How to check if router is working properly
You router is your bridge to fast internet access for all your devices. Routers are designed like mini-computers with a processors and RAM. The device will communicate with your devices and the wider network. However, your router may start experiencing various problems with network connection. Troubleshooting your router enables you to find the problem fast.
One of the first things you need to check to know that your router is working properly is your cable connections. This will include your Ethernet and power cable. Almost all routers come with blinking lights that tell you the status of your router connections. Understanding this lights is the first step towards troubleshooting a router.
Table of Contents
Power problems
Sometimes router problems are caused by the obvious – not powering on the device or connecting cables are disconnected. You can check the illuminated status lights to know when you are experiencing power problems. At times the issue could be with your power socket. You can check it for burns and replace it accordingly.
Internet connection
If your power is okay then you need to find out whether the lack of connection is relegated to one device or all devices. You can try connecting both your laptop and smart phone and see their response. If one device is connecting and another is not then the problem is with the device rather than the router.
You can also go to your broadband connection page to see whether the fault is on their end. At times you may experience connection issues with your ISP as a result of occasional repairs in your area. If all is well you can try to run the “Windows Network Diagnostic routine” on your computer. This will help in troubleshooting common network issues on your computer.
Try a different Wi-Fi channel
If your internet connection was working perfectly fine then all of a sudden slows down you may want to shift to a different Wi-Fi channel as the existing one could be facing some form of congestion. You will find the settings for this at in advanced setting tab for your router maintenance tab. What you need to change your Wi-Fi channel manually is just the default gateway IP, router username and password.
Debunking blinking lights
Those lights that you see blinking on your router are there for a reason. There are the first place to check whether your router is working properly. If all the lights are off then the issue could be with the power source or complete router failure. Sometimes your power adaptor could be at fault and you may need to replace it. Most of routers will come with manuals to understand what the lights mean. If you notice some of the lights are blinking and you still are not getting a connection the problem could be with your ISP or you probably have not turned the Wi-Fi button on. Router lights vary and each troubleshooting will be unique to a particular router model.
Reset router
Since the router operates like a mini-computer a simple reset may restore your router to good working condition. You may need to input your default SSID and password during the process. You can do this through the reset button on the router or on the router settings page.
Scan for malware
There has been a rise in private network attacks across the globe. Hackers are on the prowl for sensitive information and Wi-Fi networks offer a weak link to do so. If your router is misbehaving the problem can be narrowed down to lack of a solid anti-malware software. Running a virus check may identify the problem and restore your router to good working condition.
It is prudent that before you run a virus check ensure your router is operating on the latest router firmware. The risks of attacks are higher for routers that operate on old firmware than new ones. Some routers will update their firmware automatically but if this is not the case you will be forced to head to the advanced settings page and update firmware. The firmware update will require your router to be connected to the internet for it to work. Some of the issues you are experiencing can be solved completely with a firmware update.
Bypass your DNS Server
Anytime you want to visit a website you often type the name of the website and then DNS server sorts out the IP address and directs you to the page (it is like the internet phonebook). There moments these servers could be having issues leading to lack of internet access. In this case, your router is not the problem. You can bypass the DNS server by typing in the IP address directly. You should type something like 216.58.197.78 for Google address. If the page loads normally then you need to clear the DNS cache or change your DNS server.
How to fix common router problems
Problems |
Troubleshooting |
How to Fix it |
Router not responding |
Power problems, dead router |
Check power connection, if not working replace router |
High latency |
Servers are far |
Use CDN, reboot router, caching, use wired connections |
Slow internet connection |
Congested network, outdated router |
Upgrade router, use different Wi-Fi channel, run virus check |
Web pages not loading |
Expired ISP billing, faulty DNS servers, faulty router |
Bypass DNS, recheck your ISP packages, run windows network diagnostics |
Conclusion
Routers are not designed to work indefinitely. Technological advances may render your current router worthless if it is unable to match the speed requirements for the latest smart devices. There are simple checks like router lights that can tell you the condition of your router. Most of the routers will come with manuals that inform you what each light mean. When troubleshooting your router start with obvious causes for router malfunction like faulty power supply, expired billing, not making all your connections. If your router is more than five years old then chances of experiencing malfunctions is higher. Routers like PCs have internal components that are subject to wear and tear. When this happens the only cause of action is to purchase a new router.
FAQ
Why are my router lights are not working?
The problem could be that you have not turned on the power source or the coaxial cable is not properly placed
When should I replace my router?
On average do it every three to four years. This allows you to take advantage of technology updates