Modem overheating can result in a hard error condition on the modem processor. You may experience slow internet speed or even total loss of connection. Apart from that, the chances of damaging the modem are high but knowing the modem overheating symptoms can help prevent future damage.
A common sign of overheating on your modem is an intermittent connection or no connection at all. Prolonged overheating may cause a thermal shutdown, which means no more Internet access until you reboot your modem to clear memory tables and reset your settings.
But that’s not all. You need to know all the signs and symptoms of modem overheating. Now the question is: how do you know why is your modem overheating? The focus of this article is to guide you through how you can maintain your modem the correct way and save up some money for more important things.
Key Takeaways:
- Not knowing what causes modem overheating symptoms will be harmful to the device.
- Always check out for overheating before anything else whenever you notice your modem is malfunctioning.
- The age and model of the modem are likely reasons for frequent overheating.
- Loss of internet, slow connection speed, and sudden shutdown are symptoms of a modem overheating.
- Exposing your modem to heat or direct sunlight and blocking decent air circulation can increase the chances of overheating.
Modem Overheating Symptoms (6 Signs)
Modem overheating is the number one reason for intermittent connection problems. It can cause your modem to shut down and even result in severe hardware damage.
Signs that your modem might be overheating are the following:
1. Noise
The cooling fan inside a modem generates a soft to medium noise when the unit is used. You can also hear this if you put your ear next to it. Though the noise will be a bit louder if your modem has been turned on for a longer period.
This noise continually increases as the modem overheats. The noise typically reaches its maximum volume within minutes after the overheating begins and persists until you shut it down. Noise indications are usually followed by a modem reset; if not, then the system automatically powers down to prevent further damage to some modems.
2. Sudden Shutdown
When your modem overheats, it will automatically shut down as modems need a cool environment to work properly. The first indication of overheating is when it just suddenly turns itself off. However, not all models come with this feature, but you should look for it when buying a new one.
The auto-shut-down feature ensures that the modem doesn’t get damaged due to overheating. If your modem doesn’t have this feature, and you notice it is getting overheated, it is best to shut off the modem and allow it to cool for some minutes before you switch it on to use it again.
3. Loss of Internet Connection
Modem overheating is a common issue for internet users and can range from poor online performance to total loss of internet connection. It is always a pain to have your internet connection cut off.
However, if you keep experiencing a loss of internet connection, you should check the modem for overheating. If your modem is overheating, it is always likely to malfunction, and one significant sign is the loss of internet connection.
4. Slow Internet Speed
Try to name a few things more frustrating than a webpage that takes forever to load! It might not always be a dead webpage, but a faulty Modem or router.
Modem overheating is one of the main reasons for slow internet speed. Slower speed can result in a proxy server not responding, or being unable to connect to the Internet at all.
Once you notice that your internet speed is slower than usual or freezing randomly, you should check your modem for overheating.
5. Modem Getting Hot
Well, that’s obvious! We all know the feeling when your modem gets hot and sometimes even makes that crackling sound. Usually, it only takes a few minutes for it to cool down again, but sometimes the issue is more severe.
Modems getting hot is basically the prime sign of overheating. If you notice your modem is hot, ensure you don’t place it “under” anything.
Find a better location with enough ventilation. Once you can ensure better airflow, the chance of overheating is minimal.
6. Low Signal Strength
Low signal strength typically means that your modem is too hot. Signal strength takes some heat, especially when the air around your modem gets too hot. The internal process fails to work properly, resulting in a drop in overall performance.
In this situation, you need to exercise lots of patience by switching the modem off for some minutes to allow it to cool. Once it is cool, you should have a measure to prevent the occurrence from happening again while you get the modem to work again.
Why Does A Modem Overheat?
Modem overheating is usually the result of a poor venting system. Modems are common for generating a lot of excess heat, and they need to vent out the heat somehow. While lack of vent is known as the major cause of modem overheating, there are some other factors you need to know.
1. Misuse Of The Modem
Overuse is by far the most common cause for a modem to overheat. If the modem is not in use, do not leave it on. For example, leaving your modem switched on overnight without using can affect the modem’s health.
You need to take proper care of your modem no matter if it’s new or old. Using it for a longer period with multiple devices connected will likely lead to overheating. You should do well to give the modem a break and allow it to rest or cool.
2. Weather & Temperature
Weather and the temperature combined with the modem load may cause it to overheat over time and become unstable. You need a modem that can withstand weather temperatures. It is important to know a modem tends to overheat when it operates in extremely hot environments.
In this case, you need to choose one that has a heat sensor or monitor inside or can display a signal ensuring maximum protection against overheating and damage. The best form of preventing overheating is never to use it in hot weather conditions.
3. Lack Of Proper Ventilation
Many newly-released cheap modems overheat because of a design flaw. The problem may not be with the modem itself but with the lack of ventilation. When modems fail to vent out the excess heat, it is likely to overheat. That’s why most modern modems come with a vented design to dissipate heat when operating,
Also, you need to ensure a good position for the modem with enough ventilation, like near an open window. In addition, you should never keep the modem in direct exposure to the sun or other heat sources.
4. Improper Handling
Improper handling is also one of the reasons the modem can overheat. If you place the modem near any other electrical device like a heater or air vents, it may overheat.
Also, leaving the modem active for a longer duration without any break is not how you should be handling the modem. Ensure that you always switch it off whenever you are not using it.
5. Dust And Dirt
Modem housing attracts loads of dust and dirt, and in a way, they can affect the modem’s performance. Therefore, getting rid of dust and dirt using compressor air will do lots more good than you can imagine.
What Should The Temperature Of A Modem Be?
The modem temperature should be between 32 degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures can cause the modem to malfunction, so it is important not to store it in a car or next to an air conditioning unit.
How To Fix An Overheated Modem?
Overheating a modem can have serious consequences on the functionality of the device. Therefore, here are some things that you can do to prevent your modem from overheating.
Prevent Dust And Debris
Dust and debris can build up in your modem, causing the modem to get overheated and make severe damage to the components. The best solution is to use a duster rated for PC components to blow it out every few weeks. If your modem has fans, make sure they are not exposed to dust, hair, or pet fur.
Always ensure you keep it far away from where it can get easily exposed to dust and debris that can get into the modem and cause the fan to stop working.
Prevent Exposure To Heat And Sun
You should keep your modem in a cool, dry place where it is unlikely to be exposed to heat and/or direct sunlight. Modem components weaken with heat, and over time, it causes the circuit board to misalign with its connection point and the cable line.
Therefore, you need to look at where you intend to position the modem and ensure it is not in direct exposure to sunlight or close to any hot devices.
Increase The Ventilation
Increasing ventilation for your modem can help prevent overheating. This is usually a fast, simple DIY (do-it-yourself) fix that you can try before contacting anyone to see if the problem is beyond the lack of ventilation.
Conclusion
Treating modem overheating symptoms is no rocket science. Understanding the symptoms will help you know what steps you should take to fix the modem if overheating occurs.
If you notice any signs mentioned in this article, you should check your modem for overheating and do the right thing to fix it.