UK heatwave could trigger broadband blackout for homes

If your Wi-Fi router overheats and goes offline, you’ll lose internet access across all of your devices. Whether you work or study from home, stream music, listen to the radio over the internet, or watch television via Sky Stream or a streaming service like Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video — losing Wi-Fi and wired broadband connections can be a massive inconvenience.

The telecom expert has three simple easy-to-follow instructions to help avoid any broadband blackouts due to overheating Wi-Fi routers — or damage to any of your other gadgets during the summer heatwave.

1. Beware of hot spots | Place your router in the coolest room in your home, away from direct sunlight. Typically, a central spot in the home works best for a decent Wi-Fi connection everywhere and a cooler environment for it to operate. Keep your router away from sunny spots, like a windowsill
2. Ensure proper ventilation| Wi-Fi routers need airflow to avoid overheating. Place your router on a stable, level surface — preferably one that remains cool. This ensures proper ventilation around the device, especially underneath it. Never place the Wi-Fi router on a carpet that might block airflow
3. Working outdoors | If you’re lucky enough to be able to work from your garden, it’s important to keep your tech gadgets away from direct sunlight where they may overheat. Don’t be tempted to put your router outside in the sunlight — instead, consider a Wi-Fi extender if necessary

Although it might seem like a good idea, experts warn against switching off your Wi-Fi router, especially overnight. That’s because broadband companies typically issue critical security and performance updates overnight as it’s the least disruptive time to make adjustments.

If your Wi-Fi router isn’t connected to the internet, you could miss these important firmware updates. That said, a simple reboot — also known as a power cycle — every now and again can improve the performance of your Wi-Fi router since it allows the components an opportunity to reset.

Of course, the heatwave promises to impact more than just your Wi-Fi router. Ms Sharma has some expert advice for those worried about their smartphone during the sweltering temperatures too.

• Be mindful of heat strain | Most phones are designed to work up to 35ºC and can keep themselves cool. However, direct sunlight adds additional strain to your device so be mindful of keeping your phone out of the sun’s glare
• Give your phone a rest | If you can feel your phone beginning to really warm-up, start by giving it a helping hand and closing down unused apps or features like Bluetooth connectivity and App Refresh. All your phone’s features require the processor to generate heat, so closing these can add up
• Avoid a cold reception | A drawer or the glove compartment is usually the best place to keep your device cool. Never put your phone in the fridge or freezer as a way of lowering the temperature
• Check your charger | Non-official chargers, particularly cheaper replacements, can often overload a smartphone while charging, which can become a more significant issue when your phone is already struggling with the heat

Simrat Sharma cautions: “We’re all happy to see summer finally arriving in the UK, but of course, your tech might not always feel the same way and there’s a real risk your mobile phone or router can suffer long-term damage.

“Mobile phones and routers have in-built hardware to help them keep cool, but there are some things you can do to help. As a general rule, direct sunlight can often have a detrimental effect on your tech.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

“Electronic devices all rely on ventilation to keep cool. This means they need space around them to let out the hot air caused by all the processing they need to do. If your router is surrounded by lots of other objects, it can’t properly ventilate and might overheat. For your mobile phone, a case could have the same effect.

“The more devices that are connected to your router, the harder it has to work to keep them all online, which makes it more likely to slow down or switch off. The same applies to your mobile device — if it has too many applications running this will force the processor to work harder and generate more heat.

“If your phone has overheated — you should never put it in a fridge or freezer to cool off, as the rapid change in temperature can do more harm than good. Instead, turn the power off and leave to cool in a well-ventilated area out of the sun.”