Wireless internet technology is perhaps one of the most significant innovations of the last century. It lets our cell phones, PCs, and GPS devices receive data wirelessly. However, internet technology is not flawless. It is susceptible to several types of interference, including competing wireless signals, solid objects, and even harsh weather. But the question is, does weather affect internet connection?
To comprehend wireless interference, you must first understand that all transmitters, including satellites, radios, and cell towers, emit ultrasonic waves that are picked up by the receiving antenna. For optimum performance, the transmitter must maintain an uninterrupted line of sight with the receiver. That’s why cell towers are so tall, and satellite networks employ many satellites in different orbits.
However, real-world scenarios are rarely optimal. Signals diminish as they travel to your device due to factors such as airborne dust particles, trees, and even walls in your house. Electromagnetic waves have difficulty penetrating these materials, thus the impulses are deflected and break apart, resulting in interruptions such as static in your car radio or data loss on the internet.
When data is lost, the transmitter resends it, slowing your device’s download speed.
This is also why signals are diminished during bad weather. Because water, clouds, rain, and fog disrupt and divert signals between the source and receiver.
Why Weather Affects Satellite Signals the Most?
Satellite TV and the internet are tremendous conveniences for many consumers. Because their transmitters span large regions, they provide people with high-speed digital connectivity where other sources are unavailable. However, satellite internet is more likely to have interference during severe weather than any other sort of internet connection.
Satellites orbit above the sky, therefore any clouds overhead may act as a signal barrier. This isn’t a big issue on clear or partially cloudy days, but things alter when thunderstorms hit. Large, billowing clouds can readily interfere. Data reception may degrade greatly or possibly stop entirely for many minutes at a time.
If you’ve had to rely on a satellite for internet access, you’ve undoubtedly seen weather interference firsthand. Bad weather might cause other problems, such as ice collecting on the satellite dish or strong winds pushing the dish out of alignment. If your signal does not return after the storm has passed, one of these two difficulties might be the cause.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent satellite signal loss during a storm other than wait it out. Weather interference is a built-in limitation of the technology. If you have a gadget that requires a consistent internet connection during harsh weather, we propose a different means of transmission.
Storms Still Mess With Cellular Data
Like satellite broadcasts, 4G and 5G internet connections might have problems navigating atmospheric moisture. Cellular towers, on the other hand, are usually located well below the cloud layer, making this less of a concern.
In heavy rain or fog, you may lose a few bars of signal, although this might be worse if you’re many miles away from the tower.
In rare situations, lightning may strike the transmitter, destroying it and causing it to go offline.
When it comes to mobile service, poor reception is most usually caused by more persistent factors. Objects such as trees and large buildings can obstruct radio signals. Large quantities of water can also produce a lot of mist, which scatters the signal. The distance to the transmitter is typically the most essential part. This is especially true for 5G connections, which have an effective range of around 1,500 feet (457 meters).
Bad Weather Doesn’t Make WiFi Less Reliable
In general, weather does not affect the strength of the WiFi signal from the router to your home device. What the weather may do, however, is interfere with the internet service that your WiFi utilizes.
WiFi routers, like cell towers, rely heavily on line of sight and distance to your device to provide a high-quality connection. A router may send out a powerful signal, but as it travels through numerous walls, it gets significantly weaker. Ideally, the WiFi transmitter should be placed equidistant from all devices, with little hindrance. However, practical situations are rarely optimal.
And if your WiFi signal needs to pass via an outside location before reaching your device, rain or fog in the air may have a detrimental influence on the internet connection.
Of course, there are situations when you may need to utilize an outside hotspot, such as during a concert or in a park. If the weather is extreme, the hot area may disappear.
If you’re experiencing WiFi interference, you could always connect your modem via a hardwired connection, although this is rarely handy. You could wish to build several access points throughout your home. For a quick and easy solution, a WiFi booster may easily enhance the range of your current router.
Summary
So, you understand the question does weather affect internet connection? It depends on many factors. During bad weather, you need to be careful to avoid any types of internet connection disruption. Try to use some extra gardens to minimize the bad situation.