Why Does My Internet Keep Dropping? The Real Problem May Not Be Your Connection
“How many times have I heard, ‘The internet is not working!’” There are too many to count. It’s likely one of the most frequently used phrases of the past few years, especially with the increased reliance on home networks during the pandemic. But is the internet the problem?
As a bit of a tech geek (or call me a nerd if you prefer), I understand the issue. Unfortunately, many internet service providers (ISPs) either don’t know the full story or choose not to explain it to their customers. Let’s dive into the typical home internet setup and uncover the common reasons behind connection issues.
Understanding a Typical Home Internet Setup
Most homes today use a multifunction modem/router internet gateway. For a family of four, it’s common to have around 15 to 20 devices connected at any given time, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, smart home devices, and streaming services. This combination creates a complex network, sometimes leading to frustrating slowdowns and connectivity issues.
How Much Internet Does a Typical Home Use?
Great question! Many ISPs let you monitor your monthly data consumption through their customer portals. If you’re with an independent ISP, you may need to check your router for data usage. Routers with advanced firmware, like DD-WRT or Tomato, or high-end models from brands like Asus and TP-Link, provide detailed network traffic reports, including daily, monthly, and yearly usage.
For example, Rogers Internet offers a clear breakdown of data utilization, as do other major providers like Bell, Shaw, Cogeco, and Videotron.
Calculating Your Internet Usage
Calculating your data usage is easier than you might think. For instance, my average monthly data usage is 28 GB, which breaks down to about 0.93 GB per day. (Quick note: GB stands for gigabytes, and 1 byte equals 8 bits.) For those interested in the technical details, there are articles available explaining the relationship between different data measurements and bit rates.
Internet Speeds and Data Consumption
One common source of confusion is that internet speeds are measured in megabits (Mbps) or gigabits (Gbps), while data consumption is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). This discrepancy can lead to misunderstandings, whether intentional or not. ISPs could improve clarity by using consistent language for both speed and usage.
To put things in perspective, my average hourly internet usage is 0.038 GB (38 MB), while my internet plan offers a download speed of 150 Mbps, which equals 18.75 MB/s. That means I’m using just 0.63 MB/s, well within my connection’s capacity.
Why the Router Is Often the Culprit
If you’re experiencing frequent slowdowns or disconnections, the router is often the bottleneck. Why? Because all of your home’s internet traffic p ... through this one device. Your router handles Wi-Fi, ethernet, firewalls, and more, making it a potential choke point in your network.
Routers are impressive pieces of technology, but like any device, they have limits. Over time, their CPUs and memory can become overwhelmed, especially if they’re running outdated firmware or dealing with the demands of modern households.
Signs of a Router in Trouble
When a router struggles to keep up, you might notice:
- Choppy VoIP calls
- Lag during video calls or online gaming
- Poor-quality video streaming
- Random Wi-Fi disconnections, even when in range
Rebooting the router may temporarily fix these issues, but if it happens often, it’s a sign the router can no longer handle your network’s demands.
The Solution: Upgrading Your Router
In most cases, it’s not your internet connection that needs an upgrade—it’s your router. Tech-savvy users have long known that the best home routers are often labeled as “gaming routers.” These high-performance routers are built for streaming and can handle multiple devices without choking.
Here are some top-rated gaming routers:
- Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming 6 – $229.99
- Asus RT-AX88U Pro (AX6000) – $299.99
- Asus Gaming GT-AXE1100 – $539.99
While these routers may seem overkill for some households, they offer future-proofing for your home network. Investing in a high-end router now means you won’t need to upgrade as your internet demands grow. I opted for the Asus GT-AXE1100 because I’ve had great experiences with Asus routers in the past.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Router for a Better Internet Experience
Most people upgrade their smartphones more often than their home routers, even though we rely on our internet connections more than ever. Given how much we use the internet daily, upgrading to a top-of-the-line router is a worthwhile investment. It’s a smarter and more cost-effective solution than constantly upgrading your internet plan due to router limitations.