A network connection can become unreliable for a number of reasons. If a connection is slow or unreliable, this could be due to an issue with the network infrastructure, such as insufficient bandwidth or congestion on the network, or problems with the actual network devices such as routers, switches, and wireless access points.
In cases where the underlying infrastructure is to blame, there are several potential causes. Insufficient bandwidth is one of the most common causes of intermittent or unreliable connections, as too much data passing through the network can cause congestion and slow down performance. This is especially prevalent in networks that use shared resources, such as in apartment buildings or business offices, where multiple people are connected to the same router. In these cases, each user’s connection is competing for the same pool of bandwidth and traffic gets prioritized based on information like packetsize, type, and priority. As a result, some users may see their connection slow down significantly or even fail altogether if too many people are attempting to use the network at once.
Another cause of unreliable connections is interference from external sources. Wireless networks are particularly vulnerable to this kind of interference, as the signals from other devices, such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, and microwaves, can interfere with the network’s performance. If a wireless access point is placed near one of these devices, it can result in frequent disconnects, drops in speed, and other performance-related issues.
In addition, some networks may have inadequate cabling, which can cause unreliable connections. If the cables used to connect the various components of a network are too thin or of poor quality, they can suffer from signal degradation, leading to lowered performance. Additionally, if there is any damage or kinking of the cables, this can contribute to unreliable connections as well.
Finally, hardware failures can also lead to persistent or intermittent connection issues. For example, routers, switches, and other network components can become outdated and begin to malfunction, resulting in dropped connections or reduced speeds. Similarly, if a device is faulty or experiences a power surge, it can cause intermittent or unreliable connections.
Whether caused by underlying infrastructure, external interference, cabling issues, or hardware failures, an unreliable network connection can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, most of the above-mentioned causes can be readily solved with a few simple changes. Increasing bandwidth, replacing cabling, moving wireless access points away from external devices, and replacing outdated hardware can help improve the reliability of a network connection and prevent future issues.