Poor Internet? Connection dropping all the time? Slow down when accessing web pages or downloading files? When we experience problems like this, the first idea we have is to call the provider and ask for help from technical support. But sometimes the cause of the problem can be in our homes, mainly when we use additional equipment to access the internet.
Routers are valuable equipment with its digital factory, but they can also be the source of good headaches; here some tips on how to check for possible signs of malfunction in your router so that you can solve them – or consider replacing it with a new device.
Check The Lights On The Router
A router’s indicator LEDs always light up in a specific pattern determined by the manufacturer to show local connection activity and internet traffic information. Check if the lights are flashing differently than usual or if any lights are off when they should be on. This kind of anomalous behavior can be a good way to start diagnosing almost any problem with your router.
Another possible situation is that all the lights on the router are off, even if the device is on. In this case, check if the power cord is plugged securely into the outlet and the router or if it is wearing out (always taking care to avoid getting electrical shocks, of course).
Router lights are identified with common terms such as WLAN, Wireless, Internet, and Online, depending on the model. Consult the instruction manual for the correct identification of your device.
Check The Cabling
In addition to checking the power cord, it’s also a good idea to check the network cable (Ethernet cable) of the router. Although we use a Wi-Fi connection more often, the router is connected to the modem through an Ethernet cable. It receives the internet signal for later distribution throughout the environment.
This cable may be old and frayed: over time, its metal connectors can rust or accumulate dirt. There is also the possibility of some of the internal copper wires breaking (if the user has a habit of excessively bending the cable). The small plastic hook on an Ethernet cable connector also wears out over time, leaving the cable looser in the router’s connection port and hampering signal transmission. Arranging for replacement with a new cable may solve the problem.
