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The Power Cycle: A Simple Answer to Network Issues

By: Greg Housh

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There are plenty of widely known tricks that make computer ownership much better. Unfortunately, quite a few of these are not known by casual computer users. For example: losing connection to a wireless router is a basic problem with a simple fix many users do not know about 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 frequently resolve the issue. Many users don't know how to perform this simple task. It's a sad fact that nearly every router and modem needs an occasional power cycle. These devices run constantly and like any electronic device will at times encounter conflicts that can be resolved 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 steps to rule out uncommon problems. Since so many of these issues can be easily resolved by power cycling, it makes 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 an average of two minutes before plugging back in both devices. If either unit feels ridiculously hot, you might want to wait until they cool down a bit as well.

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

It can sometimes also be a good idea to reboot your computers before connecting them to the router. This will means that hey will connect with a fresh IP address. IP address conflicts are an all too common cause for network connectivity problems.
It's unfortunate that modems and routers are not made with a technical mechanism that can solve this issue for novice users. Since it is 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 to each new account, it would probably save a bundle on phone support expenses. Untold hours of technical support service are wasted on a procedure that will be necessary for nearly every user. In fact, this is something that most people will have to do very often and may make multiple calls for.

As this issue requires changes in the states of both the modem and router, it is complicated to create the type of standardized process that would be necessary for a purely technical solution. However, it's entirely possible to enable even the casual user to solve this problem without further complications. Education is the only reasonable answer. While it certianly isn't the biggest challenge facing humanity, everyone stands to gain from solving this communication issue. Routers and modems need frequent power cycling, and most people do not know how to do it.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

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.

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