The Great Power Cycle
There are many simple tricks that make computer use much simpler. Sadly, some of these are not known by a surprising number of users. For example: losing connection to a wireless router is a basic problem that has a simple fix that (while not 100% effective in every scenario) every user can learn.
When you drop your connection to your wireless router, power cycling the modem and router will likely solve the issue completely. Many people don’t know how to perform this very simple task. Unfortunately, nearly every router and modem on the market will require the occasional power cycle. They run constantly and will periodically encounter conflicts that can be resolved with a fresh restart.
{If you try to resolve the problem by calling for support, you’ll probably experience the following: aA}fter wasting an hour on hold with your internet service provider, you will be lead through a series of unnecessary steps to rule out serious but not terribly common problems. Since most of these issues can be resolved by power cycling, it makes good sense to learn this technique for home use before calling up tech support.
To power cycle your modem and router, all you need to do it unplug both devices. That’s it. If your modem uses a battery, reset it after you’ve unplugged the router. While each device is somewhat different, you should wait at least two minutes before plugging back in both devices. If either unit feels extraordinarily hot, you might want to wait until they reach a cooler temperature.
Once this time has passed, plug in your modem. Permit your modem to completely boot and conenct back up to the internet. Once it is back online, plug in your wireless router. Once your router is functional, attempt to connect your computers to the network.
It can be a good idea to reboot your computers before connecting them to the router. This will means that hey will connect to the network with a fresh IP address. IP address conflicts are an all too common cause for network connectivity problems.
It is regretable that modems and routers aren’t built with a technical mechanism that can re this issue for novice users. Since it is such a common and needed practice, it should be clearly indicated to every user as an aspect of proper network maintenance. If internet service providers provided instructions on power cycling with each new customer, they would probably save significant tech support 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 frequently.
Since this procedure requires changes in the states of both the modem and router, it is complicated to create the type of uniform process that would be necessary for a purely technical solution. However, it’s entirely possible to enable even the inexperienced user to solve this problem simply. User education is the only reasonable solution. While it certianly isn’t the biggest challenge facing humanity, there is a value in solving this communication problem. Routers and modems need frequent power cycling, and users and tech support alike will be happier and more productive if consumers learn how to do it on their own.
Geek Choice understands the frustration of having a network that isn’t working properly. As a nationwide computer repair company, Geek Choice works hard to help the community solve their technical problems.
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