Experiencing slow speeds or a dropped connection? Before you pick up the phone, try these three simple troubleshooting steps. Many common internet problems can be resolved quickly by power-cycling your equipment, saving you time and getting you back online faster.
Step 1: Power-Cycle Your DSL Modem
First, restart the heart of your internet connection: your DSL modem.
If your modem has an on/off switch, use that. If not, simply unplug the power connector from the back of the unit. Leave it off for a few seconds, then plug it back in.
CRITICAL: Once you turn your DSL modem back on, you must wait for up to 5 minutes for it to fully “wake up” and establish a stable connection. Not allowing the unit to fully sync will cause the following steps to fail.
Step 2: Power-Cycle Any Connected Routers
Many people use a separate wireless router connected to our DSL modem. These devices can sometimes enter a “confused state” due to power fluctuations.
To power-cycle your router, simply unplug the power connector from the back of the unit. Wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in. If you find yourself needing to perform these steps often, the issue may lie with your router, and power-cycling it on its own may be enough to restore your connection.
Step 3: Completely Restart Your Computers
Finally, make sure all your computers are fully shut down and restarted. Some operating systems use a “Sleep” or “Hibernate” function that is not a true restart. If you are in a Windows environment, be sure to select the “Shutdown” option to fully power down your computer.
If these steps do not resolve your internet problem, please contact our 24-hour Internet Technical Support line at toll-free (877) 452-9035.
