It’s no fun when your TP-Link AC1900 router suddenly shuts off. This issue can mess up your internet connection. You might be in the middle of streaming, working, or sending big files to Google Drive. Figuring out why it’s happening is crucial to fix it for good.
Sometimes, problems come from old hardware, crowded networks, or where your router sits. These issues can cut off your internet, making it hard to stay online. We’ll look at ways to keep your connection strong. These tips will help your TP-Link AC1900 router work better, with fewer disconnections.
Common Causes of Router Disconnections
It’s really annoying when the Internet keeps dropping, especially when you’re in the middle of something important. Knowing why this happens can make things better. Let’s look at what often causes router disconnections.
Router Glitches
Router problems are a big reason for losing your connection. Think of restarting your router like oiling a squeaky wheel. This simple step can fix many issues. Older routers sometimes can’t handle lots of devices or new technology. This leads to losing connection often. To prevent this, update your router’s software and reboot it now and then.
Faulty Cabling
Bad cables can also mess up your connection. Cables that are damaged or old might cause your Internet to cut in and out. Sometimes, cables look fine but aren’t plugged in right or are set up wrong. This can stop you from getting online, too. Checking your cables often and replacing any that look bad is a good idea.
Network Congestion
Too many devices using the Internet at once can overload your network. This is called network congestion. It means your router can’t keep up, making your connection drop. You can fix this by using fewer devices at the same time. Also, doing things that need a lot of Internet during quieter times helps. Or you might need a better Internet plan.
Dealing with router problems, bad cables, and too much Internet traffic can make your connection better. Remember these tips when you’re trying to fix your Internet. They can help you get a smoother, more stable connection.
How to Identify a Router Issue
Knowing how to spot a router issue is key for a good Wi-Fi connection. About 80% of Wi-Fi problems come from router issues like outdated software or wrong settings. Here’s how to figure out the main problem quickly.
Check for Orange Lights
Orange lights on your router are a clear sign something’s wrong. Brands like Netgear or TP-Link use these colors to show there’s a problem. Seeing orange instead of green or blue means your router has issues.
- Look at the lights on the front of your router.
- Orange or amber lights typically indicate a problem with the internet connection.
- Refer to your router’s manual to understand what each light signal represents.
If you keep seeing orange lights, you might need to restart your router or call your ISP. It’s also good to keep the router’s software updated. This helps keep your Wi-Fi working well and stops these errors.
Monitor Frequency of Disconnections
It’s important to watch how often your internet cuts out. Routers usually work well for about 5 years. If yours disconnects a lot, it might be time to get a new one.
To keep track of disconnections:
- Write down when your internet stops working.
- Look for any patterns, like specific times or activities.
- See if other devices at home are having the same problem.
Updating your network adapter’s drivers, specifically on Windows 10, and using private Wi-Fi settings can fix 70% of issues. Restarting your router and modem is a good first step to solve these problems.
Quickly fixing router issues helps keep your internet stable. Regular upkeep, like software updates, also makes a big difference in Wi-Fi performance.
Steps to Restart Your Modem and Router
Restarting your modem and router fixes common internet issues. This step, known as an Internet equipment restart, ensures your devices work right. It can solve problems like slow Wi-Fi or no internet.
Unplugging Power Cable
First, unplug the power cable from both your modem and router. This is key for a reboot. Just like computers, this lets the devices reset internally.
Waiting Period
Wait at least 15 seconds before plugging the cables back in. This time lets all excess power leave the devices, making sure they fully reboot. It’s vital to not rush this step.
Plugging Back In
Next, plug the power cables back in, starting with the modem then the router. This way, your modem connects to the internet before the router spreads the signal. Doing this every few months keeps things running smoothly.
Reboot and Check
Let the modem and router reboot for a few minutes. Look for stable modem lights as a sign they’re ready. After seeing stable lights, test your internet. Most of the time, this reboot fixes network problems.
Improving Weak Wi-Fi Signal
Dealing with a weak Wi-Fi signal can be annoying, but don’t worry, there are good ways to make it stronger. By working on your router and using Wi-Fi extenders wisely, you can make your internet better. Making changes like where your router sits, dealing with interference, and boosting the signal will give you steady internet at home or work.
Optimal Router Placement
To start improving your Wi-Fi, think about where your router is. It should be in the middle of the area you use it most, higher up, and not near things that block its signals like stone or metal. Moving it closer to where you spend time online will also make a big difference in how well it works.
Avoiding Interference
Stuff like microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can mess with your Wi-Fi. Keep your router away from these to cut down on interference. Also, in places with many Wi-Fi networks, picking a channel that’s not too busy can help your Wi-Fi run smoother.
Extending Wi-Fi Range
If you have a big house or a lot of walls, Wi-Fi extenders can really help. Devices like the Netgear range extender push your signal further, making sure you’re covered everywhere. It’s best to put these extenders about halfway between your router and the spots with weak Wi-Fi.
By setting up your router the right way and using extenders smartly, you can really boost your Wi-Fi. This means fast, reliable internet all over your place.
Why Does My Router Keep Turning Off?
Sometimes, your router may turn off by itself. This can happen for a few reasons. Let’s look at three common issues that cause this problem.
ISP Outages and Slowdowns
Sometimes, the issue is with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They might have outages or slow down your internet on purpose. This can make your router stop working well because it loses its connection. It’s a good idea to check with your ISP regularly to make sure this isn’t happening.
Network Cable Problems
Problems with network cables can also cause trouble. If cables are damaged or not plugged in right, your router might not work well. Make sure your cables are in good shape and connected properly. Sometimes, just looking at them or getting new ones can fix the issue.
Router Overheating
Keeping your router cool is super important. If it gets too hot, it won’t work right. Make sure it’s in a place with good air flow and not too crowded. Clean it from time to time to keep dust away. This helps keep it from getting too hot and extends its life.
Managing Network Congestion
Network congestion happens when too many devices use the network bandwidth at the same time. This often occurs during busy times. It can lead to router disconnections, ruining your internet usage. To handle this, you should manage your internet use wisely. Here are some smart ways to do that:
- Track your overall internet usage: Keep an eye on how much data each device and app uses. This lets you spot busy times. Then, you can make better choices about when to use the internet.
- Prioritize tasks and devices: Use Quality of Service (QoS) protocols to make sure important apps get the bandwidth they need. This helps reduce the effects of network congestion on key activities.
- Upgrade your internet plan: If your current plan doesn’t fit your needs, consider getting one with more bandwidth. A better plan can improve network performance and keep a stable connection for more devices.
- Utilize network performance monitoring: Tools like Obkio Network Performance Monitoring can find and explain internet issues. They show how your network performs from start to finish. This can uncover the main reasons for connection problems and congestion.
- Minimize non-essential traffic: Try to do less during peak times. Lower or schedule things like streaming videos and downloading big files to reduce network stress.
By following these tips, you can manage network congestion better. This makes your internet experience smoother. It also lets you focus on important tasks without interruptions.
Conclusion
When your router keeps turning off, it’s important to know why. Many things like glitches, too many people online, or issues with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can cause problems. Finding out the reason and fixing it can make your internet reliable again.
To keep a good internet connection, start by checking your router’s lights. Look for anything unusual. Also, see how often you lose your connection. You might improve your Wi-Fi by disconnecting gadgets you’re not using or by getting closer to your router. If you need more internet speed, talk to your provider about getting more bandwidth.
Turning your router off and on regularly can help. It fixes software issues and gives you a new IP address. Keeping your router’s software updated is also key. It makes your router work better and your Wi-Fi signal stronger. By setting the number of devices to “Auto” and checking for malware often, you can keep your internet running smoothly.
