How to Reset an RCA Cable Modem

There are several methods for resetting your RCA cable modem.

Resetting a cable modem is an essential tool for maintaining your home network and troubleshooting any problems you may encounter with it. A reset of the cable modem is the first step that any technical support representative or IT department will have you perform, and for good reason---it resolves the vast majority of Internet connection issues. RCA cable modems provide more than one method for resetting the modem.

Things You'll Need

• Pen or something of similar size

Instructions

1. Reset the modem by removing the power cable from the back of the modem for a full 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This is sometimes referred to as "power cycling" the modem, and is a good way of clearing network timeouts and other problems that can appear on modems that have been running continuously for some time.

2. Reset the modem by unplugging the power cord from the electrical outlet or surge protector into which it is plugged. This is a good alternative to removing the power cord from the back of the modem if it is difficult to get to the modem because of its physical location. Count the full 30 seconds and plug the modem back in to complete the reset.

3. Reset the modem by pressing the reset button the back of the modem. The button itself is recessed into a hole to prevent accidental resetting, so you will need a pen or some similar thin utensil that can fit inside the hole. Press the pen into the hole until you feel the button depress and then let go. This is sometimes called a "hard reset" or "hard reboot," as this will restore the modem to its factory default settings.