Sometimes what a person thinks is a problem with their cable Internet service provider’s (ISP) connection is not a problem with the cable connection at all. Sometimes the connectivity issues are the result of a bad or failing wireless router nside the home. If you own your own router and can’t seem to get to the Internet at all try these steps and suggestions before scheduling a visit from the repairman.
Troubleshooting A Router- Isolating The Problem
The first thing to do regardless of where the problem may lie is to restart everything that is connected to the network. Turn off or unplug the cable modem, router, computer, and anything else that lies between the wall jack and the computer. Then, turn on the modem and connect the modem directly to your computer and see if your Internet connection is restored. If it works fine when connected only to the modem then the problem is almost certainly with the router. In this case you can jump to the section titled Fixing The Router below.
Is It The Modem’s Fault?
If the computer is still unable to get on the Internet when connected directly to the cable modem then it is possible that the modem is bad and/or that there is a wiring issue either in the wall or outside the home. To test this theory call your cable company and have them attempt to communicate with the modem. Depending on the results of this conversation they may ask you to bring in the modem to swap it out (if the modem is owned by the company).
Fixing The Router By Resetting It
If the modem appears to be working properly then the next step is to try to fix the router. Check the ports and wires for any obvious damage and, barring none, reset the router to its default settings by pressing the reset button on the back. Most reset buttons are little paperclip size holes that you must stick something into and hold for 15 or more seconds. When you are done and you plug it back in the modem will go back to its default settings, erasing any customization that you may have done to it like password protection or port forwarding. The positive side of this is that resetting it makes it easy to tell if it is broken completely. If the computer will not connect to the Internet once you plug into a router on its default settings then the router most likely needs to be replaced.
If these suggestions lead you to believe the router must be broken then sadly the only realistic thing to do is buy a new one. Unfortunately routers are not easily serviced, and repairing one will most likely be more expensive than buying a new one.
Chad Criswell - Chad Criswell is a professional educator and freelance technology writer for numerous online and print publications throughout the United ...
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