Search:

Home | Computer


The Power Cycle: A Simple Answer to Network Issues

By: Gregg Housh

There are plenty of easy tricks that make computer use much less frustrating. Sadly, quite a few of these tricks are not taught to a surprising number of users. For example: losing connection to a wireless router is a basic problem with a simple fix 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 solve the problem. Many people don't know how to perform this very simple task. It's a sad fact that pretty much any router and modem will need the occasional power cycle. These devices run constantly and like any electronic device will periodically encounter conflicts that can be handled with a 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 series of unnecessary tasks to rule out uncommon problems. Since the vast majority of these issues are resolved by power cycling, it makes good sense to learn this technique for home use.

To power cycle your modem and router, all you need to do it unplug both devices. That's it. If your modem has a battery, reset it after you've unplugged the wireless router. While each device is different, you should wait at least two minutes before plugging back in both devices. If either unit feels very hot, you might want to wait until they cool down a bit.

Once this time has passed, plug in your modem. Permit your modem to completely boot and conenct back up to the internet. After it's back online, plug in your wireless router. When your router is also functional, try to connect your computers to the network.

It can sometimes also be useful to reboot your computers before connecting them to the router. This will means that hey will connect using a fresh IP address. IP address conflicts are an all too common cause for network connectivity issues.
It's regretable that modems and routers aren't made with a technical mechanism that can re this problem for novice users. Since it's such a common and needed practice, it should be taught to every user as part of proper network maintenance. If internet service providers offered instructions on power cycling with each new customer, it could save significant tech support expenses. Untold 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 very frequently.

As this procedure requires changes in the states of both the modem and router, it's complicated to create the type of process that would be necessary for a purely technical solution. However, it is not a huge undertaking to enable the novice user to solve this problem without further complications. Education is the only reasonable solution. While it might not seem to be the biggest challenge facing humanity, everyone stands to gain from 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.

Article Source: http://www.gamblingarticlessite.net

Gregg Housh 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.

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Computer Articles Via RSS!

Powered by Article Dashboard