Broadband users across the UK have been issued a warning to keep routers away from direct sunlight as the weather gets warmer. Virgin Media issued an urgent warning to users reminding them to keep their router away from the sunshine, and to avoid placing it on the likes of baking hot window ledges.
It is important to follow this advice as the mercury inside the box could cause the router to overheat. If the overheating is just a temporary problem, you'll be cut off without internet until it cools down, but if it's more serious then you'll likely be left without internet until a replacement can be issued.
This is similar to most gadgets, such as mobile phones and laptops, but routers can end up shutting down completely should they get too hot. Additionally, prolonged exposure to heat could end up frying the device beyond repair, reports The Chronicle Live.
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Writing a message to its 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.
The company also advised that 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erasing any devices which can do without sucking up your super fast speeds, like a neighbour's laptop or old and outdated gadgets sat collecting dust. Virgin's Connect App can help customers with this, allowing you to pause smartphones and tablets from accessing the internet remotely.
It is also recommended that you reboot your router every couple of months, which can help fix an abundance of issues. This can be done by doing the following:
- 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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