Does freezing temperature affect network speed? Broadband expert busts common myths seen online

As spot prices of electricity soared and households sought to save electricity wherever they could, the quality of internet connections also became a topic of discussion. Does the speed of an internet connection affect how much electricity it consumes?

“The unambiguous answer is no. Whether the internet speed is 100 or 300 megabits per second has no effect on electricity consumption. What does, however, is the device using the internet. Home internet devices consume fairly little electricity. In other words, switching off internet connection in the home has little effect on electricity consumption. The computer itself is usually the biggest electricity consumer of all devices using the internet at home, and shouldn’t be kept on unnecessarily,” says Kannisto.

An unreliable home internet connection is a source of frustration for many, and can be the result of many factors. Even the weather can have an effect on connections. Kannisto has occasionally heard it asked whether the freezing temperatures experienced in Finland early this winter can affect internet connections. For many, the answer can be surprising.

“In fact, the temperature dropping below zero can be a positive thing for internet connections. In the case of wireless connections, humidity and wet snow may have an impact how the signal is transmitted. Moisture accumulating in vegetation or structures can weaken the transmission of the mobile signals more compared to dry and low-humidity conditions. When the temperature drops to well below freezing, the weather is often quite clear and dry and therefore good for network connections.”

According to Kannisto, network devices are the most common reason for an unreliable home internet connection.

“Unfortunately, old modem routers or WiFi access points do not support fast connection speeds, and an old WiFi device is often the bottleneck preventing faster speeds. Modern devices can automatically adjust the bandwidth at which they operate and support higher bandwidths, such as 5Ghz. If several networks operate at the same bandwidth, this slows down the connection. However, modern devices include automatic bandwidth control, which selects the most appropriate bandwidth in any given time, improving the quality of the connection. In summary, a slow and unreliable wireless network connection at home can be caused either by poorly placed or insufficient wireless routers, or by using only bandwidths that overlap those used by neighbours.”

One all too common mistake exposes internet users to abuses

Sometimes the reason for a slower internet speed may be more sinister. A poorly protected router is vulnerable to viruses and can be hijacked for criminal use. This is indicated by the connection not functioning properly.

“Antivirus protection is essential, as a virus on a computer or other device in the home can be used without the owner's knowledge. WiFi networks without password protection are still unfortunately common. In addition to posing a security risk, an unprotected network can be slowed down by unauthorised users. Malware can slow down the computer, and this can also be visible as a slower internet speed,” Kannisto says.

7 tips for internet connection disruptions

1. Check your internet operator’s website for announcements about disruptions. It is advisable to first rule out whether the issue is a network disruption. This can include a general local disruption caused by a power outage, for example. Network maintenance and hardware and software updates can also cause disruptions.
2. Turn the router off and on again. Also turn off any connected devices, such as your computer and phone. Disconnect the device cables. Reconnect the cables and restart the devices after about 30 seconds.
3. Make sure that the wired network between the operator and the home is connected. If you are using a wired network and are experiencing network disruptions, please contact your operator’s customer service. During the same call, you can also check the status of your WiFi wireless network.
4. Change the router’s location in the house. The router is affected by thick walls, doors, the size of the space and whether the home has several floors. Place the router or mobile modem (‘mokkula’) in the most central location possible so that the signal can reach the entire home and all connected devices. Computers, mobile modems, microwave ovens, home electronics and even a neighbour’s WiFi network can interfere with the wireless network, so it’s a good idea to place the device away from these.
5. Upgrade your router to a newer model. The type of router affects internet connection speed. If your device is more than four years old, consider purchasing a new device. An old device can also be a security risk.
6. In a larger home, a Mesh WiFi network may be necessary. If your home has a lot of floor area, thick partition walls, or multiple floors, the WiFi network produced by a single router or mobile modem may not reach all parts of the home. Mesh is a system that allows a wireless network to reach every corner of your home by placing WiFi access points on each floor, for example.
7. Check that the mobile modem is not locked to a certain bandwidth. Many devices can be locked to different bandwidths, but it’s advisable to let the automated control detect the most appropriate bandwidth at any given time.

 

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