How to Troubleshoot Your Router or Modem
It’s a cliché, but like all good cliches, also true that in the age of Wi-Fi, most connectivity issues originate from the connected router or modem.
Wi-Fi routers and modems are the focal point of all your home or office-based Internet activity. They are essential components of the Wi-Fi network. The modem connects the local network (in your home or office) to the wider Internet. The router then manages web traffic among all the connected devices on the local network.
For seamless connectivity to the Internet, you need to keep both these components healthy and happy. Without that, connectivity or speed problems can arise at any time.
In this blog, we shall look at how to troubleshoot your router or modem issues. Let’s start with some simple fixes.
Simple Fixes for Troubleshooting a Router
Before getting into “serious” troubleshooting, it’s always a good idea to try the simple fixes to get your router up and running. Here are some of the simplest fixes:
Switch off and on the Router
This has been true since the dawn of the tech age and still the easiest fix. Simply turn off your router, wait for a few minutes, and turn it on. Most times, this should fix your Internet problem.
Check the Service Provider’s Status Page
If the previous fix does not work, it’s best to check with your Internet service provider. Alternatively, you can check their online status page or social media feeds for the latest information.
Try Connecting with a Different Device
It’s possible that you may be facing Internet problems only on a single device. In that case, the fault lies in your phone or laptop – rather than your Wi-Fi router. To confirm, try connecting to the router through another device.
Switch to an Ethernet Cable
Another simple fix is to connect your device to the router through an Ethernet cable, if possible. In some cases, physical barriers like walls may prevent your device from directly connecting to the router.
Try a Different Ethernet Cable
If you are already using an Ethernet cable to connect to your Wi-Fi router, check if the cable is attached to the device (You would be surprised, just how many times this is not the case!). Another fix is to remove and reattach the cable. If you have a spare Ethernet cable, use that to connect to the router.
Check the Router’s Lights
Check the router lights (or indicators) to detect any problems. If your router flashes a different light, it’s time to check with your service provider.
Troubleshooting the Wi-Fi Channel
If the simple fixes do not work, then it’s time to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connectivity properly. This calls for some tech smarts – but nothing you can’t handle.
Here’s what you can do:
Manually Changing the Wi-Fi Channel Through the Router’s Settings
If your Internet is working slowly, then it’s probably because of web traffic from other Wi-Fi users in your vicinity. In this case, you need to manually change your Wi-Fi channel in your router settings. First, get your router’s IP address (for example, 192.168.1.1) and enter it in your browser. Once you have logged in to your router, select a different Wi-Fi channel from its advanced settings.
How to Find the Router’s IP Address
You can easily retrieve your router’s IP address from the device itself or your network settings. Alternatively, you can obtain the IP address from the “Networking and Sharing Center” in your Control panel. Open the “Connections” and then click “Details” to find the IP address in “Default Gateway.”
Retrieving the Router’s Username and Password
You need a username and password to sign into your router settings. Typically, this information is printed on the router. If you have not manually changed your username and password, you can obtain it by entering your router’s model number in Google – followed by “default login.”
How to Choose the Best Wi-Fi Channel for Your Network
Wi-Fi channels in your router separate the connected devices and help obtain a better signal connection. First, you should know if you are currently using the 5GHz or 2.4GHz band. The best Wi-Fi channel is one that does not overlap with another channel. If you are using a Windows or Mac computer, use the “inSSIDer” tool to check the channels that are currently occupied (by other devices).
Resetting Your Router
For effective troubleshooting, try to reset your router to its default settings. This can be done by simply pressing the physical reset button on your router. Alternatively, you can click the “Reset” button on the advanced settings page of your router settings.
Upgrading Router Firmware
Another effective troubleshooting method is to upgrade your router firmware. Here are two ways to upgrade your router firmware:
How to Upgrade Router Firmware Through Router’s Settings
If your router is connected to the Internet, you can find the latest firmware version in your router settings. In this case, you simply need to click “Yes” to upgrade to the latest firmware version.
Downloading Firmware Directly from the Router’s Manufacturer
If your router is not connected to the Internet, then an alternative method is to download the firmware from the router manufacturer’s website. However, this option is not available for all routers.
Troubleshooting Your Modem
If your router is working properly and you are still unable to connect to the Internet, your modem may be causing the disconnection. Here are some ways to troubleshoot your modem:
Simple Fixes for Troubleshooting a Modem
Some of the simple fixes for your modem are like that of the router. Try restarting your modem or test your modem using a different device. If these fixes do not work, call up your ISP.
How to Check Your Modem’s Signal Levels
Another troubleshooting method is to check the signal strength of your modem. Simply enter http://192.168.100.1 in your browser’s address. This is the universal IP address of all modern modems.
How to Reboot Your Modem
If your modem’s lights are not functioning as normal, it’s a good time to reboot your modem. Simply unplug the power cord from your modem, wait for a couple of minutes, and then plug the power cord back into your outlet.
How to Factory Reset Your Modem
Another effective method is to reset your modem to its factory settings. To do this, press the modem’s Reset button located at the back or bottom of the device. Press and hold the button – and then release the button only when the modem lights begin to flicker.
Diagnostic Tools for Troubleshooting a Router and Modem
If the above solutions do not work to fix your router or modem, then you need diagnostic tools to fix the problem. Here are some of the diagnostic tools used for troubleshooting:
Network Diagnostic Tools for Finding Issues and Dead Spots
There are a host of network diagnostic tools that can detect and rectify problems in your local network. Besides network issues, these diagnostic tools are effective at finding and resolving dead spots.
Router and Modem Brand-Specific Diagnostic Tools
Most router and modem companies offer their diagnostic tools to troubleshoot issues. You can either use these built-in tools from your device settings – or download them from their websites.
Third-Party Diagnostic Tools
Alternatively, you can purchase and use third-party diagnostic tools that can work on any Wi-Fi network. Some of the popular diagnostic tools include NetSpot, NirSoft, and macOS wireless diagnostics.
Conclusion
The Wi-Fi router and modem are two devices central to the proper functioning and performance of your Internet. By using the methods outlined in this article, you can keep your router and modem functioning at an optimal level.
We hope you have found these troubleshooting tips useful and effective. Please note that restarting your router or modem is the most effective way to fix issues. Alternatively, consider placing your router in an open and central location within your home or office.
Once you get your modem and router working, sit back and stream away. What are you binge watching on NetFlix today?