10 Troubleshooting Wireless Router Tips

Like every other piece of equipment, a router may malfunction, but before you despair or buy a new router, why not follow these 10 troubleshooting wireless router tips? There are many wireless routers models on the market. They have become essential part of our homes and offices, distributing wireless internet and allowing us to access network services across our local network.

1. Admin access Make sure you can log in to your router's control panel because all configurations and troubleshooting take place from the admin control panel. For a Linksys router, type "192.168.0.1" into your web browser. Input these details to login: leave the username box blank and type "Admin" into the password box. You can also consult the quick guide file that came with your router for these details.
2. Reset the router Your router's configuration files can be corrupted after many changes and restarts. Take a paper clip and press the router reset button which is always on the body of the router. If you can't find the button, consult the router's manual. Keep the button pressed for about thirty seconds to return the router back to factory default.
3. Upgrade your router's firmware Make sure your router is running the latest firmware. Firmware is the software that run on the router's motherboard. You can download the latest version of the wireless router from the manufacturer's website. Follow the instructions as stated for the firmware upgrade.
4. Bad signal or bad placement Make sure your wireless router is placed in an optimal location for best performance. You can move it around until you have the best signal. Don't place the router close to a wall because you will be sending your signal outside.
5. DHCP settings Make sure your wireless router is configured for DHCP through the control panel so your computer and laptop can connect automatically.
6. MAC address filtering If you can’t connect to the wireless router and you have the correct password, check to see if your computer has MAC address filtering. Disable it or add your MAC address manually.
7. Unstable connections If your connection is unstable (it keeps connecting and reconnecting), you might have interference, so change your wireless router channel to another one.
8. Can't access the internet If you can’t have access the internet but can connect to the wireless router, go to your wireless router's control panel and check to see if you have a DHCP address from your internet provider enabled. If yes, renew it and try to reconnect.
9. Check compatibility Make sure your wireless router is set to be compatible with all 802.11 signals (G, B, and N) ,so your laptop and computer will be able to connect.
10. Get online help If your wireless router doesn't work after following these tips, go to a search engine and type in your wireless router model and "troubleshooting" and you will find more tips.