THE SHORT VERSION
Key takeaways
- Record whether Wi-Fi or only internet access drops.
- Compare outage times with terminal events.
- Move the terminal before considering tree work.
Identify which connection is failing
When a call stops, check whether the device is still connected to Wi-Fi. If the network disappears entirely, investigate the router, local signal and power. If Wi-Fi remains connected but all internet activity fails, look at the terminal and upstream service. Test a second device so one laptop's driver or sleep settings do not send you down the wrong troubleshooting path.
Build a useful incident record
Write down start time, duration, weather, affected devices and what the terminal app reports. Include whether another appliance started at the same moment. Short repeating interruptions can point to obstructions or power instability; long outages may have different causes. This is a pattern-finding exercise, not a definitive diagnosis based on one symptom.
Test near the router
Use Ethernet if available, or stand close to the router with a known-good device. Pause background uploads and repeat the activity that failed. If nearby devices work while a distant room drops out, solve indoor coverage first. If every device fails together, buying a mesh kit is unlikely to repair the satellite link.
Read the sky at the correct height
Use the obstruction tool for the actual installation position. A ground-level scan and a roof-level view are not interchangeable. A tree's branches move in wind and its canopy changes over time; a narrow gap that seems adequate can still block a moving satellite path. Recheck after seasonal growth or after shifting a caravan, awning or nearby vehicle.
Prefer relocation over cutting
Try a clear, safe location within supported cable limits before planning a taller mast or tree removal. Consider cable protection and the resulting Wi-Fi path. Do not climb trees or roofs to conduct an informal test. Vegetation work may require landowner permission or local approval, and protected habitat deserves particular care. Use a qualified arborist and installer when professional work is necessary.
Check power and connectors
A reboot can look like a sky blockage. Verify the supply is correctly rated and that connectors are seated according to the instructions. Inspect accessible cable sections for pinching, abrasion or water damage while powered down as directed. Do not probe powered connectors or substitute an unapproved adapter. Compare failures with battery state and inverter load.
Escalate with evidence
If a clear location and stable power do not resolve the issue, send support the timestamps, obstruction information, model and relevant photographs. Keep account details out of public forum screenshots. Avoid repeated factory resets unless the provider requests one; they can remove settings without addressing the cause. After any change, repeat the same test long enough to establish whether interruptions actually decreased.
Sources & reference notes
Primary provider and technical references used for this guide. Commentary and worked examples are editorial explanations, not independent field measurements.
Spotted a change? Send an editorial correction.