WiFi alert issued to all UK homes to check routers NOW over ‘mass blackout' risk

Read on to find out how to avoid internet blackout
BAD SIGNAL WiFi alert issued to all UK homes to check routers NOW over 'mass blackout' risk
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TEMPERATURES are soaring across the UK this weekend with Brits enjoying the sunshine.
Although hot weather is great for BBQs and tanning, your internet connection might suffer.
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Hot weather could slow down internet connectivity by 25 per cent
UK homes could experience connectivity issues with 25 per cent slower WI-FI.
According to Broadband Genie, high temperatures could overheat your router with upload speeds dropping by 27 per cent.
These black boxes, just like most devices, don't like being too hot and could completely shut down.
In order to avoid a total blackout, it is advised to keep your router away from the direct sunlight.
The Broadband Genie team told Mirror: 'Broadband companies design and test their equipment to operate in and around temperatures up to 40°C.
'If users can keep their broadband router below this, we'll avoid a wave of mass broadband blackouts.
'Customers should check their router isn't placed in an unsuitable spot, such as next to any sunny south-facing window or a sweltering loft space.
'A couple of minutes taken here will save your broadband grinding to a halt, avoiding any broadband-related frustrations.'
But don't tuck away your router inside a cabinet either as that could block the signal.
It is recommended to place your black box at least 30cm off the floor on a flat, hard surface.
Brand new Wi-Fi router revealed
Broadband Genie also warns pet owners to keep their fur babies away from the router.
Your fluffy friend's fur could congest the air ducts which will prevent ventilation.
If your router is too old and is struggling to keep cool even with all precautions taken, you might want to consider an upgrade.
Experts say households should replace their router once every five years, at the very least.
The newer models run cooler and aren't as perceptive to the temperature, and they could cost you only £50.
If all else fails and the temperatures reach 40+ degrees, it is best to disconnect from the internet and bask in the Sun while giving your devices a break.
You might enjoy chatting to family and friends over BBQ or reading a book on a patio or in the park in the meantime.

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UK households given urgent warning to move Wi-Fi router during heatwave

Brits are being urged to check their router immediately or face a internet blackout. While the heatwave was an unexpected surprise for many, it gave most of us an excuse to head outdoors and meet up with friends and family. With the sunshine bringing with it lots of joy and laughter, it can also wreak havoc for your broadband. For those who still have to work during the glorious weather and depend on a stable internet connection to do so, warm weather can also bring more trouble than expected. If exposed to too much heat, Wi-Fi routers run the risk of slowing down and even shopping off completely. ‌ If you don't want your internet to suddenly cut out while you are working, in the middle of your latest binge watch, or facetiming family and friends, it is crucial that you move your router. ‌ This is especially important if it sat at a window or in direct sunlight, reports the Express. Virgin Media explained: "Although we test our Hubs carefully at a range of temperatures, they are better off out of bright sunlight, just like your phone or laptop. "If the Hub gets too hot, it could slow down your connection or even grind to a halt altogether." However, the move isn't just as simple as stuffing the router somewhere dark and cold as this can have similar consequences. While you may think it is a good idea to stash the machine in a cupboard or behind the TV, this can still hinder your connectivity. ‌ This is because router's are stubborn machines that hate having their signal blocked. Instead they should be placed out in the open for the best speeds. Virgin Media said: "Good placement of the Hub could also mean greater WiFi reach. Don't stick the Hub in a cupboard or hidden behind your TV either." ‌ There are also other factors that can mess with your router, such as cordless phones, baby monitors and even fish tanks. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. So in order to make sure you have constant Wi-Fi whizzing around your home, it is important to keep your router as high up as possible, don't let it get too hot and don't block the signal. ‌ If after following these steps the router still isn't working, it is suggested to get the hub a reboot. This should clear any issues and bring the router back to optimal speeds. For the best internet speeds, it is suggested: "The firmware in your Hub monitors the security for your network, so it's good to reboot your router once a month to make sure it's running with all the security patches and updates it needs." However, it should be noted that after a reboot it can take up to five minutes for the Wi-Fi to start working again. Therefore, it is probably best to wait to reboot the device when no one has any important calls or work to be done.

Scottish Sun

15 hours ago

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WiFi alert issued to all UK homes to check routers NOW over ‘mass blackout' risk

Read on to find out how to avoid internet blackout BAD SIGNAL WiFi alert issued to all UK homes to check routers NOW over 'mass blackout' risk Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPERATURES are soaring across the UK this weekend with Brits enjoying the sunshine. Although hot weather is great for BBQs and tanning, your internet connection might suffer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Hot weather could slow down internet connectivity by 25 per cent UK homes could experience connectivity issues with 25 per cent slower WI-FI. According to Broadband Genie, high temperatures could overheat your router with upload speeds dropping by 27 per cent. These black boxes, just like most devices, don't like being too hot and could completely shut down. In order to avoid a total blackout, it is advised to keep your router away from the direct sunlight. The Broadband Genie team told Mirror: 'Broadband companies design and test their equipment to operate in and around temperatures up to 40°C. 'If users can keep their broadband router below this, we'll avoid a wave of mass broadband blackouts. 'Customers should check their router isn't placed in an unsuitable spot, such as next to any sunny south-facing window or a sweltering loft space. 'A couple of minutes taken here will save your broadband grinding to a halt, avoiding any broadband-related frustrations.' But don't tuck away your router inside a cabinet either as that could block the signal. It is recommended to place your black box at least 30cm off the floor on a flat, hard surface. Brand new Wi-Fi router revealed Broadband Genie also warns pet owners to keep their fur babies away from the router. Your fluffy friend's fur could congest the air ducts which will prevent ventilation. If your router is too old and is struggling to keep cool even with all precautions taken, you might want to consider an upgrade. Experts say households should replace their router once every five years, at the very least. The newer models run cooler and aren't as perceptive to the temperature, and they could cost you only £50. If all else fails and the temperatures reach 40+ degrees, it is best to disconnect from the internet and bask in the Sun while giving your devices a break. You might enjoy chatting to family and friends over BBQ or reading a book on a patio or in the park in the meantime.

The Sun

15 hours ago

• The Sun

WiFi alert issued to all UK homes to check routers NOW over ‘mass blackout' risk

TEMPERATURES are soaring across the UK this weekend with Brits enjoying the sunshine. Although hot weather is great for BBQs and tanning, your internet connection might suffer. 1 UK homes could experience connectivity issues with 25 per cent slower WI-FI. According to Broadband Genie, high temperatures could overheat your router with upload speeds dropping by 27 per cent. These black boxes, just like most devices, don't like being too hot and could completely shut down. In order to avoid a total blackout, it is advised to keep your router away from the direct sunlight. The Broadband Genie team told Mirror: 'Broadband companies design and test their equipment to operate in and around temperatures up to 40°C. 'If users can keep their broadband router below this, we'll avoid a wave of mass broadband blackouts. 'Customers should check their router isn't placed in an unsuitable spot, such as next to any sunny south-facing window or a sweltering loft space. 'A couple of minutes taken here will save your broadband grinding to a halt, avoiding any broadband-related frustrations.' But don't tuck away your router inside a cabinet either as that could block the signal. It is recommended to place your black box at least 30cm off the floor on a flat, hard surface. Brand new Wi-Fi router revealed Broadband Genie also warns pet owners to keep their fur babies away from the router. Your fluffy friend's fur could congest the air ducts which will prevent ventilation. If your router is too old and is struggling to keep cool even with all precautions taken, you might want to consider an upgrade. Experts say households should replace their router once every five years, at the very least. The newer models run cooler and aren't as perceptive to the temperature, and they could cost you only £50. If all else fails and the temperatures reach 40+ degrees, it is best to disconnect from the internet and bask in the Sun while giving your devices a break.