Fibre Internet Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fixes

Having fibre internet that works reliably has become a non negotiable part of modern life. Whether it’s streaming your favourite shows, attending online meetings or connecting smart devices, we rely on our internet to work smoothly. But what happens when it doesn’t? This guide will go through common fibre internet problems and provide solutions to get you back online.

Fibre Internet Problems

Slow Internet Speeds

Slow internet speeds can be annoying especially if you’re paying for a premium plan. This is often caused by network congestion, old equipment or bandwidth limitations due to multiple devices connected. Learn more about improving your connection by understanding the difference between fibre, LTE, and ADSL.

Intermittent Connectivity

Intermittent drops in your connection can be a major pain. These outages can be caused by signal interference, wrong router placement or temporary ISP service disruption.

No Internet Connection

Complete loss of connection is one of the most scary problems. It can be caused by broken fibre cable, incorrect fibre installation, ISP downtime or wrong router settings.

Fibre Internet Problems Causes

Router or Modem Issues

Your router or modem is the gateway to fibre internet to your devices. Old firmware, overheating or hardware faults can cause connectivity issues. Learn how to keep your connection stable by following our installation guide.

ISP Issues

Sometimes the problem is outside your home. Your ISP might be experiencing technical issues, scheduled maintenance or overload during peak hours. Check the network status for more information.

Physical Damage to Cables or Hardware

Fibre optic cables are fragile and can get damaged from construction work, accidental tampering or even natural wear and tear and disrupt your connection. If you suspect damage, our guide for ISPs can help.

Slow Internet Speeds Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check Your Speed

Start by running a speed test using tools like Speedtest.net to compare your current speed with the promised speed in your ISP plan. For more information, check our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.

Step 2: Restart Your Router or Modem

A simple reboot can fix many temporary issues. Turn off your router or modem, wait for 1 minute and turn it back on.

Step 3: Disconnect Unused Devices

Too many devices on the same network can eat up your bandwidth. Disconnect devices that are not in use.

Step 4: Call Your ISP

If the problem persists after troubleshooting, contact your ISP to check if there’s an issue on their end or if you need a plan upgrade. Refer to our fibre guide to learn more about upgrading.

Intermittent Connectivity Troubleshooting

Find the Pattern of Disconnections

Start by noting when and how often your internet connection drops. Is it during certain times of the day? Patterns can help you identify the issue, like network congestion during peak hours.

Check Router Firmware

Firmware updates often fixes bugs and improves performance. Log in to your router’s settings and check for updates. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install them.

Move the Router for Better Coverage

Placement is key for strong signal. Make sure your router is in a central, elevated position, away from walls and metal objects that can block the signal.

Check for Interference

Microwaves, cordless phones and baby monitors can cause interference. Move your router away from these devices and try switching to a less busy Wi-Fi channel.

No Internet Connection

Check All Cables and Connections

Check all cables are plugged in. A loose or disconnected fibre line can break your connection. Check the cables for any visible damage. For more help, visit our installation guide.

Check for Physical Damage to the Fibre Line

Fibre optic cables are fragile and can be damaged. If you see any cuts or tears, contact your ISP or a technician.

Check with Your ISP

Your ISP might be down or doing maintenance. Visit their website or call their support to check the service status in your area. For more answers, see our FAQs page.

Reset or Reconfigure Router Settings

If none of the above works, try doing a factory reset on your router. Refer to the user manual to reset the device to its default settings and set it up again.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Use ISP Provided Diagnostic Tools

Many ISPs have diagnostic tools or apps to check your connection. These tools can detect issues and give you specific solutions.

Understand Router Lights and Codes

Modern routers have lights that indicate connection status. Learn what each light or code means to better understand the problem. For example, a red light means service disruption.

Test with Other Devices or Cables

Eliminate device issues by testing with another computer or smartphone. Swapping cables will rule out hardware fault.

When to Call a Technician

When Self Troubleshooting Fails

Sometimes even after trying all the above steps the issue persists. If you notice recurring issues or suspect fibre line damage, it’s time to call in a professional.

Why Professional Inspection and Repair

Professional technicians have the tools and knowledge to diagnose accurately. They can find hidden issues like cable damage, signal loss or faulty hardware and fix them quickly.

How to Choose a Fibre Technician

Look for certified technicians with fibre installation and repair experience. Check customer reviews or ask your ISP for recommendations to ensure good service.

Fibre Internet Maintenance

Update Router Firmware

Keep your router firmware up to date so it works optimally and is secure. Set reminders to check for updates regularly.

Keep Cables Tidy

Disorganised or exposed cables are more likely to get damaged. Use cable management to protect your fibre line from accidental pulls or wear and tear.

Book Regular Check-ups with Your ISP

Many ISPs offer maintenance services to their customers. Book regular check-ups to prevent issues before they happen. Learn more about this in our value-added services page.

Fibre Internet Troubleshooting FAQs

Why is my Fibre Internet slow at night?

Peak hour congestion when everyone is online at the same time. Upgrading your plan or switching to a less congested ISP might help. For detailed advice, check our uncapped Wi-Fi guide.

Can weather affect Fibre Internet?

Unlike satellite or wireless, fibre is not affected by weather. But extreme weather can damage external infrastructure and cause disruptions.

How do I know if my router is faulty?

Signs of a faulty router are frequent disconnections, unresponsive settings or overheating. Try testing with another router to confirm.

What does the red light on my Fibre box mean?

A red light means no signal is being received. Check your connections and call your ISP for help.

How long does it take to fix a Fibre line?

Depends on the extent of the damage. Minor issues can take a few hours, major repairs can take a day or more.

Fibre internet has changed the way we connect to the world but like any technology, it’s not without its flaws. From slow speeds to complete outages, knowing the common issues and solutions is key to a smooth online experience. With these troubleshooting tips, most problems can be fixed without a technician.

If you have persistent issues or need expert help, contact FibreGeeks. We are South Africa’s leading fibre installation experts and we’ll keep you connected with our reliable and scalable internet solutions.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Regular maintenance, keep your router updated and cables secured will save you time and hassle in the long run. FibreGeeks got your back.