Unreliable internet is incredibly frustrating. If you’re struggling with frequent nbn® dropouts and don’t understand why it’s happening, you’re not alone.
Here’s what I’ve learned about the three most common causes of these issues, and a few practical troubleshooting tips.
Common nbn® issues
Hardware problems
A faulty router or a device issue could be to blame for your nbn® dropouts. Your nbn® connection relies on various components to deliver internet to your home, and any one of these can fail, causing connectivity troubles.
First, identify the affected devices. Check whether it’s only one device, such as a phone or laptop, experiencing connectivity issues, or if several devices are affected. If it’s only one device, your nbn® is likely fine, and the issue may lie with the device itself.
Ensure cables are securely plugged in and not damaged. If the device is connected via Wi-Fi, try turning it off and on again.
Next, check your router. Ensure your router is compatible with your internet plan and supports high speeds. If your router is more than five years old, it might not support the latest Wi-Fi standards and speeds. An outdated router can result in a slower internet connection or frequent dropouts. In such cases, consider buying a new router to resolve these issues.
Network congestion
Heavy internet usage in your area can overwhelm the nbn® infrastructure, leading to slower speeds and dropouts, especially during peak times. This is a common issue, especially in densely populated areas where many users are online simultaneously.
To manage this, try scheduling bandwidth-intensive activities during off-peak hours. Streaming, downloading, or gaming at off-peak times can help reduce network pressure and dropouts.
Additionally, with the rise of streaming, social media, virtual working, and smart home devices, the demands on a traditional internet plan are constantly increasing. Consider upgrading to a faster plan to handle these demands more effectively. Upgrading your internet speed can provide a more stable and reliable connection, especially during high-usage periods.
Weather problems
Bad weather can wreak havoc on your internet connection. Heavy rains, storms, or strong winds can damage infrastructure, such as cables and antennae, leading to signal deterioration and dropouts.
To mitigate this, consider weatherproofing your exterior cables and connections. Shielding them from the elements can reduce signal disruptions during inclement weather. If severe weather has occurred in your area, check your service provider’s outage and maintenance page to see if this is causing your dropouts. Regularly checking for outages can help you stay informed and understand if weather-related issues are affecting your connection.
How to prevent nbn® dropouts
It’s not all bad news though. Try these proactive solutions to mitigate the problem.
Regular maintenance of your hardware is key. Inspect your gear, including the NBN modem, router, wires and power board, to ensure everything is in good shape, free of damage and not overheating.
Keep all cables properly plugged in and updated with the current firmware. If your router is outdated, you may want to upgrade to a newer model that supports higher speeds and the latest Wi-Fi standards.
Scheduling bandwidth-intensive activities during off-peak hours can help reduce network congestion and dropouts. Off-peak usage can make a significant difference in maintaining a stable connection.
If you suspect line quality issues, contact your service provider to schedule a line inspection. Sometimes, a small repair or replacement can make a significant difference.
It’s also possible that your problems aren’t related to the nbn® at all, in which case consider adjusting your Wi-Fi. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is optimised for performance by following best practices such as placing your router in a central location, away from obstructions and interference.
Upgrade your plan
If your nbn® connection remains an issue, it might be time to consider an upgrade. If you use an older type of nbn® – fibre to the node, fibre to the curb, fibre to the building, or hybrid fibre-coaxial – worn-out and unreliable infrastructure could be the cause of your dropouts.
Choosing the right nbn® package for your household’s internet use is crucial. If your internet is constantly slow and laggy, you may need a higher speed package such as an nbn® 250 or nbn® 1000 plan. A faster plan can provide the bandwidth needed to support multiple devices and high-demand activities, giving you a smoother online experience.
I know how important a stable and fast internet connection is to me, and I’m sure it is to you too. By understanding the common causes of nbn® dropouts and implementing these solutions, you can enjoy a better online experience.
Key points:
- Faulty router or device issues, heavy internet usage or poor weather can cause nbn disruption or dropouts.
- Regular maintenance of hardware, schedule bandwidth-intensive activities during off-peak hours and contact service provider to reduce dropouts.
- If NBN® connection remains an issue, consider upgrading to a higher speed package.
Author: Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing and project management.
