From communication to work and entertainment, we rely heavily on the internet. But, what happens when the internet goes down? We can experience frustration, loss of productivity, and even financial losses. Maximizing internet uptime is essential, and here are some ways to achieve this.

Choose a Reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP)

One of the primary factors that affect internet uptime is the quality of your ISP. Not all ISPs are created equal, and some are more reliable than others. When choosing an ISP, consider their reputation, customer service, and the quality of their network. Look for an ISP with a proven track record of providing high uptime and fast internet speeds. If you’re looking to cellular Internet services providers (4G LTE/ 5G), also consider the coverage in your location and any other areas you may frequently visit. 

Use a Reliable Router

Your router is the device that connects your home or office network to the internet. Using a reliable router is crucial to ensure maximum uptime. Make sure your router is up to date and has the latest firmware installed. A router that is outdated or has an old firmware version can cause connection issues, leading to downtime. It’s also helpful to have a router that can support multiple Internet connections so that you can implement redundancy (more on this below).

Keep Your Equipment in Good Condition

Your internet equipment, including your router and modem, needs to be in good condition to ensure maximum uptime. Dust, heat, and other environmental factors can affect the performance of your equipment. Regularly clean your equipment, keep it in a cool and dry place, and replace any faulty parts as soon as possible.

Use Wired Connections Instead of WiFi

WiFi is convenient, but it is also more prone to interference and signal degradation than wired connections. Using a wired connection can help you achieve a more stable and reliable internet connection. If you have the option, consider using an Ethernet cable to connect your devices to your router.

Use a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)

Power outages can cause internet downtime, especially if your ISP’s equipment and your router are affected. Using a UPS can help prevent this by providing backup power during power outages. A UPS can give you enough time to save your work and shut down your devices properly, preventing data loss.

Monitor Your Network

Monitoring your network can help you detect issues before they cause downtime. You can use network monitoring software to monitor your network and receive alerts when there are issues. This can help you take action quickly and prevent prolonged downtime.

Use Cloud-Based Services

Using cloud-based services can help you maximize uptime. Cloud-based services are typically hosted on multiple servers, which means they are less likely to experience downtime. They are also accessible from anywhere, making it easier for you to access your data even if your local network is down.

Implement Redundancy

Redundancy is the practice of having multiple systems or backups in place to ensure maximum uptime. For example, you can use a failover internet connection, which automatically switches to a backup connection if your primary connection goes down. Most users typically opt for a cellular Internet connection in these cases because of their availability and flexible data plans. 

Use a VPN

Using a VPN can help you maximize uptime by providing an additional layer of security and privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers and other malicious actors to intercept your data. It also allows you to bypass internet censorship and access content that is not available in your region. However, not all services will allow you to connect when coming from a VPN connection. Still, if you want to give it a try, Peplink includes their own VPN service with warranty plans, which is called SpeedFusion. This allows you to build a VPN connection anywhere in the world, directly from your router. This means that all your devices connected to the router can benefit from the VPN. Other benefits include having seamless failover between multiple Internet connections as well as bandwidth aggregation.

Maximizing internet uptime is essential to ensure productivity, prevent data loss, and avoid frustration. By following these tips, you can ensure that your internet connection is as reliable and stable as it can be. Start by selecting a reliable ISP and router. Keep your equipment in good condition and use a UPS to ensure connectivity when power goes out. You may also use wired connections instead of Wi-Fi, implement redundancy, and use a VPN. 

Looking for further assistance with routers, VPN and redundant connections? Reach out to the 5Gstore team via phone, email, or chat!