Wi-Fi expert warns strong winds DO affect internet connections as Storm Gerrit hits

STRONG winds from Storm Gerrit could have an impact on your internet connection - but not necessarily in the way you might think.

Bad weather can cause sluggish broadband or even wipe it out completely.

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But why does your Wi-Fi suddenly slow during a strong storm?

Well, it may not necessarily be a technical issue.

According to the experts, it's actually human nature that comes into play.

And it's all because more people opt to stay in rather than going out.

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This is even more so during the Christmas period when more people tend to be off.

"When it rains, more people might decide to stay indoors or work from home," James Jin Kang and Paul Haskell-Dowland, from Edith Cowan University, wrote on .

"This inevitably leads to an increase in the network usage.

"When a large number of people increase their internet usage, the limited bandwidth available is rapidly consumed, resulting in apparent slowdowns."

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Most households in your area will be doing the same.

What happens then is the entire local bandwidth gets bogged down by people's rainy-day internet plans.

Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection within a given period.

It is shared by all internet users in a particular area.

Virgin Media has warned that extreme weather like storms can have other consequences.

These can cause issues for any overhead cables in your area.

"While a storm can't interfere with your router's wireless signal, extreme weather can impact the WiFi connection in other ways," the company explains.

"Heavy rain or wind can damage overhead cables supplying your broadband.

"Poor connections at the central internet exchange can also slow down your internet speed when there is stormy weather."

Little-known objects that can disrupt your Wi-Fi

People don't realise how many objects around the home can impact their Wi-Fi signal and slow things down. Here are some you may have missed.

• Microwaves (when they're running)
• Baby monitors
• Fish tanks
• Mirrors
• Bluetooth devices
• Cordless phones

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