An internet connection that is slow or constantly disconnecting can be pretty frustrating. It can also be difficult to diagnose the problem as there are numerous devices responsible for providing your internet. There is also the possibility that your internet provider is experiencing difficulties, or there might even be a disruption somewhere in the line.
It can be pretty annoying sitting on the phone for hours just to be put on hold or told that your ISP “can’t help you”. So here are a few different ways that you can improve your internet without having to call your internet provider.
Cable or DSL Modem
The part of your internet service that you can control begins at the modem. The modem is the device that connects to the coaxial cable that comes out of your wall or service box. Most times these cables are existing, or your internet provider will install them when they first begin servicing your house.
Your modem should look similar to this one, and it’s responsible for interpreting the signal your ISP sends you and then sending that signal to your router. Sometimes your modem and router will be a combo device where you might have a single device that is capable of both functions.
The primary troubleshooting you can do with the modem is by unplugging the power from it. Wait 10 seconds and then plug it back in again. This will help reinitialize the connection back to your internet provider and hopefully establish a better signal.
If you have an older router you may want to think about purchasing a newer one as more recent modems have had a significant upgrade in performance and speed. Stores like Best Buy should have a few different modem options to choose from, and the type of modem you will want to purchase will be dependent on the type of internet you have. The most common type of internet currently offered is cable internet which requires a cable mode.
Resetting Your Wired or Wireless Router
The next thing you can do is reset your wired or wireless router, and it should look like something similar to the above picture. To reset your router simply unplug the power cord from the wall and let it sit for 10 seconds. Plug it back in and give it sometime to reboot then check your internet and see if it has solved your problem.
Checking Your Internet Connection With Your ISP
Checking with your ISP can also be a good option to ensure that nothing is going wrong on their end. Occasionally they can experience server issues or line disruptions due to car crashes, construction, or general outages. They might also be able to tell you if your modem is going bad and needs to be upgraded.
Before calling your ISP try checking your internet connection speed with a website like https://www.speedtest.net/. This could give you good information to provide your internet provider especially if you aren’t getting the speed you are paying for.
If your wireless internet is struggling as well, try checking out this article on How to Fix and Improve Your Wireless Connection
