Heat wave vs router: how to prevent internet malfunction

Now in summer, there are some areas of Spain where temperatures exceed 40 degrees. All this heat is harmful to electronics, which, as we will see later, are designed to work within a temperature range. It is important that we always keep our devices well ventilated, otherwise we could even run out of them.

The heat, natural enemy of the router

The first thing to keep in mind is that routers are no different from other electronic devices that we have at home. These are designed to be running continuously 24 hours a day, so it can be said that it is quite normal for it to get hot. Now, as would also happen to any device, excessive heat can make our router not work as it shouldwhich means that our Internet will be slower.

These devices are designed to work within a very specific temperature range, which will depend on our router and the manufacturer. A heat wave will not automatically cause our router to malfunction, but it could affect its performance. High temperatures can cause our connection to begin to suffer failures and losses continuously, something that is always more evident in the WiFi signal.

Excessive heat for a few days will not affect our router in the long term, but we must be careful if these temperatures continue for several weeks. The electronic components of the router can be damaged, causing the useful life of the device to be drastically reduced. In addition, this will not only affect our router, but other similar devices such as PLCs or WiFi signal repeaters.

Do this to avoid problems in your router

So what can we do to keep our router from overheating and malfunctioning? The truth is that there are some very simple solutions that we can use to prevent this device from having a hard time this summer.

• Leave enough space for ventilation

The router, like any other electronic device, has its own ventilation system. It is very important that we put it in a place where there can be around the 10 or 15 centimeters apart where the device has the ventilation. In addition, as much as possible it is important that you place it in an area where there are no other electrical devices such as video players or consoles, since these also emit their own heat and can end up damaging it.

• Place it on a flat area and fresh material

In addition to placing it in a place where it ventilates enough and where it is away from other devices that are also connected, it is quite important that we place it on a flat surface. and that this be of a fresh material. The surface heat of some materials can make it easier for our router to take on more temperature, which, as you know, does not suit it too well.

• always keep it clean

This advice can be used for any electronic device you have at home. It is essential that we periodically give it a good review so that the device is as clean as possible, since dust can accumulate inside and can cause the device to overheat faster.

• Avoid direct sunlight

It is also crucial that let’s avoid direct sunlight to the router. It is very common to place this type of device near a window, and it is not at all convenient for it to be exposed to sunlight, even if it is only for a few hours a day. The best thing you can do is place it in a place that is high so that the WiFi signal is better transmitted and that it is away from the light that can enter through your windows.

• Don’t put anything on it

This advice goes along the same lines as the first one we have given you on this list. The vents of our router may be on the top of it, so if we place something on top we will be plugging them and thus making our device unable to cool down.

• Use a USB fan

If you can’t use any of the tips above or they just aren’t enough for you, you always have the option to get a USB fan or cooling pad. Most routers today have USB, so we can connect other devices to these devices that can keep them cool throughout the day.