In this day of burgeoning technology the average family includes the home computer, a laptop, iPad or tablet, smartphone and printer, all of which want to talk to each other as well as the Internet. One of the most important devices in the house today is the Modem router and it is through this technology that our devices connect to each other and to the Internet.
Yet is can give us many headaches.
I get a lot of phone calls from people asking, “Why is the internet slow?” and “My tablet won’t connect to the internet”.
Many of these issues can be resolved by performing a few quick trouble-shooting tips.
First, get to know your modem router. Find the instruction book if you can and understand what each flashing lights at the front of your modem/router is for.
If any of these lights are flashing in an orange or red colour then you have your first issue to begin troubleshooting – is it the Internet, your LAN or your wireless signals?
If someone calls me with this issue, I first suggest they turn off all their devices. Then turn off the modem/router and wait for a couple of minutes. Check that all the plugs connected to your modem router and your computers and printers are not loose. Then turn on the modem router first, it takes a little while to boot up because if needs to connect with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) through your phone line.
Once you see all the lights are green, then turn all your computers and devices back on. If your internet light is still flashing orange or red once it has fully rebooted, read your instruction manual, as it may mean your ISP you will need to call them so they can check it at their end. If the light is green then see if you have Internet connection on just the computer that is connected to the modem/router via a cable, if this is clear then test your internet connection from your wireless devices.
70% of the time a reboot in this order solves the problem, but if you find it doesn’t, you then the next step is to check your Modem/router settings.
Open your Internet browser and type in http://192.168.1.1 in the address bar and, using the account name “admin” and password “admin” you can see the modem/router’s configuration settings , security and Wi-Fi settings.
Most router companies use the same default IP address, admin account, and passwords on all their routers, but your router’s documentation will tell you the specific IP address. Once you have logged in you may need to check or reset the settings inside the router with the help of your ISP.
If Internet access is slow, check to make sure you are getting near the bandwidth promised by your ISP. Use multiple speed test tools such as speedtest.net. Keep track of bandwidth at different times of the day and night as well as weekdays and weekends. Contact your ISP for further troubleshooting if you are not seeing the bandwidth you are supposed to receive from your ISP.
I hope this helps with keeping your network trouble free and your Internet surfing stable.
If you have any questions about this or any other troubleshooting issues please give me a call or email me on the below details.