Having Internet Connection Problems? Power Cycling Might Help

Having Internet Connection Problems? Power Cycling Might Help

If you’re having problems with your connection slowing down or dropping, power cycling is the first thing you should try. It’s easy and it only takes a few seconds to do. It’s not a fix for everything but it’s the first thing you should try if your start having problems with your internet connection

Power cycling is just a fancy name for restarting your modem and wireless router (or modem/router combo)

Restarting your modem and wireless router helps create a new connection to your Internet service provider (ISP). Keep in mind that when you power cycle, anyone using your connection will be disconnected, so if there are others in your home using the internet it might be a good idea to give them a heads-up.

These are the general steps to restarting your modem and router… and these can vary by brand. Some modems and routers have power switches, but the steps below should work for almost everyone.

1.) Disconnect the router from the power source.

2.) Disconnect the modem from the power source.

3.) Wait at least two minutes.

4.) Restart your computer while the modem and router are disconnected from their power sources.

While your computer is restarting…

5.) Plug the modem back into the power source. Wait for the modem to complete its test cycle and for all the modem lights to return to normal.

6.) When the modem is working and all lights are normal, plug your router back into its power source. Wait until the router powers on and its status lights are on and look normal.

Now try your Internet connection.

If you have a modem-router combo

NOTE: Many ISPs are now supplying customers with all-in-one Modem/Routers (modem-router combo). If you have one of these, you can follow the steps above, but instead of having two devices to power off, you only have one. But you can still power cycle and you should if you start having connection problems.

What if power cycling doesn’t work?

If power cycling does not work then you’ll need to explore other options. If you are using a wireless connection and your computer is more than a few years old it may be your wireless network adapter. Luckily, it that’s your problem, there’s an easy and inexpensive fix. See our article here, to learn more.