How to Troubleshoot a Linksys Wireless Router

Chances are that some time during the time that you own your Linksys wireless router, you will experience some problems with it. For example, the wireless router may fail to connect to the Internet or the wireless access points on other computers may fail connect to the Linksys router. In other cases, these computers' access points may connect to the Linksys router but not the Internet. When these issues happen, there are simple steps you can take to troubleshoot your wireless network connection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn off your broadband cable or DSL modem. Unplug the Linksys wireless router from the power. Wait at least 30 seconds, then power the modem back on. Wait another 30 seconds, then plug the wireless router back into the power outlet.

2. Attempt to connect your computer to the Internet and to the wireless local area network. If the connection fails, type the IP address 192.168.1.1 in a browser address bar and press "Enter." Type in the username and password to your Linksys router if necessary.

3. Check the wireless router settings under the "Setup" tab in the Linksys wireless router configuration utility. Re-enter your Internet access user name and password. Save the settings at the bottom of the window.

4. Click the "Wireless" tab. Change the channel that the Linksys wireless router uses to communicate with the wireless access points on your network. If the Linksys router is Wireless N and you have other computers with wireless G or B access points, change the "Radio Band" from "Wide - 40MHz Channel" to "Standard 20MHz Channel." This step can help to correct problems with the wireless access points connecting to the network yet failing to find the Internet.

5. Select the "Security" tab. Under "Internet Filter" ensure that "Filter Anonymous Internet Requests" and "Filter IDENT (Port 113)" are checked. Uncheck "Filter Multicast" and "Filter Multicast." Under "Web Filter," ensure that none of the items is checked. Click the "VPN Passthrough" tab directly under "Security." Ensure that all items in this Linksys configuration window are enabled.

6. Select the "Access Restrictions" tab. Remove any access restrictions in this section that are preventing your network from functioning properly.

7. Click "Applications and Gaming." Select "Port Range Forwarding." Add the application names and port ranges of any applications such as bittorrent and gaming applications that won't run properly on your network. Select the desired protocol (TCP is the most common.) Click Start > Run and type "cmd." Type "ipconfig" at the command prompt. Copy down the number under "IP Address." This is the address of your computer's Ethernet network adapter. Enter this number under "To IP Address."

8. Visit the Linksys website. Click the "Support" tab. Search on the model number of your Linksys wireless router. Under "Downloads and Drivers" select "Get Downloads." Click the download link below the Linksys wireless router image and description to download a firmware upgrade for your router. Check your user manual for your Linksys router for instructions on installing the firmware upgrade. If you have lost your manual, you can download a new one from the Linksys website.

9. Find the reset button on the back of your Linksys wireless router if these steps fail to get your network working again. Push a pen or pencil into the button and hold it for about 10 seconds.

Resources

• How to Set Up a Linksys Wireless Router with a DSL Modem
• How to Set Up a Linksys Wireless Access Point with a Wireless Router
• How to Set Up a Wireless Network in Windows XP
• How to Set Up a Wireless Network in Windows Vista
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[AnneZ]

on 9/7/2009 Recycling the modem has worked for me! Thanks for the tips! 5*s

[monica82]

on 8/17/2009 I used to have such trouble with my router. Good to know I have this article in case it happens again.

[capfriend]

on 8/14/2009 Really great. You are not going to believe this, but I just had to do this the night before reading your article! Though I had to type in 192.168.0.1 which brought me to the settings page. Great for finding the passkey you need! 5*

[simplelife]

on 7/15/2009 Thanks! I will use this checklist to work on my Linksys router - very useful steps and info.

[mweise]

on 6/27/2009 Excellent job! I appreciated the very specific information. 5*