DrayTek Routers Cause Internet Disruption Across the UK
Over the weekend, broadband users using DrayTek routers across the UK experienced an unusual spike in internet disconnections. Several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) quickly flagged the issue. Although there are no direct comments from DrayTek at this time, issues seemed to commence following a firmware update rolled out by them, according to Gamma.
When Did the Issues Begin?
According to ISPreview, the disruptions began at approximately 9:28 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025, and continued into Monday morning. ISPs observed the pattern, eventually identifying a correlation between the affected broadband and leased line connections and users with DrayTek routers.
What Should DrayTek Users Do?
If you own a DrayTek router, it’s crucial to check for firmware updates and apply any available security patches. Keeping your router software up to date can help mitigate vulnerabilities and protect your connection from potential cyber threats.
ISPs are actively monitoring the situation, and further updates may be provided as more details emerge. If you're experiencing connectivity issues and own a DrayTek router, consider contacting your provider for guidance. DrayTek has also provided a fix for the router reboot issue on their website.
What You Need to Do if Croft Manages Your DrayTek Router?
If Croft manages your DrayTek router and you are enrolled in ACS Remote Programming, we will send firmware updates to the routers experiencing this issue. If you're not enrolled, this is something to consider, as it will allow Croft to update the latest firmware remotely and monitor your router. Speak to your Account Manager for further information.
To expedite the troubleshooting process and ensure prompt resolution, we kindly request that you submit a support ticket via email to [email protected]
Stay tuned for further developments as the situation unfolds.
Update: DrayTek Statement
We have received reports of DrayTek routers disconnecting unexpectedly.
If you are experiencing this issue, please follow the steps below to troubleshoot:
- Disconnect the WAN cable.
- Log into the router’s Web UI and check the system uptime. If the uptime is lower than the last known reboot, this indicates the router recently restarted.
- Disable Remote Management by going to [System Maintenance] > [Remote Management].
- Disable SSL VPN Service by going to [VPN and Remote Access] > [Remote Access Control].
- Reboot the router and reconnect the WAN cable.
- Monitor the connection to see if the WAN remains stable.
Firmware check and update:
- Verify your router’s firmware version. If it is outdated, update it to the latest version.
- Before updating, note your current firmware version. If you do not have a copy of the current firmware, download it first.
- Take a configuration backup to avoid losing your settings.
If your WAN connection is stable:
- Even if your device is not disconnecting, it is good practice to ensure you are on the latest firmware.
- If your router is already on recent firmware and the newest version is not marked as Critical, an update may not be urgent but is still recommended for optimal performance and security.
