Resilience

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Tips for a more resilient internet connection

As anyone who has experienced a severe storm or other natural disaster knows, losing power and internet connectivity can be a major inconvenience if not a fundamental problem. When you rely on the internet for work, communication, entertainment, and even emergency services, a disrupted connection can disrupt your life. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prepare your home and your devices for the worst and ensure that your internet connection is as resilient as possible.

Here are some tips that Storm Internet customers can follow to minimize the impact of a weather crisis on their online activities:

• Backup your data and devices

Before the storm hits, make sure to back up all your important files and information to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This will not only protect your data from potential power surges or device failures but also allow you to access your files from any device with an internet connection in case your primary device is down. Also, make sure to unplug your devices and chargers from sockets, to avoid any potential electrical damage.

• Power up your devices and modems

If you have advance notice of an upcoming storm, charge all your laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other portable devices that you may need during an outage. Also, make sure to fully charge your modem or router, as they often have backup batteries that can provide a few hours of connectivity without power. If you do not have a backup battery, consider getting one or using a portable power bank to keep your modem running.

• Use wired connections instead of wireless

During a storm, electromagnetic interference can disrupt wireless signals and cause slower or unstable connections. One way to mitigate this is to use Ethernet cables to connect your modem to your devices, or to use powerline adapters that send signals over your home’s electrical wiring. This can provide a more reliable and consistent connection, especially for devices that require high bandwidth or low latency, such as gaming consoles or video conferencing tools.

• Optimize your Wi-Fi settings

If you must use Wi-Fi during a storm, there are several settings you can adjust to improve your signal strength and speed. Firstly, make sure to place your modem or router in a central location, away from any obstructions or metal objects that can block or reflect signals. Secondly, change the wireless channel or frequency of your Wi-Fi network, to avoid interference from other nearby networks or devices. Thirdly, reduce the distance between your devices and your modem, or use a Wi-Fi range extender or mesh system to extend your coverage area.

• Monitor your connection and data usage

During a weather crisis, your internet connection may be slower or more limited than usual, due to network congestion or reduced capacity. To avoid exceeding your data plan or getting charged for overuse, check your data usage regularly, and try to limit your streaming, downloading, or uploading activities to essential ones. You can also use free tools such as PingPlotter or GlassWire to monitor your connection quality and track any issues or bottlenecks that may arise.

By following these tips, Storm Internet customers can be better prepared to face a weather crisis and keep their internet connection running smoothly. However, keep in mind that severe storms and other natural disasters can cause widespread and unpredictable damage and that your safety should always be your top priority. Stay informed, listen to official warnings, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

We hope that you never have to face an internet outage or emergency, but if you do, we are always here to help. Contact us or visit our website for more information on our internet services and support.

We value your feedback and suggestions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime at marketing@corp.storm.ca. Your input helps us tailor our webinars to your specific needs.