Needs to reset the router every two hours.
Needs to reset the router every two hours.
Hello, I’m facing an issue where my router restarts every couple of hours. After a restart, speeds jump to about 80-90 Mbps, but within two hours they drop back down to 1-2 Mbps. Restarting again works fine. The odd part is that even with very slow Wi-Fi, my Ethernet connection remains stable across all bands. My router is the Nighthawk X6S AC3600. I’m paying for 300 Mbps downloads from Comcast Xfinity and live in the southeastern U.S. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
The issue may relate to overheating. Since it's in a closed space with limited airflow, adding a small fan could help improve circulation and cooling. Just be sure it doesn't interfere with your network connection.
Great updates on the firmware. For the heat issue, having a fan is better than none.
Begin by sensing the X6S's condition. Does it feel excessively warm when you keep your hand on it for more than 10-15 seconds, or can you handle it longer? Heat can damage electronic devices. Most router SoCs lack strong power management to lower speed when overheating, similar to CPU performance. They can handle high temps but eventually stop working. Wireless radios generate the most heat during use; converting a router to just a wireless one makes the difference. That's why wired connections stay functional. To protect your X6S's life, move it away from direct sunlight and blockages that hinder airflow. Running a fan now might help briefly, but if hot air accumulates, it's just moving the heat around.
It seems the router isn’t causing extreme discomfort, so I assumed it wasn’t a heat issue at first. The problem began recently, and since my home has cooled down after fixing the air conditioner, summer heat likely isn’t the cause. I’m considering leaving the closet door open and using a fan to see if that helps. Could there be other reasons for this?
Take the X6S out of storage. Besides heat, you're reducing the wireless range by putting it in a closet. If it must link to the switch inside, use a longer Ethernet cable or add a coupler. Then perform a wireless scan (use the WiFi Analyzer app from Microsoft) from a device close to the X6S. Capture images of the 'Networks' and 'Analyze' options on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Note your wireless network name.
I resolved the issue by following your instructions and testing on the laptop, which showed good performance. However, even with slower Wi-Fi on my phone, the PC remained stable, indicating the problem was with my phone. It seems my phone was treating the Wi-Fi as a limited connection, causing throttling. Thanks for your assistance!