Virgin Media have issued an urgent warning to all broadband users across the UK as the weather once again starts heating up - and ignoring the advice could leave your internet supply fried.
And while the most precious piece of advice from the internet service provider (ISP) has sent out with regards to routers as of recent only takes a second or two to rectify, it could end up being vital for the health of your flashing black box.
With summer just around the corner, and the mercury beginning to bubble, it's incredibly important that you keep your router away from direct sunlight, and avoid placing it on the likes of baking hot window ledges.
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The Mirror reports that in similar fashion to most gadgets, such as mobile phones and laptops, routers can end up shutting down completely should they get too toasty - and prolonged exposure to heat could end up frying the device beyond repair.
If the overheating is just a temporary problem, you'll be cut off without internet until it cools down. However, if it's more serious, you'll likely be left without internet until a repair person can come and issue you a replacement.
Writing a message to users, Virgin said: "Always keep it indoors in a cool place and out of bright sunlight to prevent it from overheating."
With regards to positioning, Virgin also advised that customers place their routers in a central position and as high up as possible in their property. This allows the signal the best chance of spreading evenly throughout the home.
To boost speeds further, you should also clean your Wi-Fi connection regularly - erasing any devices which can do without sucking up your super fast speeds, like a neighbours laptop or old and outdated gadgets sat collecting dust. Virgin's Connect App can help with this, allowing you to pause smartphones and tablets from accessing the internet remotely.
Next up in the advice comes the good-old fashioned 'switch it off and back on again'. Although it sounds cliché, the hack can actually fix an abundance of issues - and is certainly worthwhile every couple of months.
If you haven't refreshed your router then here's how to give it a reboot.
- On the back of your hub, turn the A/C power switch into the off position (with the “O” pressed in).
- Leave it off for about 10 seconds.
- Turn the hub back on by turning the A/C power switch into the on position (with the “I” pressed in).
While you wait, Virgin urges users to scan their routers for faulty or damaged cables, which could in fact lead to problems with your internet speeds and even cause your network connection to bug out.
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