Power Cycling Your Network
Technology is not perfect, especially when it comes to networks with an endless number of different devices connecting to them. It’s easy to blame your internet provider for issues with your network, but in many cases, you can resolve network hiccups by power cycling your networking devices.
When to Power Cycle
When your network-connected devices just aren’t acting the way they should, it may be a good opportunity to see if power cycling comes to the rescue. Some common signs that it may be time for a power cycle include:
- Netflix, or other streaming services, are not loading content.
- Web pages are not loading or loading responsively.
- Smart home devices are acting quirky or are unresponsive.
- Phones or other wireless devices are no longer connecting to WiFi.
- A printer suddenly isn’t printing any longer.
How to Power Cycle
Step 1 – Shut down computers or any wired network devices.
When printers are acting up, it’s beneficial to unplug the printer from power at this time.
Step 2 – Unplug both the router and modem.
These devices may be together as part of one device, which is called a gateway. This gateway is usually provided by your internet provider.
Step 3 – Wait 10 seconds.
Step 4 – Plug in the modem.
Step 5 – Wait 10 seconds.
Step 6 – Plug in the router.
Step 7 – Wait 3 minutes.
Step 8 – Turn on computers and other network devices and check connectivity.
If you unplugged any printers, plug them back in and power on at this time. Allow up to 3 minutes for the printer to boot before trying to print from a computer or other device.
