Router issues are a common cause of internet outages but can usually be easily fixed by rebooting the router. The process involves unplugging the router, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, resetting the router to factory settings may be necessary. Hard rebooting the router can often solve about 90% of the problems, as it allows the device to start fresh from a known state. Rebooting can help resolve issues with drivers that may be causing connectivity problems.
If a hard reboot doesn’t work, resetting the router to factory settings is a more drastic step that erases all custom settings and restores the router to its original state. This can be helpful if the router needs to be rebooted multiple times a day or if Wi-Fi speeds are consistently slower than wired speeds. Before resetting the router, it’s recommended to ensure that the firmware is up to date. Resetting the router involves inserting a paper clip into the reset opening and holding it down for about 30 seconds, then waiting for the lights to come back on.
If you have a separate modem and router, troubleshooting each device individually may be necessary. To determine if the issue is with the modem or router, connect a device directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable. If you can get online this way, the issue is with the router. If both devices need to be rebooted, unplug them from the power source, wait 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. This restart should resolve most issues with the modem and router.
If you are experiencing consistent speed issues or outages that require regular router resets, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. Experts recommend replacing routers every five years, but it may be worth considering sooner if you have many smart home devices or stay up to date with technology. It’s important to ensure that the issue is not with the internet connection itself by running speed tests while connected directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable. If wired speeds are still slower than desired, consider upgrading to a faster plan or switching internet providers.
