your Equipment
The performance and dependability of the internet can be greatly improved with modern hardware. Weather is a major cause of service disruptions for users of older wireless routers, which use the Wireless-G interface to transmit signals.
Faster transfer rates, higher quality signals, and a more reliable connection can all be yours after you upgrade to a more high-tech interface that makes use of Wireless-AC or Wi-Fi 6 technology.
Protect Your Electronics
Extreme heat can cause electronic equipment to overheat, resulting in a disruption of your connection. You should relocate your router or other overheated indoor equipment to a cooler spot. Consider a location that is shielded from the sun, has enough air circulation, and is not a small closet or a vent.
However, power down your machinery, if you suspect overheating could cause damage. Turn it off and place it where there is plenty of airflow, such as a desk or table instead of a blanket or couch.
All in All
If you want to protect your electronic equipment from being damaged by bad weather conditions, you should disconnect it.
Moreover, power surges caused by lightning can fry your electronics and disrupt your connection to the web. Having a backup plan, like a mobile hotspot, can help you stay connected in bad weather conditions.
Stay safe!
