Check your Wi-Fi router now to avoid broadband issues next month

We all want and need better broadband, but there are some simple things that can affect those all-important download speeds. Making sure routers are in a prime position, up to date with the latest system upgrades, giving things a reboot once a month and avoiding signal-killing obstacles such as fish tanks are all top tips for issue-free connectivity. However, another thing to watch out for is the upcoming change in weather conditions.

When the sun really starts to shine and things get hot, routers can begin to feel the strain, so making sure they are in a cool and well-ventilated spot is vital.

Explaining more about how the UK weather can affect speeds, Virgin Media said in a new post on its blog, "Hot weather can put extra pressure on broadband equipment, both outside and inside your home.

"While external equipment is built to cope with high temperatures, the router in your house can sometimes struggle if it gets too warm.

"Routers need good airflow to work properly. If your Hub is tucked behind the TV, squeezed into a cupboard, sitting next to a radiator, or left in direct sunlight, heat can build up - especially during a heatwave. When that happens, you might notice slower speeds, dropped connections, or the router rebooting itself to cool down."

Although hot weather isn't great for speeds, other weather conditions are unlikely to hamper the evening's big set binges.

"Most broadband issues that feel weather-related actually start inside the home," Virgin Media added.

"Think of thick walls, device overload and Hub placement, which can have a much bigger day-to-day impact on your connection than whether it's raining outside."

If you want a perfect Wi-Fi connection, then there are some simple things to try, including keeping your Hub in an open, central location, but out of direct sunlight.

Virgin also says it's good to avoid placing the box near large metal objects or behind furniture.

Another thing to watch out for is really bad weather. "After storms or strong winds, make sure cables are secure and undamaged," Virgin explained.

Finally, limit interference from too many connected devices at once.