Broadband keeps disconnecting
Check whether the issue is your line, router or provider network.
Read guideWhy your internet keeps dropping
An internet connection can drop for several different reasons. Sometimes the broadband line loses sync. Sometimes the router stays online but Wi‑Fi devices disconnect. In other cases the connection is technically live, but latency, packet loss or congestion make it feel broken.
The fastest way to narrow it down is to compare Wi‑Fi with Ethernet. If a wired device stays stable while wireless devices drop, the problem is probably inside the home. If Ethernet also drops, it may be the router, cabling, service fault or provider network.
Most common causes
- Weak Wi‑Fi signal: walls, distance, thick floors and poor router placement can cause devices to disconnect.
- Interference: neighbouring routers, baby monitors, cordless phones, microwaves and Bluetooth devices can affect wireless stability.
- Router overload: older routers may struggle with many devices, video calls, streaming and cloud backups.
- Line or fibre fault: damaged cables, poor signal levels or local network issues can cause repeated drops.
- Evening congestion: the connection may remain online but feel unreliable when local usage is high.
How to prove where the problem is
Run a LinkSpeed test near the router, then run another test where you normally notice the dropouts. Look at download speed, upload speed, ping and jitter. A big difference between rooms points toward Wi‑Fi coverage. High jitter or unstable ping can explain gaming lag, frozen calls and buffering even when download speed looks fine.
For the cleanest evidence, test on Ethernet as well. If the wired test is also poor or the connection fully disconnects, record the time and contact your broadband provider with your results.
Quick fault checklist
- Restart the router and leave it five minutes before testing again.
- Run one test close to the router and another in the room where the issue happens.
- Try Ethernet where possible to separate broadband-line issues from Wi‑Fi issues.
- Pause large downloads, cloud backups, game updates and streaming on other devices.
- Test at different times of day and keep screenshots of poor results.
FAQs
Why does my internet keep dropping but Wi‑Fi still shows connected?
Your device may still be connected to the router, but the router may have lost its broadband connection or the link may be suffering from high latency, congestion or packet loss.
Should I replace my router if the internet keeps dropping?
Only after basic checks. First test Ethernet, restart the router, check cables, move the router away from interference and compare results at different times of day.
Can evening congestion cause dropouts?
Yes, it can make a connection feel like it is dropping, especially during gaming, calls and streaming. True disconnections usually show as the router losing broadband or fibre service.