Why Does My Netgear Router Keep Disconnecting?

Common problem users face with Netgear routers is that at times they at times drop their WiFi connection. A major reason for this could be that the firmware is outdated. The solution for this is to update the router. There, however, could be other minor causes for these problems and therefore, several solutions that can be employed.

Today, there is an increasing need to have an online presence, be it as a business owner, online gamer, or video streamer among others. That is why we all look for a stable and reliable network that keeps us connected round the clock. For that reason, we opt for the best routers in the market, and what’s a better brand than Netgear.

Netgear routers are among the top-notch quality in the market. They are built with a promise of excellent and reliable performance. That is why they are a favorite choice for many individuals. The problem with routers, however, is that you may experience a drop in the internet connection every once in a while. This can be annoying especially if you’re on a video call, or streaming a movie, and so on. So, what is the reason behind this and how can it be fixed? In this article, we will be covering the causes behind why your Netgear router keeps disconnecting and the possible solution.

Reasons Why Netgear Router Keeps Disconnecting And How To Fix It.

When your router disconnects from the internet for the first time, you won’t think much of it. You’ll probably assume it’s a temporary glitch and brush it off. It, however, gets frustrating when you are constantly disconnected from the internet, especially if you were in the middle of an important project or meeting. There are usually three reasons as to why your Netgear router keeps disconnecting from the internet. The reasons are as follows:

Modem Issues.

While routers can communicate with other devices without the need for a modem, it still needs a modem to access the internet and communicate with the ISP. So, if you’re modem happens to have a problem, then there will be an issue of communication with your ISP. As a result, you could experience various issues with your internet connection, among them, being that your router will keep disconnecting.

Solution: The first thing you should do is check if your modem is working properly and attempt troubleshooting it before focusing on your router. To do this, you can follow the following steps:

To check if the modem is working:

• Unplug the router and modem.
• Wait for 10 seconds
• Plugin the router and modem.
• Power them on and wait for a minute for them to fully power on.
• Check the internet light on the router.

If the light is on, it means your modem is working well, if not you might need to troubleshoot it.

Troubleshooting the modem.

• Turn off your router
• Unplug the modem from the router and connect it to your computer system via ethernet cable.
• Reboot your modem and computer system
• After restarting the system, try using the internet.
• If it works, then that means that the modem is working well.
• Connect it back to the router and check if the internet light is on.

If the internet light is still not on, then it means the problem is not with the modem but the router. You can proceed with troubleshooting the router.

Outdated firmware.

Firmware updates are very important. They are meant to improve your router’s performance by fixing any bugs discovered by the manufacturers. That is why Netgear makes a point of constantly releasing updates for their routers. It is, therefore, recommended that you remain in the loop about any new updates and ensure that your router is up to date. For some routers, these updates can be done automatically, but for most routers users have to do it manually. So, you need to make a point of remembering to do so. Failure to update your router’s firmware could lead to glitches, including the issue of your router constantly disconnecting.

Solution: The answer to this problem is to check the Netgear site to see whether there are any firmware updates for your Netgear router and update your firmware. To perform the update, follow these steps:

• First, log in to your router through your web browser.
• On the Home page, click on Settings>Administration or Advanced>Administration
• Under Administration, select, Router update or Firmware update.
• Click on Check
• Click on Yes if the router finds available updates.
• The router will restart to begin the updates.
• This may take a few minutes, so, avoid doing anything or turning off the router until the restart process is complete.

Issues with Router’s settings.

Sometimes, the settings you’ve put up for your router could be the reason for the constant drop in connection. It could be that you specified the use of one WiFi channel, or added extra security measures, or maybe picked a particular wireless network mode. It can be difficult to figure out which of the settings could be causing the problem, especially if you don’t have enough knowledge about routers.

Solution: In such a case, your best option would be to reset your router. You can first perform a factory reset followed by a 30-30-30 reset if the problem isn’t resolved. To do so, you can follow the steps below:

For a factory reset.

• First, disconnect all your devices from the router. (the only cable connection should be the power cable)
• Locate and press the Reset or Reset Factory Settings button (Use a paper clip).
• Hold it for 7 seconds.
• When all the lights are blinking together release the button.
• Wait for 20-30 seconds for the router to restart with the default settings.

For 30-30-30 reset.

• Press the reset button and hold for 30 seconds.
• Without releasing the button, remove the router from the power source and keep holding the reset button for another 30 seconds.
• Still pressing the reset button plug in the router back to the power source and hold the button for another 30 seconds.
• Release the reset button and give it one minute.
• Unplug the router from the power source again and wait for 30 seconds.
• Plug the router back in and turn it on.
• Connect the router to the internet, the issue should be resolved after this.

Conclusion:

If after trying all these fixes and the problem is not resolved, then you should try contacting Netgear customer support for further guidance. If your router is old, it could also mean that it is time to upgrade to a newer and better-performing model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I need to constantly reset my Netgear router?

It is a sign that your router is overworked. That means that there may be too many devices connected to it simultaneously. Try disconnecting a few devices to offload the router and see if this helps.

Why does my router keep shutting down?

This could be due to overheating. To avoid this, ensure that you dust off your router’s vents and that there is proper ventilation around your router. Doing this could also improve the quality and range of your WiFi signal.