The Great Power Cycle
There are plenty of simple tricks that make computing much simpler. Unfortunately, a large number of these are not taught to casual computer users. For example: losing connection to a wireless router is a basic problem that has a simple fix many users do not know about that will eliminate a vast majority of the problems that cause this symptom.
When you drop your connection to your wireless router, power cycling the modem and router will likely resolve the problem completely. Many people do not know how to perform this very simple task. Unfortunately, nearly every router and modem on the market will need the occasional power cycle. These devices run constantly and will periodically run into conflicts that can be resolved with a simple restart.
If you try to resolve the problem by calling for support, you’ll probably experience the following: aAfter spending an hour on hold with your internet service provider, you will be lead through a number of unnecessary steps to rule out serious but not terribly common problems. Since the vast majority of these issues can be quickly resolved by power cycling, it makes sense to learn this technique for home use before calling up tech support.
To power cycle your modem and router, just unplug both devices. That’s it. If your modem uses a battery, reset it after you’ve unplugged the wireless router. While each device is somewhat different, you should wait at least two minutes before plugging back in both machines. If either unit feels unusually hot, you might want to wait until they cool down a bit before powering up.
Once this time has passed, plug in your modem. Permit your modem to finish booting and conenct back up to the internet. After it’s fully operational, plug in your wireless router. When your router is also connected, attempt to connect your computers to the network.
It can sometimes also be a good idea to reboot your computers before connecting them to the router. This will means that hey will connect with a fresh IP address. IP address conflicts are a frequent cause for network connectivity problems.
It is regretable that modems and routers are not built with a technical mechanism that can solve this issue for inexperienced users. Since it’s such a common and necessary practice, it should be clearly indicated to every user as part of proper network maintenance. If internet service providers offered instructions on power cycling with each new account, they could save a bundle on labor expenses. Countless hours of technical support service are wasted on a procedure that will be necessary for just about every user. In fact, this is something that most people will have to do quite often.
Because this issue affects both the modem and router, it is complicated to create the type of process that would be needed for a purely technical solution. However, it is not a huge undertaking to enable the novice user to solve this problem simply. User education is the only reasonable solution. While it certianly isn’t the biggest challenge facing humanity, everyone stands to gain from solving this communication issue. Routers and modems need frequent power cycling, and most people do not know how to do it.
Geek Choice understands the frustration of having a network that isn’t working properly. As a nationwide computer and repair company, Geek Choice works hard to help the community solve their technical problems. Whether it’s network setup or troubleshooting connectivity issues, if you are having trouble with your network, give us a call at 1-800-GEEK HELP (433-5435). Geek Choice offers on-site service for all of your computer issues.
The author of this article works at a nationwide Computer Repair company. At Geek Choice we solve computer problems such as: Slow computer, Virus Removal, Spyware Removal, Computer startup problems, and much more.