Routers are essential devices so that we can connect to the Internet from home. In fact, that is why operators install it for us for free so that they can provide us with a WiFi signal so that we can browse the network without problems. This device is so important that, if it overheats, we can notice it in the connection. Now that high temperatures are approaching, it is advisable to prevent and prevent this from happening.
Router overheating can be due to a multitude of reasons. But it is no surprise to anyone if we say that it is usually more common in summer, when temperatures rise. And even more so in recent years in which heat waves have almost overlapped each other in most of the Spanish territory.
When the router overheats, users may notice it in its performance. Maybe if it’s a one-day thing, there won’t be a big problem, but if it’s constantly hot, it could be very serious in the long run. This could affect its useful life and, of course, would be noticeable with constant signal drops or slower Internet.
Although it is inevitable to control the weather in the coming months, which is predicted to be a worse summer than the previous one, we can reduce the impact on the router. There are several ways we can prevent it from overheating and we will tell you about some of them in this post.
The location of the router
The place where we place the router is key to its good condition. Although we will be limited by the rosette that we have installed at home, the ideal is to check that it does not receive direct sunlight at any time. That is, avoid it being too close to windows or that it is attached to a wall that faces the outside. and, generally, it is exposed for many hours to the abrasive summer days.
In addition, you should make sure that it is not stuck in the gap of a shelf or surrounded by many objects. It is also not advisable to put a cloth or papers on top of it. If you do any of these things, the air may not be able to circulate very well, since the vent will be clogged.
If it is impossible for you to change the location router, you will have to rearrange the furniture in the room in which it is located. You can also buy a longer cable, to separate the device further from the rosette, or you can even ask your operator to move the rosette.
Move it away from other devices
Not only do you have to take care of the location of the router to avoid sunlight or so that its ventilation works correctly. We must also make sure that we do not have any devices nearby, since, if they heat up, it may affect the temperature of the WiFi device.
Sometimes we worry about the router overheating due to high summer temperatures, but… what about the heat from radiators or stoves? This affects your performance in the same way, and even more.
We also cannot have it very close to the television, a power strip, the console or a computer. All of this, when used, can get very hot, specifically in summer. In the long run, performance will worsen and we will have Internet connection problems.
Cool it with a fan
If, even after trying everything mentioned above, you find that the router is overheating, you will have to take care of cooling it down. To do this, you can buy a small fan specifically for the device for specific moments, or use one that you already have at home.
However, this solution should not be forever, but rather temporary. Otherwise, the problem could be more serious and we should not have the fan always on to hide the real reason for the failure.
What if it’s still hot?
Sometimes, the router problem has nothing to do with its location or the devices we leave nearby. What’s more, sometimes, even trying to cool it with a fan cannot solve the overheating.
This could be giving us a clue that the router is very old or obsolete. In that case, the only way to solve it and have a good Internet connection again is to change it for a new one.
Generally, you can ask the operator to give you one completely free. This will only happen if, after the corresponding review by a technician, they guarantee that the router is very old and that the failures have nothing to do with misuse that we have given it. If they refuse to offer one, you will have two options: pay for it or change operators.
