How to Troubleshoot an Internet Modem That is Not Working

Modems come in many shapes and size with one or more lights on the front.

When troubleshooting a Internet modem, consider the condition of all components related to the Internet. Internet connections start with an signal transmitted over a phone line, cable or air from a provider to a modem. An Ethernet cord connects the modem to a router or a computer. In a network, the router broadcasts a signal or transfers the signal by Ethernet cord to computers in the network. Once you have established a connection on the computer, the browser can access the Internet. If a piece of software or hardware, such as the modem, doesn't work, surfing the web is impossible.

Instructions

1. Power cycle the modem by unplugging the modem and router, if you have one. Turn off all computers connected to the network. Plug in the modem first. Wait for the connection to secure. The instruction manual contains the exact information to determine the connection status for your brand of modem. Your Internet service provider (ISP) possesses the same information. If it connects fully, plug in the router. Wait for a connection to establish. Turn on your computer. Wait for your browser to load and attempt to access the Internet.

2. Find and press the reset button. Power cycle the modem again. If you still can't surf the web, the problem lies elsewhere

3. Check the tightness of the power plug in the back of the modem and the connectors, which transfer the signal into the modem.

4. Change the electrical outlet and check the status of the surge protector. Turn it on, if it isn't already. If the modem remains off with no lights on the front of the modem, call your ISP for a replacement.

5. Call your ISP to check for a blackout affecting your area, if you have lights on the front of the modem. If no source for the connection failure exists, the fault lies with the modem. Consult with your ISP customer service and order a new one.

Tips & Warnings

• If your modem turns on and doesn't connect, wait a day or two before ordering. The outage may affect a extremely small number of connections and the company may not have registered the outage when you called. For satellite connections, weather also affected the connection. In extreme cases, weather influences other connection types.

References

• Wildblue Help: Equipment Reboot Procedure
• Comcast: Troubleshooting Your Cable Modem