Why Do I Continue Gettting Disconnect From the Cloud From Work
5 Reasons Why Your Internet Keeps Disconnecting—and How You Can Fix It
Aug 18, 2022 Share
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An internet connection that randomly drops out of service at any time isn't just a minor inconvenience—it can be a major impediment to daily life. In this new age of working from home, a reliable internet connection is just as important as keeping the lights on.
Unfortunately, connection issues can result from inconsistent speeds or an out-of-date router. Your connection woes may even arise from a much bigger problem happening on your service provider's end.
To help you solve these issues, we put together a list of symptoms, diagnoses, and solutions. Let's bring that speedy service back to life.
Are you flat-out tired of unreliable service?
You can always switch providers. Enter your zip code below to see what options are available to you.
Your internet speed is too slow
Your overall speed can drop if you have too many devices using too much bandwidth simultaneously. This problem is especially likely when you live with multiple people. Wireless devices can even disconnect from Wi-Fi.
For example, Zoom meetings on a 15–25 Mbps wireless connection may get choppy or disconnect altogether as others stream high-definition movies and play games online using the same network.
How do you fix it?
Run a speed test from your modem using a wired device to see if you're getting close to your plan's advertised speeds. Rerun the test from your router at close range using a wireless device—preferably with our Speed Test App that's now available on Apple's App Store (Android is on the way).
If both tests show the correct speeds based on your plan, then take a look at our How Much Internet Speed Do I Need? tool to see if your plan matches your needs. If it doesn't, call your internet provider to order a faster plan.
Want to switch providers for better service?
Enter your zip code below to see if you can find a more reliable option in your area:.
Your modem isn't connecting with your internet provider
Your internet may randomly disconnect because you have a modem that doesn't communicate with your internet provider properly.
You need a modem for home internet, as it translates your provider's signals into data your home network can use. Sometimes issues arise that are out of your control—like problems in the neighborhood—that cause your modem to disconnect. Other issues may reside on your end that you can troubleshoot.
How do you fix it?
Check the modem's connection to the entry point into your home. You may see a cable connecting your modem to a wall outlet or a cable protruding from a hole and ending at your modem.
If everything checks out, contact your internet provider to see if the modem receives and transmits a signal correctly. If not, customer service can troubleshoot the modem remotely and send a technician if needed.
Want gigabit speeds on a cable connection?
You'll need a modem that meets DOCSIS 3.0 standards or newer—otherwise, you won't be able to hit those speeds. Take a look at our gigabit modems guide for the best options.
Your Wi-Fi router is out of date
An old wireless router is a common culprit for connection issues. If you just bought the new iPhone 13—which supports Wi-Fi 6—it won't see fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds if you connect the phone to a slower Wi-Fi 4 router. Even a router that's just a couple of years old may be behind the curve or just worn out.
Wi-Fi 6—also known as 802.11ax or Wireless AX—is the latest of six internet protocols maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) over the years.
Having a router that uses Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 protocols ensures you'll get optimum speeds and better performance when multiple people are on your Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi standards (from newest to oldest) 1
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
- 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
- 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)
- 802.11g (Wi-Fi 3)
- 802.11b (Wi-Fi 2)
- 802.11a (Wi-Fi 1)
How do you fix it?
Get a Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 router.
Before you invest, take time to research different router options and read reviews. Make sure the router you choose is compatible with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. You don't necessarily need to purchase a router online, but it's great to know what you're buying before you march into Best Buy.
If you're curious, 802.11 is a standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN). Letters typically follow the last digit, like 802.11n and 802.11ac, describing the generation and used frequencies. The Wi-Fi Alliance made these numbers more consumer-friendly using labels like Wireless-N and Wireless-AC. Now the naming system is even more simplified by using labels like Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6.
Pro tip:
Take a look at our guides to gigabit routers and routers for streaming to get recommendations for the best-quality hardware out today. We recommend Google Nest Wifi as the best pick because it's easy to set up and has excellent range.
Amazon.com Price (as of 12/22/21 10:15 MST). See full disclaimer.
Your cables are faulty
Your internet will keep disconnecting if you have loose, old, or damaged cables.
With cable and DSL internet, you'll need one of three different cables to plug your modem or wireless gateway into your internet connection. You'll also need another cable to connect a standalone router to a standalone modem.
For fiber-to-the-home internet, you need an Ethernet cable to connect your wireless router to the optical network terminal (ONT)—Google calls these devices the Network Box and Fiber Jack, respectively. Other fiber services use one of the three cables listed below.
Here are three common types of cables for most home internet connections:
- Coaxial cable—Connects a modem or wireless gateway to the cable TV line entering your home.
- Phone cable—Connects a modem or wireless gateway to a telephone line entering your home.
- Ethernet cable—Connects a standalone modem or ONT to a standalone router. Ethernet cables also connect computers, game consoles, set-top-boxes, and more to a router or wireless gateway.
If one of these cables isn't working correctly, then your whole network may suffer. Either your internet won't work at all, or it will work very unreliably, leaving you frazzled as the connection keeps dropping out.
How do you fix it?
Make sure all cables are connected and securely in place. Swap them out for newer cables if you can—they can be relatively cheap on Amazon.
Need a new Ethernet cable?
If you're looking to replace a faulty cable or need an upgrade, we list the five best Ethernet cables supporting fast speeds and outside use.
Amazon.com Price (as of 12/22/21 10:15 MST). See full disclaimer.
Your network is having technical difficulties
Your internet may keep going out for several reasons: your provider has poor network coverage, it has a weak infrastructure, or it has technical issues it needs to address.
There are all sorts of technical problems on your provider's end that can make your internet randomly disconnect. Depending on the type of internet you have, the cause could be related to network congestion, construction by your house, or even bad weather.
How do you fix it?
Call your internet provider and report the issue. If your problems persist, switch providers to get better service. Enter your zip code below to see other options in your area:
More about disconnection problems
If you need more details, read on to the sections below for a rundown of how these different internet connections work and where they're most susceptible to disconnections.
Disconnection problems with fiber internet
Fiber-to-the-home internet is by far the most reliable connection you can get. It runs over cables filled with glass fibers, eliminating external interference that can slow your speeds. But since fiber is buried under the ground, it could be vulnerable to damage if there's construction happening on your block.
In past years, there have also been problems with "micro-trenching." Fiber cables become exposed at street level because installers bury them too shallow.2
How do you fix it?
Call your provider if the internet goes out. The provider will get it back up and running—even after someone cut the service line.
Disconnection problems with cable internet
Cable internet relies on area-wide infrastructure, meaning speeds can drop during peak usage hours—usually between 7 p.m. and midnight. You may notice a slower connection when more of your neighbors hop on the internet at the same time, especially if you live in a densely populated area.
You also may experience random disconnections if the coaxial cable isn't properly connected to your modem, if roots damage the cable running into your house, if you nipped the cable while using a weedeater, and so on.
How do you fix it?
Ensure the cable connector nut is tight against the modem and the cable itself doesn't jiggle in place. A loose cable will absolutely give you connection problems.
If the cable looks secure, contact your provider. Your connections may need repairs, or your modem may need a replacement. You may require a faster plan if you experience disconnects due to neighborhood network congestion.
Pro tip:
Use our speed test to get an idea of what kind of internet speeds you're getting now. You can take the test multiple times throughout the day to see how network congestion impacts your speed.
Disconnection problems with DSL internet
DSL internet runs over copper telephone wiring, which degrades in quality over long distances. So you'll get slower speeds and unreliable service if you live far away from your provider's central network node.
You also may experience random disconnections if you live in an old house with faulty telephone wiring or a corroded telephone socket.3
How do you fix it?
Call your internet provider and see if you can upgrade to cable or fiber (which is also provided by several DSL providers). Fiber is relatively new and scarce, so if it's not available in your area, upgrade to cable internet instead.
Enter your zip code below to see what's available in your area:
Disconnection problems with satellite internet
Satellite internet is available practically anywhere because it delivers a signal from space. But that immense distance also creates a lot of potential for interference, especially when there's a lot of wind, snow, or rain.
Plus, satellite internet packages typically come with only a modest portion of data to use each month—and once you go over, your service will be "deprioritized." That means your speeds will slow to a crawl, and your connection may start dropping in and out.
How do you fix it?
Get a satellite internet plan that gives you more data to use, especially if you keep hitting your data caps. Also, try downloading videos and other files ahead of time, so you don't have to stream on bad weather days.
We recommend cable, fiber, or DSL internet if any of these internet types are available in your area.
Disconnection problems with 5G, 4G LTE, and fixed wireless internet
5G home internet, 4G home internet, and fixed wireless internet all operate over wireless cellular signals, which requires a nearby cell tower to deliver service.
Just like what happens with a cell phone, you can experience disconnects and service interruptions if there's overcrowding on the network or bad weather conditions. Nearby buildings or geographical features like hills, trees, and mountains can also impact your connection.
How do you fix it?
Live closer to a cell tower. If that's not an option, download streamable content ahead of time to avoid potential interruptions.
To find a more reliable Wi-Fi setup, enter your zip code below to see what options are available in your area:
FAQ about why your internet keeps disconnecting
Why does my internet keep cutting out?
Your internet keeps cutting out because you or your internet provider need to resolve one or more issues.
For example, your modem may be faulty, your router may be out of date, or you may have too many devices using too much data simultaneously. Cables may be damaged. Network congestion may slow speeds. Some slowdowns are out of your control, while others are easily fixed.
To help keep your internet connection running smoothly, do the following:
- Make sure your internet plan gives you adequate speeds.
- Use a router certified for the most recent standards, such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6.
- Make sure all cables are secure and undamaged.
- Make sure your Ethernet cable is CAT 5e or newer.
- Make sure your router has the latest firmware.
If the problem persists, call your provider and report your issues. You can also consider upgrading your internet plan or switching to a new internet provider that gives you a more reliable service.
Sources
- Black Box Corporation, "Faster. Farther. Better. The Evolution of 802.11," April 30, 2018. Accessed May 20, 2021.
- Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, "Google Fiber's Biggest Failure: ISP Will Turn Service Off in Louisville," February 8, 2019. Accessed Dec. 1, 2020.
- MrTelco.com, "Top 5 Common Phone Line Faults Affecting Landline & ADSL," August 16, 2015. Accessed Dec. 1, 2020.
Disclaimer
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Author - Austin Aguirre
Austin worked as a broadband technician installing and troubleshooting countless home internet networks for some of the largest ISPs in the U.S. He became a freelance writer in 2020 specializing in software guides. After graduating with a BS in technical communication from Arizona State University, he joined the team at HighSpeedInternet.com where he focuses on home network improvement and troubleshooting.
Editor - Rebecca Lee Armstrong
Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.
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