The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year, with the Met Office issuing a rare amber warning for extreme heat. Temperatures in parts of England could soar to 38C later today, potentially making it the hottest day of the year so far.
As millions head for the shade and find ways to stay cool, it’s important to remember that gadgets need protecting from the extreme heat too. Products such as iPhones, iPads, PCs and Android phones can all struggle when temperatures rise, with some devices automatically shutting down to prevent damage if left to bake in the sun. But they aren't the only technology items that need a little extra care during today's new heatwave.
Routers at risk in the heat
Your Wi-Fi router can also suffer, and ignoring the latest advice could leave you facing broadband problems or even an unexpected loss of connection. Following a warning from Virgin Media, another major Internet Service Provider (ISP) has now issued guidance on how to protect your router during a heatwave.
Hyperoptic, which provides fast web access across the UK, has launched a dedicated page offering advice for keeping your equipment cool, and it's worth following if you want your broadband to keep running smoothly.
Advice from Hyperoptic
“When the temperature climbs, most of us think about staying hydrated, finding some shade and avoiding the midday sun. But there’s another household essential that needs a bit of summer care too: your router,” Hyperoptic explained. “Your router works hard around the clock to keep your home connected. Like most electronics, it’s happiest when it’s cool, dry and well ventilated, which means a heatwave is exactly the kind of weather that can put it under a bit of extra strain.”
One of the easiest things you can do is move your router away from a window and keep it out of direct sunlight. This will reduce the risk of it becoming dangerously hot. Hyperoptic also recommends giving your router plenty of room to breathe. “Routers need airflow to stay cool, so think about where yours is sitting. A flat surface like a desk or cabinet works well, and wall-mounting is fine too, as long as there’s nothing blocking the air around it,” the company added.
Heat rarely impacts broadband
It’s important to remember that routers are designed to operate in a range of conditions, so simply having a warm home won't automatically mean slower broadband. “Hot weather very rarely has any noticeable impact on your broadband,” Virgin Media explained. “The network and equipment are designed to work reliably in everyday conditions, so most people won’t see any change in performance, even during warmer spells.”
In general, broadband equipment is built to cope with heat. Making sure your router is placed somewhere comfortable and not overly cramped can help it run at its best. However, prolonged exposure to intense heat, particularly direct sunlight, can cause problems and may even force a router to shut down.
So, as the mercury rises, give your router some shade, keep the vents clear and make sure it has plenty of airflow. It could help keep your home connected throughout the heatwave.
