If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet, it might be time to upgrade your modem and/or router.
You can tell if the modem is bad by looking at the lights on it. If the lights are blinking, then you know that it’s not working properly.
Does our modem router no longer function properly, causing issues with our internet connection? How to figure out what’s causing it, if it’s broken, and how to repair it
Our Internet line has suddenly stopped functioning, stopping us from completing our job or prohibiting us from watching the movie or TV show we were watching in streaming. Understanding the source of the issue may be difficult at times, particularly if the modem we use to create the connection fails. Even though contemporary modems and routers are built to survive the most extreme conditions, a blackout, a severe storm, or other external forces (not least continuous downloads and uploads) may be enough to destroy the modem’s logic board. In this tutorial, we’ll teach you how to recognize that the modem you’re using is being disrupted by certain signals (some of which are simple to comprehend, while others are more difficult) and what to do about it.
READ ALSO: How to Fix Internet and Network Connection Issues on a Computer
1) Examine the LED lights.
The LED indicator lights on the front or top of the modem may give us with quick information on the connection and its health. Although the lights vary depending on the model, you may still get instructions by looking at these three elements:
- The power light indicates that the modem is turned on and receiving power; it should be steady and not flicker.
- Connection light (ADSL, VDSL, or Fiber): shows that there is a real connection between the modem and the telephone exchange (in jargon, called carrier); this light must be repaired, otherwise the modem and the control panel will have a problem (telephone cable or fiber optic cable, telephone socket, cabinet etc.).
- This light (which isn’t always there) shows that we can connect to the Internet properly; it must also be repaired.
To prevent misunderstanding, it is combined with the connection modem in contemporary modems, resulting in a single LED light indicating Internet connections. This notion, however, is incorrect, since it may be a carrier but not browse the Internet, putting the user at danger of not knowing what is wrong with the modem. 
If we have to get a new modem, we should get one with a connection light and an Internet light, so we can see where the issue is right away.
READ ALSO: What to Do If Your Modem Is Red (And You Don’t Have Internet) Before Calling For Help
2) Double-check the cable connection.
Is the carrier the issue after inspecting the modem lights? In this situation, we’ll need to double-check the connecting wire from the wall outlet to the modem’s proper port (DSL, ADSL or VDSL, based on the technology in use).
Let’s try removing and reinserting the cable, as well as removing any ADSL filters and connecting the cable directly; if you’re using VDSL, the filter is totally worthless, so we may safely remove it. If the modem continues to malfunction, we may try purchasing a new RJ11 telephone cable (6 €) or a new ADSL filter (3 €) if we still use this connection method.
What’s the difference between ADSL, VDSL, and optical fiber that we don’t understand? We recommend reading our comprehensive guide here -> VDSL, FTTC, and FTTH fiber: What’s the difference and which is better?
3) Verify DNS settings
Is the carrier there, but the devices are unable to navigate or the Internet light is turned off? In this scenario, the issue may not be with the telephone exchange or our modem connection, but with our operator’s network architecture (problems on distribution lines or backbones). In this situation, the only thing we can do is call for help; nevertheless, as a last option, we may modify the DNS servers, which is one of the infrastructures that allows us to surf the Internet properly. 
If the DNS does not reply, how to resolve, we recommend reading our dedicated guide -> If the DNS does not respond, how to resolve. If we wanted to change the DNS on our smartphones or tablets instead, we recommend reading this article -> How to change DNS on Android and iPhone.
4) Verify if you have an Ethernet or wireless connection.
Is another device on the network able to connect to the Internet? The issue may then be one of the modem’s Ethernet ports or improper Wi-Fi connection setup. If our device is linked via Ethernet cable, we may try one of the other comparable ports on the modem’s back: if a connection is made, it indicates the LAN port is faulty or has some electrical issues (best avoided). 
If the other ports are full and we don’t know how to connect the device, we may always add more ports by connecting an Ethernet switch (€ 18) to a functioning LAN port.
If the device is linked through wireless, we must go to the modem settings panel, choose Wireless, and modify the 2.4 GHz frequency transmission channel.
To avoid interference with neighboring networks and other wireless devices, we select one of the less busy wireless channels. If our modem has a 5 GHz wireless connection, now is the time to setup it and utilize it on devices with a dual Wi-Fi module so that you may browse the Internet quicker and with less interference. We recommend reading our special guide -> Differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks; which is better? to learn more about the differences between the two kinds of networks.
5) Final Thoughts
By carefully following all of the procedures outlined above, we should be able to determine if the modem router is defective or has a temporary issue that can be resolved. If none of the previous techniques work, change modems, or call for help, a full reset of the device may be necessary: locate the tiny hole with the word RESET (typically on the back), put a needle inside for approximately 10 seconds, then remove it and watch the modem’s activity. With a little luck, we’ll be able to fix the most of the software issues without having to change the modem.
If, on the other hand, our modem does not have 5 GHz connectivity, it will not work well despite the reset, or it is damaged to the point where it will not allow us to surf the Internet, we recommend that you invest in a last-generation modem router, such as those recommended in our guide -> Best WiFi Routers for Connecting Wireless Devices at Home.
The modem won’t turn on is a symptom of a broken modem router. If your modem is not turning on, you can tell if the problem is with the modem or the router by checking to see if the lights are coming on when you plug in the power cord.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my modem or router is broken?
You can go to a website like speedtest.net or pingtest.com and test your internet connection to see if it is working properly.
How do you know if your router is broken?
If your internet is slow, you might need to check with your ISP to see if they have any suggestions.
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