Repairing Guides

how to repair a router

by Douglas Zieme Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Disconnect the router or wireless gateway. If you have a standalone router, disconnect the Ethernet cord to avoid communicating with the modem.
  2. Power cycle or reset your router or wireless gateway. In some router hacking cases, a simple power cycle works as a quick fix. ...
  3. Change the password. Once the router reboots or resets, log in using the default credentials and change the password. ...
  4. Update the firmware. Set your router to update its firmware automatically if it’s not already. ...

Full Answer

How to properly restart a router?

  • Take a look at your router and find the 'Reset' button. ...
  • Press and hold the 'Reset' button for up to 30 seconds. ...
  • Your router will now reboot, and it will take some time until it becomes fully functional. ...
  • Once you restart your router, make sure to connect to the Web from your computer and other devices manually. ...

How do you troubleshoot a router?

Restart the router and modem. Update the device’s operating system. Check for network device driver updates (Windows). Upgrade the router’s firmware. Run the Windows Troubleshooter (Windows 10). What are the common problems of router? Address one of several common problems to fix router connection problems. Mismatched Wi-Fi Security Settings.

How to troubleshoot problems with your router?

  • Try connecting with a different device. If you’re experiencing issues with a single device, there’s always the possibility the problem may lie with your device and not the Internet connection. ...
  • Switch to an Ethernet cable. ...
  • Try a different Ethernet cable. ...
  • Pay attention to the router’s lights. ...

How can I reconfigure my router?

Part 1 Part 1 of 4: Connecting to the Router

  1. Connect your router to your computer and your modem. Use Ethernet cables to connect your modem to the WAN/WLAN/Internet port on your router, and connect your computer to the ...
  2. Open a web browser. Your router’s configuration page can be accessed by any computer that is connected to the same network.
  3. Enter in your router’s address. ...

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Can you repair a WiFi router?

Resetting your router can fix myriad issues, and an inability to connect is one of them. Press the Reset button on the back of the router with a paperclip for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured.

How do you fix a broken WiFi router?

ContentsCheck Your WiFi Router's Lights.Reboot Your Router and Modem.See if Your WiFi is Working on Other Devices.Make Sure There Is Not an Internet Outage in Your Area.Connect to Your WiFi Router with an Ethernet Cable.Reset Your Router to Factory Settings.Remove Any Obstructions Blocking Your WiFi Signal.More items...•

What causes a router to stop working?

Causes of Router Failure Shock and vibration are also detrimental to electronics, and if the router is constantly bumped, knocked over, or otherwise moved abruptly, connections and solder joints can work loose, and ports can be damaged by network cords being tugged and pulled.

What are the signs of a failing router?

5 Signs You Need a New RouterYour router is more than 5 years old. Technology changes quickly. ... You're renting a router from your ISP. ... Your Wi-Fi network has connection issues. ... Your Wi-Fi range and speeds are getting worse. ... Your router runs hot.

How long do routers last?

about five yearsHow Long Do Routers Really Last? At the current pace of change, the average lifespan for a router is probably about five years. Upgrading every five years ensures that you'll always have the best features and performance without unnecessary side-grades.

How can I test my router for problems?

Step 1: Download and install a wireless router testing tool. Several Wi-Fi network speed test tools are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux. ... Step 2: Set up Wi-Fi Speed Test. Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network you want to test. ... Step 3: Run a Wi-Fi Speed Test. ... Step 4 (optional): Wi-Fi Analyzer.

Do routers fail over time?

If your router is more than four or five years old, you should definitely think about replacing it. Three reasons why: 1. Over time, heat can damage the internal components, which may explain symptoms like intermittent outages or slow performance.

Why is my router connected but no internet?

Outdated network driver Sometimes, an old, outdated, or corrupted network driver can be the cause of WiFi connected but no Internet error. Many times, a small yellow mark in your network device name or in your network adapter could indicate a problem.

How much does a new router cost?

An entry-level AC1750 802.11ac router will cost anywhere from $60 to $100, for instance. But if you want an AC2400 router with MU-MIMO streaming capabilities, expect the price to land in the $100 to $200 range.

How do I check my router?

On the Command Prompt window, enter “ipconfig” and press the [Enter]. The numbers indicated on the Default Gateway section is your router's IP Address. If you want to access the router's web-based setup page, enter the default gateway number in the URL or Address bar of your web browser.

How often should I replace my router?

every three to four yearsGenerally, we recommend you upgrade to a new router every three to four years. That accounts for how often people typically upgrade devices like smartphones (every two years) and computers (every three to four years).

How do I know if I need a new modem or router?

How do you know if you need a new modem?You can't connect to the internet.Your Internet connection randomly drops out.You frequently have to reset or restart your modem.Your streaming is lagging.Your internet speeds are inconsistent.Your modem's indicator light remains unlit.Your modem runs constantly hot.More items...•

Do WIFI routers wear out?

Routers wear out from heat stress. The heat that comes from the router working to connect all of your many devices can damage wires and components inside.

What to do if you can't get your router's IP address?

If you can't get your router's IP address to change, contact your ISP and ask for a new, fixed IP address . Buy a secondary, more secure router. Some wireless routers that ISPs provide to customers are a combination modem and router, and security isn't always the greatest.

Why is my router at the corner of my house?

A common mistake is placing a router at a corner of a house. This causes areas in the house with a weak Wi-Fi signal or spotty connections. Another solution if you have a large house is to boost your Wi-Fi signal either through better placement or buying hardware Wi-Fi boosters. Check your DHCP settings.

How to block all devices on network?

Block all devices on your network. You can do this via the Access Control settings in your Router menu. Make sure to block all new devices from connecting, and then select and block all connected devices. Since you're connected via a network cable, this won't affect your connection. Run an internet connect speed test.

Why is my wifi not working?

Quite a few things can cause issues with your Wi-Fi router. The most common scenario is a wireless channel overcrowded by too many devices using too much bandwidth. The least likely scenario is a hardware failure with the router itself. There are also issues like malware on your device, a hacked router, and more.

Can a router get hacked?

Dealing With a Hacked Wi-Fi Router. Believe it or not, routers are small purpose-built computers and therefore can get viruses. This is especially true if you've never changed the admin password or provided a poor network login password.

Did You Fix Your Wi-Fi Router?

Were you able to resolve your issues with your Wi-Fi router, or do connection issues still plague you? Don't be afraid to completely replace the device with a new one.

What to do if your router is unstable?

If your router seems unstable no matter what you do or needs frequent resets, consider replacing it. New routers are fairly cheap and dealing with an unstable router can be a huge headache.

How to reboot router?

The reboot process is simple on most routers — unplug your router’s power cable, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in. If you have separate modem, you may also want to try unplugging your modem’s power cable and plugging it back in after a few seconds. Some devices may have a power switch, but the unplug-and-plug-back-in method applies to all routers.

Why is my router causing interference?

If you’re in a location with a lot of wireless routers nearby, like an apartment building, there’s a good chance your router is subject to interference from other wireless routers sending signals on the same wireless frequency. Determining the optimal wireless channel for your area and changing your router to operate on that wireless channel instead of a more congested one can reduce this interference, improving your wireless signal.

What could go wrong with my router?

Your router or modem may be broken. The Ethernet cables you use may be damaged and need replacement. If only one device you own is having problems with its network connection , it may have a software problem and you may need to go through a troubleshooting process on a specific device — or maybe just reboot it, if you’re lucky.

Why is my router hot?

If it seems very hot, ensure that it’s getting enough airflow. If the vents are blocked or you have the router in a hot location — like on top of a tower PC that heats up — overheating could be causing instability. It’s also possible that past overheating may have damaged the router.

Why is my router rebooting?

If you have to frequently reboot your router, the manufacturer’s firmware may just be unstable and buggy. Installing an alternative firmware like DD-WRT might help.

Why does my cable unplug?

This may sound like a no-brainer, but we sometimes forget to check the most obvious solution before moving on to more complicated ones. Someone may have accidentally pulled on or kicked a cable, causing it to unplug or become loose. You should check all of the cables involved and ensure that they’re securely connected.

How to reset a router if you don't know the password?

If you don't know the password, you can reset the router to it's factory default settings. To do this, locate the reset button on the router and press and hold it for several seconds. You may need to use a pin or pointed object to press it.

How to keep your router up to date?

With any piece of technology, it’s important to keep the software up-to-date. Scan your router's user interface for a page or section that’s related to firmware updates . Each router's user interface looks different. With some routers, you can set your device to update automatically.

How to tell if my router is fully booted up?

Then plug them in. Start with your modem first, and then plug in your router. Wait until the green lights on the front of both devices turn solid with intermittent flashes. This indicates that the device is fully booted up.

How to change SSID on Wi-Fi?

The SSID is the name of your wireless network. Scan the interface and look for "SSID," "Wi-FI name & password" or something similar. You can change the SSID to whatever name you want, or leave it as the default. Then you will need to set a new password that will be used to log in to your Wi-Fi password.

How to log in to a router?

Enter the username and password. Routers usually have a default username and password you can use to log in. Check the user's manual that came with your router to find out the default username and password. Use the default username and password to log in.

How to use old modem as modem?

To do so, connect a computer to the old modem/router using an ethernet cable. Open a web browser and type the modem's IP address and log in. Look for the “IP Passthrough” settings on the modem's user interface. Switch the “Allocation Mode” settings to Passthrough, and set the “Passthrough Mode” box to “DHCPS-fixed.” Then, type in your new router’s Media Access Control (MAC) address below .

How to connect a modem to a router?

Connect your modem to your router. If you are using a modem that is separate from your router, connect an ethernet cable to one of the "WAN" ports on the modem. Then connect it directly the the "LAN" or "Internet" port on your router.

Who owns Linksys routers?

At various points, Linksys has been owned by Cisco, Belkin, and Foxconn. The general naming scheme for Linksys routers consists of a few letters to indicate the type of device followed by letters and numbers for each model.

What is an EA router?

Models starting with “E” or “EA” are primarily wireless routers. The earlier EA models feature a dual-band radio which allows you to host both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network simultaneously. Some later EA models support tri-band technology or MU-MIMO to communicate with multiple devices at once. “WRTxxxx” products are another line of Linksys’s wireless routers, with the name WRT used as a shorthand for W ireless R ou T er.

How to fix a router that is hacked?

This method clears the memory of any malicious code and refreshes your public IP address. Just pull the plug, wait 30 seconds, and then plug the cord back into the outlet.

How to reset a router?

To factory reset your router, find its reset button—it’s either surface-mounted or recessed on the back. Press and hold the button—you’ll need a paperclip for a recessed button—for 10 seconds until your router’s LEDs indicate a reboot.

How to get malware on router?

You may have obtained the malware by clicking on a link in a phishing email or chat message, connecting an infected flash drive, accessing a malicious website, or viewing infected ads.

How to see devices on my home network?

You can see a list of devices accessing your home or office network using the router’s web interface or a compatible mobile app. For example, the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi interface provides a network map—just click on a device to see its assigned address.

Why is my cable internet so slow?

Slow cable internet speeds are typical at peak times, when multiple devices stream content simultaneously, or when your internet provider has network issues. But if you’re experiencing extremely slow speeds along with other symptoms on this list, chances are you have a hacked router.

Can a device remotely access your router?

However, a device remotely accessing your router won’t have an address that matches the first three numbers of your router’s private address.

Is a router a firmware?

Unfortunately, firmware is never bulletproof, as there are bugs in the code and security holes that can grant hackers easy access. Manufacturers distribute firmware updates regularly to squash these bugs and patch vulnerabilities.

How long does it take for a router to rest?

Then it’s time to step away. You want your router and modem to rest for a bit so the equipment’s memory has time to refresh. This will take about a minute or two —but letting your equipment rest for longer won’t hurt it. Go make a cup of coffee, chat with a family member, or take your dog out for a walk while you wait.

What does it mean when you restart your router?

Resetting your router will completely wipe any configurations you’ve saved and restore your router to its factory default settings. That means you’ll have to set up your password, network name (SSID), and more all over again.

How to save settings after restart?

1. Unplug your router and modem. First, you’ll want to unplug both your router and modem from the power outlet in the wall. Next, you’ll want to unplug any connections between your modem and wireless router. Then it’s time to step away.

How to restart a modem?

Restarting your modem and router is as easy as unplugging all your equipment , waiting a couple of minutes, then plugging in your modem and plugging in your router after your modem has powered back up .

Why update your firmware?

We also recommend updating your equipment’s firmware and apps to make sure you have the latest technical issue fixes and optimizations. Updated firmware can help you get faster internet speeds , and who could say no to that?

Is it normal to see flashing lights on a router?

Again, you’ll probably see lots of flashing lights at first—this is still normal as the router goes through the process of starting all of its processes back up again.

Do you plug in your modem first?

We repeat, plug your modem’s power cord in first!

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