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Tips to Speed up Internet Troubleshooting
Bypassing your cable router is an effective way to manage internet connection problems.
When working properly, routers create a connection between the Internet and electronic devices in your home. When you’re experiencing slow speeds online, though, a malfunctioning router could be the reason why.
To check if your personal router is causing the connection problem, try hooking up your laptop to the Ethernet.
Follow each of the steps below to make the computer-to-modem connection, bypassing the router.
- Turn off the router.
- Unplug the modem from the power source or wall unit.
- Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the router.
- Wait 60 seconds, then plug the modem back into a power source.
- When all the modem online lights are lit (blue or green in color), plug the Ethernet cable into your computer.
- If your computer doesn’t recognize an internet connection after 60 seconds of being connected to your modem, reboot the computer.
To return to using the router, follow these steps:
- Unplug the modem, and leave it unplugged for 30 seconds.
- After waiting 30 seconds, plug the modem back in.
- Plug the router back into a power source or wall unit.
- Once the modem and router devices are plugged back in, check each device to ensure that all connections are secure at both ends.
- Wait a few minutes until the lights on the modem and on the router are lit and are working again.
To better understand other factors that may affect your overall internet performance, check out our additional information on troubleshooting techniques.
If you’re experiencing inconsistent internet access, rebooting your internet equipment can help resolve your issue.
You can also try rebooting your phone modem to help your equipment perform better day-to-day.
If you have any further questions, please contact us.
Separate Modem and Router
If your modem and router are two separate pieces, use the following steps to reboot your equipment:
- Unplug the power cord from your router.
- Unplug the power cord from your modem and remove any batteries.
- Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug the modem back in and wait until the modem is fully powered on.
- Wait at least two minutes to allow the modem to power up. The modem’s lights should gradually turn on to confirm the device has power and is connected to the internet.
- Plug the router back in. Wait two minutes for the router to power on and reconnect to the internet.
- Open your web browser and go to two or three different web pages to make sure your internet connection is working.
Modem or Modem/Router Combo (Gateway)
If your modem and router are combined into a single piece of equipment (sometimes called a gateway), use the following steps to reboot your equipment:
- Unplug the power cord from your gateway.
- Wait at least one minute, then plug the modem back in and make sure all cables are connected properly.
- Wait at least two minutes to allow the modem to power up. The modem’s lights should gradually turn on to confirm the device has power and is connected to the internet.
- Open your web browser and go to two or three different web pages to make sure your internet connection is working.
If you’re still experiencing slow or no internet connection, find out how to use the Spectra Speed Test, or check the Storm Center if you think you’re in an outage.
Several factors may impact your WiFi speeds:
- Competing Devices: The more devices connected to your wireless network, the less bandwidth each device can use. Try disconnecting devices when you’re not using them to improve overall performance.
- Older Devices: Older devices use older wireless technology, which may actually affect the performance of all devices on your network.
- Competing Networks: Your computer can check for wireless networks in the area that may be competing for bandwidth.
- Distance from Your Router: The best signal is within about 125 feet of your router, with a clear line of sight. Try moving your device closer to your router.
- Signal Obstacles: Your router should be in the most central spot in your home, away from anything that might block its signal.
- Time of Day: If you’re experiencing slow speeds during peak usage times (generally 5-9 PM), check your speeds during a off-hours to see if they improve.
- Security Settings: If all of your devices are experiencing a slow connection, check your network’s security settings.
- Other Sources of Interference: Move your WiFi devices away from other transmitting devices, such as baby monitors, cell phones and Bluetooth devices, or turn those devices off when not in use.
Restart your Modem
If you’re having trouble with your wired connection, try restarting your modem:
- Unplug the modem.
- Turn off the router and computers and/or mobile devices.
- Plug the modem back in and wait two minutes.
- Turn on the router and wait two minutes.
- Turn on the computers and/or mobile devices.
Learn more about restarting your modem.
Check Your Equipment
- Check that you’re using Spectrum Business-issued equipment.
- Make sure all Ethernet cables are securely plugged in.
- If your modem and router are turned on and properly connected with an Ethernet cable, the internet LED on the router should be ON.
- If a computer is turned on and connected to the router by an Ethernet cable, the LAN LED should be ON.
- Check to make sure that your wireless device is compatible with the network that you selected (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).